As we celebrate the back-to-school season, we want to commemorate the dedicated individuals who have grown with FBT, evolving from intern architects into leaders of our education studios. Through their unique experiences, these talented individuals have faced diverse challenges, honed their skills and gained invaluable insights that have shaped their careers and how we define success at FBT. As we reflect on their journeys, we recognize the perseverance, creativity and passion they bring to every project, elevating the architectural landscape of our communities and driving innovation. Their stories are a testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment that define FBT, and we are grateful for their continued dedication to shaping the future of education for the next generation.

Celebrating the Journey

Many of FBT’s seasoned architects began their careers in entry-level positions, including Susan Johnson, Principal, and Kelly Jernigan, Associate. Their stories echo the shared experiences of many at the firm—beginning with foundational building blocks and gradually assuming more responsibility as they evolved from production to project management roles. This progression is a hallmark of the FBT culture, where our dedication to growth is seen in our drive to engage everyone at every level.

Susan began her journey at FBT as an Intern Architect in 1996. Over the course of 28 years and over 100 projects, she has grown into a Principal role specializing in education projects. Her knack for relationship building beginning in her early days as a young architect has contributed to many of our long-term higher education clients, whom she now manages projects for across the state. Kelly Jernigan, who now leads FBT’s Colorado Springs office, began her career in civil engineering and then transitioned to architecture, working on the Owner’s side for New Mexico’s Public Schools Facility Authority before making her way to FBT in 2015. In her 9 years with the firm, she has led large-scale, complex projects for K-12 clients and contributed to FBT’s growth in northern New Mexico and into Colorado.

While Kelly and Susan’s experiences are unique, they reflect a collective commitment to growth at FBT. We are all empowered to take risks, make mistakes, learn and develop new skills every day. Everyone’s path to growth and success is different, and each individual journey should be celebrated.

Navigating the Complexities of Educational Design

Designing learning environments comes with a unique set of challenges requiring a collaborative and adaptive approach. FBT Architects understand that no project is the same, and the process often requires innovative solutions to navigate unexpected obstacles.

The coordination of specialized equipment on higher education projects, for instance, can often present hurdles. As an example, Kelly notes the Pikes Peak State College Delta Dental Oral Health Career Center project in Colorado Springs required some creative problem solving and meticulous communication due to the improper sizing of pipes needed for specialized seating in the new facility. The team quickly adapted to keep the project on track and ensure success.

Sometimes, the biggest challenge involves balancing our personal and professional lives. For Susan, her work on the Atrisco Heritage Academy project tested her ability to manage a large-scale, multi-year project while balancing the demands of being a new mom. The sheer scale of the project, combined with the personal and professional challenges she faced at that time, made it a defining moment in her career. It was a time of intense growth as an architect, a leader and a new mother. It taught her the value of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

Through whatever challenges we face, the people of FBT are united by a commitment to excellence and a passion for enhancing the human experience with every project. This common, collaborative focus is what defines our approach to educational design. We understand that every project, regardless of its size or scope, is an opportunity to learn, grow and push the boundaries of what is possible. By embracing every challenge, FBT continues to create educational environments that not only meet the functional needs of their users, but also inspire and support the next generation of learners.