JCJ Architecture (JCJ), a nationally ranked planning, architecture and interior design firm, has announced the growth of the leadership team within its Las Vegas studio.
Mike Larson, AIA, NCARB, MBA, project director and studio leader, has been promoted to principal. An entrepreneurial-minded architect with over 19 years of experience in the Las Vegas hospitality and gaming industry, Larson has served as the face of JCJ in the Las Vegas community. Larson has held an integral role in such notable projects as Caesars New Orleans Casino, Grand Sierra Resort, MGM Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Sports Book, and more—projects that have been crucial in cementing JCJ’s reputation in this market on both a local and national level.
JoyceLynn Lagula, associate AIA, senior associate and project director, has been promoted to associate principal. Lagula joined JCJ in January of 2022, bringing over 16 years of experience in global hospitality and entertainment interiors, most recently as creative director and principal at Campbell House and before that, as design director and principal at Wilson Associates. A mainstay of the Las Vegas market since 2006, Lagula has leveraged her strong relationships and innovative design talent across significant projects at JCJ such as Caesars New Orleans, becoming an integral part of JCJ as the Las Vegas office expands its design talent.
Derek Sola, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, joins JCJ as design principal. With more than 25 years of experience, Sola joins the firm from Gensler’s Las Vegas Office, where he held the roles of design director, studio director and firmwide gaming leader. Working in the Las Vegas market since 2006, Sola has spearheaded projects for some of the world’s most recognized gaming corporations and has previously collaborated with JCJ on projects for Penn National. Complementing Larson and Lagula’s expertise, Sola brings to the team an affinity for developing innovative design solutions that provide transformative experiences for hospitality guests.
“JCJ’s relationship-driven approach has been key to our growth in the Las Vegas market and having a team of experts who have their finger on the pulse of this dynamic and evolving industry is crucial for our continued success,” said Robert Gdowski, AIA, principal and director of hospitality design at JCJ Architecture. “These new developments are a commitment to building upon the tremendous strides we have made in terms of cultivating a best-in-class team of exceptional creative talent, balanced with a rigorous approach to project delivery. As JCJ continues to flourish across the gaming, hospitality, education, civic and cultural sectors, we will continuously seek opportunities to showcase our commitment to the Las Vegas community.”
Together, Larson, Lagula and Sola will lead the Las Vegas studio and spearhead JCJ’s influence in an era of tremendous growth both for the firm and the region as a whole. JCJ’s successes in the Las Vegas market reflect on the strength of the firm’s national presence in the gaming and hospitality markets across all seven offices, and demonstrate its firm-wide ethos of a relationship-driven, client-first approach to business and design. The studio’s latest personnel appointments further solidify its commitment to the regional market and its exceptional, industry-leading leadership team.
