JNKA Architects

JNKA Architects is a full-service architectural firm in Park Ridge, IL, specializing in designing worship, educational, residential, and community spaces for faith-based organizations, schools, and nonprofit institutions. The firm serves clients across 13 states, offering comprehensive services including master planning, facility assessments, liturgical design, historic renovations, and adaptive reuse projects. Their work spans churches, synagogues, mosques, schools, senior living communities, athletic facilities, and administrative centers, with a focus on creating spaces that support spiritual growth, learning, and community engagement. JNKA Architects emphasizes collaborative design, working closely with clients to reflect their unique identity and values in every project.

The firm was founded in 1963 and evolved from a general commercial and residential practice into a specialist in religious architecture following the national recognition of its design for St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn. Over the decades, it has completed more than 700 projects, including new buildings, renovations, and accessibility upgrades. The firm’s leadership has evolved through key milestones: Robert Nickola joined in 1976, David Kuhlman became a principal in 2005, and he later assumed the presidency in 2012. In 2013, the firm rebranded as Jaeger Nickola Kuhlman & Associates (JNKA) to mark its 50th anniversary, reflecting its deep commitment to serving faith communities through thoughtful, context-sensitive design.

JNKA Architects is located at 250 S NW Hwy in Park Ridge, IL. The firm operates from a professional office space on this major thoroughfare, situated within a commercial corridor that serves the broader Chicago metropolitan area. While no specific nearby landmarks are listed, the location is easily accessible from major regional routes and supports the firm’s regional outreach.

Though the firm has no public rating or reviews available, its long-standing history, extensive project portfolio, and specialized focus on religious and educational architecture underscore its established presence and expertise in the field. The firm’s dedication to listening, collaboration, and client-driven design has earned consistent recognition from faith leaders and community organizations. JNKA Architects remains a trusted partner in shaping meaningful spaces that serve faith communities across the Midwest.