Though structured as studios, our firm is uniquely collaborative in its DNA. We are our own chosen family of architects, designers, strategists, techies, and big picture thinkers connected by shared values and a commitment to an inclusive culture where we can all do our best, most creative work. We foster the informal exchange of ideas firm-wide by nurturing a robust engagement program open to all and focused on topics such as Wellness and Sustainability, DEIA, Technology, and Design to name a few.
OTJ Architects is 100% employee owned. This apportioned ownership structure presents many benefits to our team members and affords individuals an equitable opportunity to share in the rewards of their hard work. In addition, the continued expansion of our services and geographic reach could not have been possible without the talent, resourcefulness, and integrity of our people. In 2022, OTJ promoted a record number of individuals, created important new positions, and hired nearly 100 new team members. These actions reflect our commitment to fostering a vibrant work culture that makes it possible to attract and retain our industry’s top talent.
We promote a culture of inclusion where all are welcomed and valued. 84% of our team identities as part of minority or protected class. 99% of surveyed team members agree OTJ is an inclusive workplace. 99% of surveyed team members agree OTJ is an equitable workplace.
In addition to helping our team members find the time to study for, and defray the cost of, architectural and design industry exams, we offer a robust mentorship program that pairs senior professionals with more junior individuals to help them meet their career goals and reap the benefits of experience outside of the confines of a more hierarchical reporting structure.
From our Senior Principals to our newest team members, we all work to model values that form the core of our success whether in boardrooms or on construction sites.
Agility: We are nimble in our thinking and responsive in our approach. Through constant exploration, we foster a culture of innovation the benefit of our clients, our people, and our communities.
Integrity: We are driven advocates for the interests of our clients, our people, our communities, and for the authenticity of our work. Even when no one is watching, we strive to make the best ethical, design, and business decisions.
Partnership: Our success is fueled by the strength of longlasting relationships. From our most senior leaders to our newest team members, we are all tireless advocates for the interests of our clients, the success of our shared projects, and the value of a vibrant work culture.
Positivity: We approach clients, our team members, and industry colleagues with openness, inclusivity, and the belief in possibility. While we recognize challenges when they arise, we invite dialogue and endeavor to be part of the solution.
OTJ Architects is 100% employee owned. This apportioned ownership structure presents many benefits to our team members and affords individuals an equitable opportunity to share in the rewards of their hard work. In addition, ESOPs are proven to be a sustainable business model even in the face of economic downturns or environmental crises. The shift to an ESOP model also allows for our firm’s ownership to transition over time, rather than place a costly burden on a next generation of leadership, thereby preserving our legacy and the integrity of our teams.
Our CEO, Lance Jaccard, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, serves as a model for our company by embodying not only our core values but our cultural principles as well. Termed, “The OTJ Way,” this culture blueprint sets forth expectations for the team member and client experience. By espousing ideals such as positivity, integrity, entrepreneurialism, and a commitment to superior design, Lance leads us in our moments of greatest impact, earns repeat work, and ensures the fulfillment of our team members.
Our vibrant culture is focused on wellness, work/life balance, as well as the opportunity to bond with fellow team members and grow professionally together. We offer a rich benefits package that includes fully paid medical and long-term disability coverage as well as dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans.
Additional perks include a generous 401k/Roth contribution as well as Flexible Spending and commuter benefits. We support professional development by reimbursing exam and study fees, providing time off to study, as well as offering a wealth of lunch and learns, continuing education courses, and leadership training.
OTJ Architects is a premier architecture and design practice that partners with leading organizations at key moments of transition in their development. With offices nationwide, OTJ delivers enduring human centric solutions that promote diversity, wellness, and sustainability across the commercial real estate, corporate, government, life sciences, multi-family, arts, culture, and education, as well as nonprofit sectors.
Signature recent projects include workplaces for Adobe, BMW, PBS, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Yelp; the renovations of the iconic Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, New York’s Webster Hall, and the Cincinnati Music Hall; laboratories for Dyno Therapeutics and Agios Pharmaceuticals; as well as the Visitation commercial mixed-use development in historic Frederick, MD.
580 Water Street, SW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20024
Architecture and Design
Lance Jaccard
0 - 1000
