How We Approach Architectural Projects
Philosophy
The goal of architecture is to create shelter for user interaction and enhance user activities while addressing the specific needs expressed by the client.
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The architectural design process focuses on “problem-solving” through gathering all information and significant environmental data to shape three-dimensional space in a creative manner consistent with the client’s vision for the project. For the process to be successful, CKJT believes that continued open and interactive communication must take place between the design team and the Owner’s project representatives.
Design Process
Interactive communication on a project starts with the design team’s analysis of the Owner’s project parameters and continues through the schematic design, design development, and contract document phases.
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When possible, CKJT likes to meet and talk with as many of the Owner’s Representatives and staff as practical throughout the process. This would include maintenance, custodial, and grounds personnel. While we all know that “you can’t please everybody all the time”, this process of allowing people to be heard has been historically proven to produce greater overall satisfaction with the final project design.
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Another important aspect of the design process is the Client’s approval of work. The building being designed is for the client, not the Architect. Our clients rely on our expertise to propose and develop solutions that best suit their needs. We understand that these proposed solutions require continual refinement until the client is satisfied with all aspects of the design presented. After fostering this open communication throughout the design phases, we encourage the client’s continued involvement during the construction document phase. This continued communication helps to provide the client a full understanding of all aspects of their project.
CKJT Architects Team
Melissa C. McCoy, AIA
Principal Architect, Owner
Melissa joined CKJT Architects in 2013, holding roles on numerous projects valued up to 17 million dollars. Her daily responsibilities include Programming, Site and Building Design, Contract Document Preparation, Code Reviews, Construction Administration, Project Closeout, consultant and engineering coordination, cost-estimating coordination, and rendering.
She also performs building assessments, feasibility studies, and as-built drawing production. She is licensed to practice architecture in the States of Washington and Idaho.
Miles S. Thomas, AICP
Planning Manager
Miles joined CKJT as Planning Manager in 2024 after having previously served as a sub-consultant on CKJT public sector projects. He provides navigation of regulatory, permitting and licensing requirements to ensure design meets the intent of policy and likewise that policy adapts to improvements and efficiencies in design.
Miles has provided community and economic development strategy development, public outreach and entitlement services as both a consultant and municipal employee since 2008. Miles has served communities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, and Washington.
CKJT Staff & Engineering Consultants
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​In addition to the partners and the firm's in-house support staff, CKJT has many long-term working relationships with consultants from many design disciplines. Long term familiarity among the design team provides the client with a more cohesive design solution. Most of our design team members have several decades of experience working with us on projects.
Over Sixty-Seven Years of Architectural Services
History of Our Firm
The founding firm of Carson & Kesterson was established in Kennewick by Art Carson and J. D. Kesterson in 1957. Brian L. Johnson and James A. Taylor became partners in the late 1980s, and the name CKJT Architects was established. In 2016 CKJT Architects evolved into CKJT Architects, PLLC. In conjunction with this change, long-time staff architects Terrance D. Casey and Michael A. Marley assumed ownership of the firm. Michael has since retired and Melissa C. McCoy entered into the partnership. In 2024, Terrance has stepped back into retirement, serving as a subconsultant to CKJT, and Melissa has assumed ownership of the firm.
CKJT Architects has a long history of providing successful projects including a wide spectrum of building types. We have been involved in the design of fire stations, municipal offices, K-12 educational facilities, office buildings, financial institutions, maintenance facilities, fairgrounds projects, police stations, fire stations, airport projects, public safety buildings, and many more. Our experience with such a wide range of building types continuously expands our regional knowledge and has proven to be professionally rewarding.
In addition, this exposure has contributed to our ability to remain current with the constantly changing technological advancements in the design profession and building industry.
