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Andre Johnson Architects asserts that good design is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also reaches the essence of the human spirit and aspirations.

Profile

Since 2013, Andre Johnson Architects, known as AJA, has created innovative and award-winning projects across the state of North Carolina.  Our firm is an assemblage of architects, interior designers, and consultants who design provocative buildings and spaces, which are responsive to their physical and cultural context.  We have been trusted by both public and private clients and have successfully delivered projects ranging in size from 500 square feet to 300,000 square feet. The design team at AJA has communication, collaboration, and engagement at its core. Our overriding ethos is to create spaces that are human-centered and environmentally responsible.

Andre Johnson Architects asserts that good design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also reaches the essence of the human spirit and aspirations.  We approach each project with the goal of elevating human interaction with the built environment while being stewards of the natural environment.  Our commitment to overall project delivery and successful execution of our client’s vision has been recognized by those we have been fortunate to work for.  We have become emerging practitioners of award-winning modern architecture in North Carolina and beyond, and take pride in the opportunities we are provided to elevate design.

01.

Team

Andre Johnson,
Andre Johnson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB
Principal + Designer

Andre is the President and Design Principal with Andre Johnson Architects.  He has over 24 years of experience in architecture and started his practice based on the basic principles of design excellence, client service, collaboration, diversity, and mentoring.  Andre’s background in engineering and architecture gives him a unique perspective in project design and development, with a keen eye for the practical and the conceptual.  His leadership and rigorous design process have helped the firm achieve recognition for design excellence with various design awards, including multiple from the AIA at the local, state, and regional levels.  Andre’s drive for success and client service allows the firm to expand its client base with every successful project delivered.  He is a board member of Diversify Architecture, a non-profit founded in 2020 to encourage and make meaningful changes in diversifying the architecture profession.  Andre believes his greatest impact on architecture is not the buildings that are constructed, but the young architects that he can mentor and help in the profession.

Master of Architecture
Morgan State University

Bachelor of Science Architectural Engineering
North Carolina A&T State University

Drew Tiedeman,
Drew Tiedeman, RA
Architectural Staff

Drew Tiedman is an Emerging Professional at Andre Johnson Architects. A North Carolina native, he has lived in Raleigh for the past seven years. Drew joined the firm in 2022 after graduating with honors from North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture.

During his time at NC State, Drew was an active member of AIAS and received multiple accolades, including the Sigmon Memorial Scholarship and several design award nominations.

He brings expertise in architectural design, with a focus on early education and residential projects, approaching each endeavor with precision and attention to detail. His dedication to design excellence and innovation continues to shape his work at AJA+.

 

Isaiah Jacobs,
Isaiah Jacobs, Associate AIA
Emerging Professional + Designer
Jay Holt,
Jay Holt, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Architectural Staff

Jay, a Raleigh native and NC State graduate, joined Andre Johnson Architects in 2021. With a wealth of experience across diverse sectors, he has contributed to a wide range of projects, from parking structures to airport terminals and hospitals. Jay approaches each project with a focus on thoughtful design, sustainability, and detail, always striving to create spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring and enjoyable. His commitment to enhancing the built environment aligns perfectly with the values of AJA.

Josh Pope,
Josh Pope, Associate AIA
Emerging Professional + Designer
Kennedy Carter,
Kennedy Carter, Associate AIA
Emerging Professional + Designer

Kennedy began working with Andre Johnson Architects as an Emerging Professional after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia. Since joining the firm, she has continued to expand both her technical and design skills, contributing to a variety of projects. Kennedy’s passion for creating meaningful community spaces is reflected in her work, both inside and outside the studio.

 

lesha Elliott
lesha Elliott
HR Specialist
Mary Hogan
Mary Hogan
Accounts Payable and Receivable

Mary M. Hogan is an experienced finance executive with over 20 years of expertise in managing complex financial operations within state and municipal agencies. Currently serving as a senior finance leader at Andre Johnson Architects (AJA), Mary brings her extensive background in public sector finance to support AJA’s mission and growth. A licensed CPA in both North Carolina and Ohio, she has built her career on the pillars of fiscal integrity, strategic leadership, transparency, and community impact.

Mary’s experience spans budgeting, capital financing, accounting system implementation, and debt management, with a strong focus on ensuring long-term financial stability in the public sector. She has led financial transformations across multiple North Carolina municipalities, including serving as Finance Director for the City of New Bern and the Town of Holly Springs. Her leadership roles at the City of Raleigh, where she was Fiscal Supervisor and Debt Manager, and at the North Carolina League of Municipalities as Supervisor of Accounting, have allowed her to make significant contributions to public finance across the state. Notably, Mary played a key role in developing the statewide Municipal Accounting Services (MAS) program.

Throughout her career, Mary has successfully managed portfolios totaling over $1.5 billion and maintained AAA credit ratings for various jurisdictions. Her leadership extends to overseeing all aspects of finance, from budget development and revenue collection to investments, grants, and assessments, ensuring that organizations thrive financially while maintaining strong community relationships.

Her ability to collaborate and build trust across public and private sectors has made her a valuable asset to any team she joins, including her current position at AJA, where she continues to drive financial strategy and excellence.

Narkie Nartey
Narkie Nartey
Office Coordinator/Manager

Narkie Nartey is an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in stakeholder management, event planning, and strategic execution. She has been with Andre Johnson Architects since 2022, where she plays a critical role in project planning, budgeting, and risk management. With a passion for fostering community engagement and a dedication to delivering high-quality results, Narkie ensures that projects run smoothly and efficiently. Her expertise spans multiple industries, including non-profit leadership, education, and medical sales, bringing a unique and well-rounded approach to project management.

Olivia Roha,
Olivia Roha, RA
Architectural Staff

Olivia Roha joined Andre Johnson Architects in the fall of 2023, bringing over eight years of experience in commercial and residential architecture and design. As an Architect I, she plays a vital role in project management, consultant coordination, project planning and design, project development and documentation, and client relations. Olivia is deeply committed to user-centered design, ensuring that the spaces she helps create serve all people effectively. Her keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills contribute to meaningful and functional built environments that enhance everyday life.

Pisei Nop
Pisei Nop
Business Development

Pisei is the Business Development Lead at Andre Johnson Architects, bringing over 20 years of experience in cultivating relationships, driving strategic growth, and creating impactful opportunities across a variety of industries including architecture, staffing, and biopharma. She plays an integral role in identifying partnerships and initiatives that align with the firm’s mission to deliver community-centered, innovative, and sustainable design solutions.

Pisei thrives at the intersection of connection and strategy. Her entrepreneurial mindset and collaborative approach have consistently helped organizations expand their networks, solve complex challenges, and grow with purpose. At Andre Johnson Architects, she is deeply committed to shaping not only the firm’s future partnerships, but also ensuring that the work we do reflects the values and diversity of the communities we serve.

RayShawnda Washington McCoy,
RayShawnda Washington McCoy, Associate AIA, LEED GA, NOMA
Emerging Professional + Designer

RayShawnda Washington-McCoy is an Emerging Professional at Andre Johnson Architects. She approaches architecture as the intersection of art and methodology, blending creativity with practical solutions to deliver innovative and sustainable design. As a Designer at AJA+, RayShawnda collaborates with colleagues across various projects, bringing her passion for sustainability and contemporary aesthetics to the forefront.

Her diverse project experience spans private renovations, hospitality, healthcare, and K-12 education, with a particular focus on environmentally responsible design. RayShawnda earned her Master of Architecture degree from Hampton University, where she also obtained her LEED Green Associate certification. Her architectural studies took her abroad to France, where she participated in a specialized program in city planning and architectural design.

Renson Haynes
Renson Haynes
Senior Architectural Staff

Renson Haynes is a Senior Architectural Staff member and Project Manager with Andre Johnson Architects. A native of St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Renson brings over 17 years of experience in construction management, administration, and jobsite supervision to AJA+. He is known for his practical approach to project coordination, technical oversight, and on-site delivery, helping ensure successful outcomes across complex builds. Since joining AJA+ in 2024, Renson has strengthened the firm’s ability to deliver high-quality architectural projects that meet client needs, timelines, and budgets. His multi-state project background and leadership enhance the firm’s mission of architectural excellence, collaboration, and impactful design.

Rosario Dominguez Tapia,
Rosario Dominguez Tapia, Associate AIA, NOMA, SEED AP
Emerging Professional + Designer

Rosario Dominguez Tapia first joined Andre Johnson Architects as an intern in the summer of 2018 while studying at North Carolina State University. After earning her Bachelor of Architecture degree, she returned to the firm full-time, where her thoughtfulness and design expertise have significantly contributed to numerous projects. While advancing her professional career, Rosario continued her studies, completing a Master of Advanced Architectural Studies and earning a graduate certificate in Public Interest Design. She recognizes the profound impact architecture can have on communities and strives to create designs that foster positive change.

Shauna Elggren
Shauna Elggren
Financial Manager

Shauna has 24 years of experience in accounting and operations. She began working with Andre Johnson Architects as the Financial Manager in 2017. She is integral to the successful operation of AJA, working with client invoicing, contractor billing, payroll and job costing.  Shauna’s upbeat and positive attitude is very much appreciated by the entire staff and contributes greatly to the ambience of the office.

Theresa Bort,
Theresa Bort, RA
Senior Architectural Staff

Theresa is a licensed architect with twelve years of experience. She has worked on a variety of project types including education, hospitality, retail, multi-family mixed-use, and offices. She has led project teams from design development through construction and enjoys sketching conceptual ideas to help foster communication. Theresa enjoys all parts of the design process, but she especially enjoys coming up with creative solutions to design issues and developing relationships with the project team.

© Andre Johnson Architect 2020 / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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