HARTFORD, Conn.— JCJ Architecture is celebrating its 90th anniversary by appointing three new Directors of Interior Design, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing commitment to design excellence, leadership development, and innovation.
The firm announced the promotions of Emily Czarnecki, NCIDQ; Sharmista Mitra, NCIDQ, CID; and Carrie Nielsen, NCIDQ, ASID. The leadership appointments come as JCJ enters its ninth decade of continuous practice as a nationally ranked planning, architecture, and interior design firm.
In their new roles, the directors will continue to serve clients while collaborating closely with senior leadership, including James E. LaPosta, Jr., FAIA, principal and chief architectural officer, and Robert Gdowski, AIA, principal and director of hospitality design. Together, the leadership team will advance firmwide initiatives focused on strengthening design quality, fostering innovation, and supporting excellence in project delivery across regions and markets.
“These individuals bring decades of diverse experience across community, education, gaming, and hospitality projects that elevate the work of their teams and JCJ as a whole,” LaPosta said. “As we celebrate our 90th year, these appointments underscore our commitment to excellence and to remaining at the forefront of design innovation and market evolution.”
Czarnecki, who has been with JCJ since 2003, brings more than 24 years of experience designing education and community-focused environments. She is known for partnering closely with public- and private-sector clients to deliver consensus-driven solutions, as well as for leading collaborative, interdisciplinary teams and upholding rigorous design standards.
Mitra joined JCJ in 2005 and draws on decades of experience in gaming and resort design. A trusted advisor to clients, she is recognized for navigating complex project challenges and delivering design solutions across a wide range of scales, with a strong focus on detail and the guest experience.
Nielsen, a senior associate who has also been with JCJ since 2005, is known for her energy, creativity, and commitment to design excellence. Her portfolio spans boutique and branded hospitality projects, including ground-up construction, renovations, and large-scale repositioning efforts.
As JCJ marks its 90th anniversary, the firm said it remains focused on raising the bar in design and project delivery while maintaining the service-driven approach that has defined its practice for decades. To commemorate the milestone, JCJ plans to share reflections and exclusive content throughout the year across its social media platforms.
