JBHM gives employees all the credit Group has an eclectic portfolio, from cafeterias to correctional facilities “JBHM Architects is the top architectural firm in the State of Mississippi,” said Michelle Hawkins, director of JBHM's Interior Design Group. “As a full-service architectural firm, we are able to provide the client with not just architectural services, but also support services including land planning, interior design, construction administration, marketing and graphic design, any service needed to provide our clients with the best project for their vision.”

Those visions have given JBHM an eclectic portfolio, everything from cafeterias to correctional facilities. If one takes a car ride across the state, one won't travel far without catching glimpses of some of its handiwork: the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks in Jackson; the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo; Cain Hall at Hinds Community College in Raymond; Kia Automotive in Starkville, just to name a few.

“The diversity of project types provide an interesting mix that encourages creativity and keeps things fresh,” said Hawkins.

The award-winning firm could not have accomplished 35 years of this without the dedication and passion of its team members, a committed crew of registered architects, construction inspectors, landscape architects and designers, project managers and many other disciplines.

“At JBHM, you can not only find some of the best people to work with as far as personality wise, but you can find a staff who all enjoy working and being together,” said communications coordinator Lauren Denham. “Most people spend 40 hours a week working. I could not think of a more pleasant place to work than JBHM.”

Other JBHM employees are quick to chime in.

“We have great people and a comfortable work environment with the potential for growth. When problems arise, we are quick to respond to those issues and keep the communication open and honest,” said graphic designer Matt Broome.

“JBHM is a progressive company and a leader in our field,” added corporate strategist Terri Johnston.

“Everyone who works here is very qualified,” said associate Chip Jones. “Our office has an open layout, which encourages a synergetic atmosphere. Everyone here is unique in their own talent, which allows JBHM to utilize a broad, experienced design team to meet the needs of each client.”

JBHM has an impressive concept of time. While its staff works feverishly today bringing bold, new ideas to life and carrying them forward from the drawing board all the way to the groundbreaking ceremonies, the firm also has a healthy respect for the past and the future of architecture. It assists with historic preservation and have restored many downtowns throughout Mississippi to their period architecture not forgetting to combine that with today’s amenities — something old, something new.

JBHM does all of this while managing to stay one step ahead of emerging trends in its industry. “We offer a great opportunity for young intern architects to get a good foundation established,” said Ryan Ashford, an associate and senior project manager.

“JBHM has provided each office with a thorough amount of study materials related to continuing education and license training,” added Ashford. “They also paid for me to attend an ARE Structures seminar which was very helpful.”

JBHM even remains on the cutting edge of green development.

“With the environmental movement,” Michelle Hawkins said, “JBHM Architects strive to provide green architecture where applicable while keeping the client's end goal and budget in mind. Many staff members are LEED accredited or working towards that accreditation.”

--Mississippi Business Journal, March 30-April 5, 2009