About JEA

We are a full-service architectural design firm located in Lexington, Kentucky. Since 1975, the firm has completed projects across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and surrounding states. The experienced team of Architects and Designers offers a broad range of services - from programming and master planning to preparing construction documents and contract administration. JEA works with both private and public clients in the design of a diverse mix of project types, including housing, historic restoration, commercial, military, educational, medical, industrial, warehousing, and religious facilities.

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Brian Early

Architect, Principal, Owner

Accomplished practicing architect with nearly three decades of experience in commercial architectural design and construction administration. Mr. Early has been producing quality projects with a “working principal” approach for all phases of all projects from inception through completion, including programming, design, construction documentation, budgeting, and construction administration representation.

Experience and expertise include building design for the following project types: Commercial; Military; Colleges and Universities; Healthcare; Industrial; Storage & Warehousing; Religious; Retail; Restaurants; Offices; Multifamily Housing; Utility; Historic Restoration; and, Renovation / Addition / Adaptation.

  • Scott High School - Taylor Mill, KY (Graduated 1982)
  • Northern Kentucky University - Alexandria, KY (1982-1983)
  • University of Kentucky (1983-1988) Bachelor of Architecture with Distinction
  • Architect, Kentucky Registration No. 3898, September, 1991
  • Architect, Tennessee Registration No. 104972, April, 2013
  • Architect, Indiana Registration No. AR11200137, August, 2012
  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate # 73672
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Daniel Thornberry

Associate Architect, Project manager

Practicing architect with a decade of experience in commercial/residential architecture design and construction administration, focusing on streamlined project delivery through developing close relationships between clients, design professionals, and contractors. He maintains the importance of having a well-developed understanding of how we experience space through form and materials in combination with a vast knowledge of construction techniques/processes and believes these key factors underlie the success of every project.

Experience and expertise include building design for the following project types: Commercial; Equine (Husbandry, Medical, & Research); Libraries; Religious; Sports Facilities; Retail; Offices; Education; Industrial (with a focus on distillation and brewing); Hospitality; Restaurants; Residential; Historical Restoration & Preservation; and Renovation/Addition/Adaptation of existing structures.

  • George Rogers Clark High School - Winchester, KY (Graduated 2003)

  • University of Kentucky (2003-2008) Bachelor of Architecture with Distinction

  • Architect, Kentucky Registration No. 7762 (acquired July 10, 2018)
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA), member #30426683
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Lauren Early Gilliland

Associate Architect, Project manager

Practicing architect with a decade of experience in commercial and residential architecture design and construction administration. She upholds the importance of spatial relationships and forms that cultivate a cohesive design and building performance.

Experience and expertise include building design for the following project types: Commercial; Military; Colleges and Universities; Healthcare; Industrial; Storage & Warehousing; Religious; Retail; Residential; Restaurants; Offices; Multi-family Housing; and, Renovation/Addition/Adaptation.

  • Madison Central High School - Richmond, KY (Graduated 2007)
  • University of Kentucky (2007-2010) Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with Distinction
  • University of Kentucky (2011-2013) Master of Architecture with High Distinction

Architect, Kentucky Registration No. 8420, February, 2021

Responsive Design.

Technological Expertise.

Exceptional Service.

Awards

2012 Build Kentucky Award

Awarded by the Associated General Contractors of America for $26-$40 Million Category
Project: Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital

2012 Build Kentucky Award

Awarded by the Associated General Contractors of America for $0-$2 Million Category
Project: Lexington Hearing and Speech Center Renovation

2010 Build Kentucky Award

Awarded by the Associated General Contractors of America for $11-$15 Million Category
Project: University of the Cumberlands, Correll Science Complex

2010 Build Kentucky Award

Awarded by the Associated General Contractors of America for $5-$10 Million Category
Project: University of the Cumberlands, Harth Residence Hall

2010 Build Kentucky Award

Awarded by the Associated General Contractors of America for $5-$10 Million Category
Project: University of the Cumberlands, Harth Residence Hall