Reprinted from Albuquerque Business First, “FBT Architects Opens Farmington Office”
by Stephanie Guzman

Photo by Derek Stout Photography

FBT Architects has opened an office in Farmington, which will allow the company to pursue more business in the Four Corners region. The company’s headquarters are in Albuquerque, with another office in Lubbock, Texas.

Kelly Jernigan, a licensed architect in New Mexico and Colorado, will head the office in Farmington. She has worked for FBT Architects for several months and was previously regional manager of New Mexico Public Schools Facilities Authority.

“I wanted to get back into design, so I’m really excited to be working with a great all-around firm,” Jernigan said. Arthur Tatum, the firm’s vice president and director of design, said FBT Architects wanted to open an office in Farmington for some time, but had to find the right architect to staff the office. He said Jernigan is a good fit because she’s already worked with several schools, contractors and city officials in the area.

Sanjay Engineer, a principal and FBT Architects’ K-12 education studio director, said most work in the Four Corners area will focus on education or medical buildings, though the Farmington office will also allow the company to better serve the Navajo Nation.

“Being in Farmington gives us a physical presence and allows us to serve them immediately,” Engineer said. “We’ve already done analysis and assessments for schools in the Navajo Nation.”

The company is already working on several school projects in Farmington, including Farmington High School, Hermosa Middle School and Northeast Elementary, among others. Tatum said FBT Architects is also going after two projects in southern Colorado.

— Stephanie Guzman