HIGHT JACKSON ASSOCIATES - Key Persons
Amy grew up in a big family in Central Arkansas. She believes this explains her overactive imagination, competitiveness, flexibility, adventurous spirit, and ability to create spaces that everyone will enjoy. Amy decided to make Northwest Arkansas her home after graduating from the University of Arkansas. She began her career in 2003, gaining years of design experience, and became a licensed architect in 2019. When she's not spending quality time with her husband and son, Amy volunteers with Beta Alpha, the Pea Ridge chapter of the service organization Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and expresses her creativity by baking and decorating cakes.
Bradley grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Arkansas in 2005 in order to attend the University of Arkansas School of Architecture. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2010. He and his wife loved the sense of community in Northwest Arkansas, so they decided to make the area home. He is actively involved in his local church, and tries to improve his middling golf game when he has the chance. He enjoys working on projects with a collaborative owner who wants the end product to be something that both they, and the community, will be proud of.
Brendan grew up in Fort Worth, Texas and moved to Arkansas in 2018 to pursue his degree in architecture. Although he never intended to stay in Arkansas permanently, he met his fiancé while attending the University, and she grew up in the area. Brendan began working with Hight Jackson as a part-time intern while in his last semester of studio. In December of 2022, a semester early, he graduated Cum Laude with his bachelor's in architecture, and a minor in sustainability. During his final semester of school, while under the direction of Ethel Goodstein, he wrote his honors research thesis on the design methodologies of Mies van der Rohe, an architect who greatly grew his passion for architecture throughout college. Brendan is interested in all things graphical representation, and is consistently trying to find efficiencies in workflow, including the use of parametric design. He is actively involved in his local church, leading worship several nights of the week. He loves the community and atmosphere Northwest Arkansas affords and looks forward to being involved in several community-centered design projects.
Brian has been practicing civil engineering in Northwest Arkansas since leaving the active duty Air Force in 2003. He joined Hight Jackson in 2007 and is licensed in four states. His experience as a U.S. Air Force officer and navigator provides a wealth of knowledge in leadership skills and personnel management. Brian currently serves as the President of the Heritage High School Booster Club, is the President of the Rogers Mountaineer Athletic Hall of Fame Board of Directors, and is a member of First Baptist Church Rogers and the Rogers Early Risers Rotary Club. He is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel United States Air Force Reserve, a graduate of Leadership Benton County, and was recognized as a leading business professional in NWA Business Journal's "Forty Under Forty" in 2009. Brian is a Northwest Arkansas native and currently lives in Rogers with his wife and their two sons.
Brian Jackson, P.E. joined the team in 2007 as Vice-President of Engineering for the firm. He became a partner in 2009 and now serves as President of the company.
Casey transitioned into Architecture after playing baseball at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio his freshman year. He studied Architecture at the University of Arkansas graduating with honors in 2010 and received a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in 2015. After working in Los Angeles for 8 years, Casey moved back to Arkansas in 2023. He brought with him valuable years of experience in a variety of typologies including affordable housing, single and multi-family residential, commercial office interior and commercial office ground-up. He is a licensed architect in Arkansas and California and enjoys cycling in his free time.
Emerson graduated in 2022 from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a Bachelor of Arts Spanish. Southwest Missouri born and raised, Emerson enjoys traveling and cherishes her study abroad experience in Alicante, Spain. Here in Arkansas, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and exploring local businesses. She is pursuing her NCIDQ certification to become recognized as a registered interior designer, but first and foremost Emerson is an aspiring dog owner.
Esteban was born in Mexico and moved to the U.S. at the age of 13. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with his Bachelor of Architecture, and is a licensed architect. His multicultural background is his main source of inspiration. He enjoys working on small projects such a residences, libraries, or community centers, which are the main generators of culture in the community. Esteban is a member of the AIA Educational Committee which promotes architecture at elementary/middle school levels, and he volunteers with a car club that encourages kids to stay out of trouble by focusing their energy on positive activities. Esteban loves the outdoors, but hates camping.
As a native of Northwest Arkansas and an RHS graduate, Gail has always appreciated the region's forethought, generosity and unity. She attended Drury College for two years before transferring to the University of Arkansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture. Gail began working summers at Hight Jackson after her third year in college, and then full time after graduation. After a short time away, Gail returned to HJ in 2009 and subsequently became a partner. She is licensed in 4 states. Gail is currently serving a five-year term on the Arkansas State Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers, having been appointed in 2018. She is a graduate of Leadership Rogers, Leadership Fayetteville, and Milestone Leadership Intensive. She is on the Rogers Historical Museum Foundation Board, Board of Directors for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, was a founding member of Vistage Key Group #9443, is a LEED Accredited Professional and a member of the Association for Learning Environments. Gail maintains that we owe every project and every client our full creative attention to ensure efficient and thoughtful design. She lives in Fayetteville with her patient husband, three exuberant sons, and one sweet Beagle. Email: gshepherd@hjarch.com
Jason has been practicing architecture since 2002. He explores numerous outdoor hobbies in the Ozarks and pursues his passion for architecture as a licensed architect within his home state. Jason volunteers his time at various local organizations and is a member of the Rogers Rotary Club. He is a father of two children, Jacob and Bailey.
Jason has over 25 years of experience working as a carpenter in both the framing and finish trades. Recently he was the lead carpenter and supervisor on the Bachman Wilson House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and re-built on the grounds of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and was the lead finish carpenter on the 15,000 square foot Red and June Hudson house in the Pinnacle subdivision in Rogers. He earned a business degree from Liberty University and his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas in 2015. Jason, an Eagle Scout, lives with his wife and two of his six children in Anderson, Missouri.
Jeanie and her husband moved to Rogers in 1977 with their three children. She loves being a grandmother to her eight grandchildren and enjoys reading. When Jeanie started working for Hight Jackson in 1983, there were only four employees. She has seen the company grow and evolve from producing specifications on a typewriter to high tech computer drafting programs. She would not want to work anywhere else.
Jorge grew up in Rogers, Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2008 with a Bachelor of Architecture. As a licensed architect, he has been involved in the planning, design, and construction documents development for many of the firm's projects and has served as project manager for several projects. Jorge is actively involved in the community, and currently serves on the Rogers Planning Commission. As a first generation college graduate, he enjoys taking part in events that focus on helping first generation students attend college by providing advice, support, and resources. Jorge is an avid runner and enjoys running and hiking the great scenic trails that Arkansas has to offer. Another hobby that he really enjoys is drawing, sketching, and painting unique buildings and nature. Jorge and his wife enjoy family gatherings and traveling, and of course running races together.
Kelly grew up in the DFW area and then moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2018 to attend the University of Arkansas to pursue her degree in architecture. While in school she fell in love with the people and places of NWA. After graduating in May of 2023 with her bachelor's in architecture, Kelly decided to stay in the area and started working for Hight Jackson. Kelly loves all the great outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer. She also has a love for the arts and has many hobbies that include keeping her artistic passions alive.
Larry earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas in 1979. Before joining Hight Jackson Associates in 2004, Larry was the President of EBCO Construction Company, bringing vast experience in construction development, management, and award-winning design. He is on the advisory board and is a guest lecturer at the Construction Management School at John Brown University, and also authored the 2010 Strategic Plan for the school's recruiting and fundraising efforts. Larry was the Chairman of the Northwest Arkansas AIA Chapter in 2009, is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council Arkansas Chapter, and has served on the Board of Directors for both the Greater Bentonville Chamber of Commerce and CASA of Northwest Arkansas. He is currently on the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation Board of Directors and is an advisor to several non-profit organizations in the area.
Larry Perkin joined the firm in 2004, bringing extensive business development skills and experience in the design/build environment. He is a partner and leads the firm's business development efforts.
Liz has over thirty years of interior design experience, working on a variety of projects including high-end residential, corporate, worship, and education design. She studied graphic design at the University of Arkansas and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Arkansas Tech University. Liz enjoyed a period of years raising her two children before resuming her career, and considers that to be her most important work in life. Since joining Hight Jackson in 1999, Liz has been involved in the design and coordination of interiors for the majority of the firm's projects as well as directing the firm's marketing efforts. Liz enjoys the colors, patterns, and textures of the world around us and is inspired by the beauty of God's creation. She is energized by the creative process, whether in the design of projects, photography, painting, gardening, or cooking something new. Liz is a mentor at Saving Grace, a local non-profit organization that helps young women aging out of the foster care system and also participates in Spectra Artists through Fellowship Bible Church of NWA, which seeks to nurture and foster spiritual growth through artistic expression.
An Arkansan by birth, Lorrie moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1992 to attend the University of Arkansas, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture. She lives in Rogers with her husband and their two lively boys. She finds inspiration in the details, enjoys spending time on the jobsite, and loves seeing the positive impact that a good project can bring to an area.
Following his studies in the School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, Mark began his professional career in Little Rock. After a decade of experience there, an opportunity arose with a design-build firm in Northwest Arkansas. Mark then joined Hight Jackson in 1992. He shares his technical expertise and manages contract document production office-wide. Mark has extensive experience designing and managing a variety of projects, including athletic complexes, K-12 facilities, churches and civic projects, from state-of-the art high schools to intricate historic preservation projects at the state capitol, working closely with the Arkansas Secretary of State's Office. Mark and his wife Martha live in Fayetteville and are members of Central Methodist Church. Mark enjoys golf when time allows.
Matt has been tinkering with LEGOs since he was 5 years old, and decided he wanted to pursue a career in architecture early in life. He graduated from the College of Architecture, Planning and Design at Kansas State University in 2022 with a Master of Architecture, and received his LEED GA certification shortly after. Matt's educational career spanned across three states, with internship experiences in Los Angeles, Kansas City, and Bentonville. After graduation, he was elated to start at Hight Jackson as he was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas, and he plans to give back to the community that helped shape his design ideologies. While he enjoys projects of all scales, Matt is particularly enthralled by residential and community-oriented projects, as he believes vibrant neighborhoods only exist when the intricacies of these building types interact positively. In his free time, you can find Matt road biking, running, slalom water-skiing on Beaver Lake, and exploring his hometown's new amenities.
Michelle graduated from the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design at Kansas State University in 2003. She enjoys working on K-12 school projects, developing relationships with school district faculty to create a building that is a valuable part of the educational environment and acts as a tool, assisting the educators. Her goal is to create fun, functional spaces that promote student learning and social skills, with attention to space relationships that create community and safety in the school environment. Michelle was reappointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to serve on the Academic Facilities Review Board for a term to expire on August 6, 2023. She has been an avid horseback rider since age three, having ridden the Shawnee, Mark Twain and Ozark National Forest.
Phillip was born and raised in Southern Illinois. He received his associate's degree in Architectural Technology from Rend Lake College, and his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture from Southern Illinois University. For him, inspiration comes from the way people use spaces. Designing for education is always a joy, with ever changing ways of how classroom spaces are used and how kids are learning. Phillip has enjoyed getting involved in his church and becoming a youth group leader and teen Bible study teacher for Bella Vista Lutheran. He also enjoys spending time hiking and hanging out at the dog park with his dog Chief. Phillip's passion for spending time on the golf course led him to volunteer with The First Tee of NWA. He enjoys helping with the chain gang at local high school football games and making trips up to Arrowhead Stadium to cheer on the Chiefs throughout the football season.
Rachel has called Northwest Arkansas home since she was eight years old. She earned her undergraduate degree from Hendrix College and completed two years of law school at the University of Arkansas before deciding she was not destined to be a lawyer. She is addicted to audio books and unsweet iced tea, and loves cats despite being extremely allergic. Rachel and her husband Corey adopted a sweet beagle mix named Lucy in November of 2017. Before starting at Hight Jackson in 2011 she never realized there were so many complex elements that go into the design and construction of a building and considers herself very lucky to have her own little role in this industry.
Robert joined the firm in 2019 and his main focus has been to learn and develop as much as possible as a project team member. His legend precedes him the way lightning precedes thunder, and when it is raining, it is because he is thinking about something sad. If he were to give you directions, you'd never get lost and you'd arrive at least 5 minutes early. His charm is so contagious, vaccines have been created for it. Every time he goes for a swim, dolphins appear. If he were to mail a letter without a postage, it would still get there. His beard alone has experienced more than most people do in their entire lives. He is the most interesting Robert in the world.
Shayan graduated from University of Arkansas and joined Hight Jackson in 2010. He became vice president in the firm in 2017, and became a partner in January 2020. His key projects are the Lobby Dome Addition to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Bachman Wilson House reconstruction on the grounds of Crystal Bridges, Northwest Arkansas National Airport Skybridge, and Arkansas Arts Academy High School. Shayan is actively involved in our community and is a member of the Bentonville Rotary Club, United Way's Young Leader Society, and USGBC Arkansas West Branch. Shayan serves as Membership Chair of Urban Land Institute Northwest Arkansas. His hobbies include biking, hiking, soccer, tennis, and playing bass guitar.
Somnath Mukherjee (Som) got his professional bachelor's degree in Architecture from India. After his graduation he moved to Philippines and worked for a global architectural and construction company, later he moved back to India and worked with a US-based architectural firm. He also got his Master of Architecture Post-Baccalaureate degree from Kansas State University. Som has passion for design, art, and music, he likes to participate in design competitions. Som's watercolor paintings have been exhibited in Europe, India, Philippines, and USA, and he also plays Indian and western percussion instruments and has performed on different stages around the globe. Som is a member of AIA Educational Committee which promotes architecture at elementary/middle school.
Tim decided he wanted to pursue architecture after receiving praise for his math skills and drawing of the onion domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas in 2009 and worked at the U of A Community Design Center, which shaped his sense of urban design and place making. He believes architecture should create a sense of place and positively affect the community, which requires thinking at a large scale and carrying great design through to the small scale. Tim enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and their daughter and son, hiking, and getting in as much basketball and mountain biking as he can.
Tyler joined the Hight Jackson staff part-time in September 2021 while finishing up both his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He earned his BArch from the University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design in December 2021 and will graduate with his Masters Degree in Resiliency at the end of 2022. Tyler has a specific interest in sustainability and green design when it comes to architecture and has used his Master's degree to curate classes that have given him useful tools to design more efficient buildings that are adaptive and responsive to the surrounding environment and climate.