Steve Johnson
Principal Architect
Steve has a tremendous amount of experience as a project architect and planner. He has received national recognition for his architectural work around the Seattle area in landmarked buildings as well as master planning. Steve offers keen insight and a sense of humor for clients. When not in the office, you'll find him competing with his TP52 sailboat, Mist on the Salish Sea.
Jeff Oaklief
Principal Architect
Jeff Oaklief’s 35-plus years of professional experience covers a wide architectural spectrum: port facilities to restaurants; mixed-use to multifamily. Jeff's experience with construction types range from Type V to Type 1A. His organizational and communication skills are especially suited to the design, coordination and management of complex projects. Jeff also likes to sail. You'll find him out on his Farrier F9R trimaran, Ruf Duck.
Mirta Villaran
Lead Architect
Mirta brings a variety of skills from her professional practice within a unique architectural context and on-site project management. She is an exceptional architect and has served as principal partner at ARQAS S.A.C. in Lima, Peru for many years before coming to work with JOA&P. Mirta's experience in multiple project types includes government buildings, multifamily residential, commercial remodels and interiors, as well as construction administration and planning. You can find Mirta spending off-time chasing her kids around town, hanging out with family and friends and traveling.
Jennifer Harris
Architect
Jennifer has studied architectural design with emphasis in interiors, space planning consulting and 3D BIM modeling. Previous assignments have been for both developers and design groups in Kentucky, New York and Connecticut. Jennifer patiently teaches her coworkers ASL and enjoys creating artwork for local galleries while actively discovering beautiful Northwest views with friends.
Elise Manning
Human Resources, Accountant
Elise Manning has been JOAP's accounts receivable, accounts payable, general business and project manager for over eighteen years. Elise, who has an extensive knowledge as accountant and human resources manager for JOAP, is ever keeping ahead of the firm's needs. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Jeff Anderson
Manager
Jeff is the administrator of all office related organization, projects marketing, landmark assessment research as well as information technology. Jeff's background is in the built environment as well as novel interior products and materials. Jeff enjoys playing live music and creating sculptures.
Tanvi Grover
Architect
Tanvi Grover is an urbanist with a penchant for leveraging design andtechnology to improve cities. Tanvi brings with her to JOAP key experiences designing in BIM from the US and India. Tanvi was a part of the MIT Media Lab: Beyond Smart Cities EmergingDesign and Technology, in 2022. She enjoys traveling and exploring the Northwest, including B.C.!
"Johnson Architecture & Planning" was founded by Stevan Johnson in 1987. Today, now Johnson Oaklief Architecture & Planning, Steve Johnson and team continue to build a legacy of exceptional projects throughout the Puget Sound Region and greater Northwest.
JOAP began with and continues to focus the firm's architectural practice on urban design and development, the design and planning of mixed-use and mixed-income residential buildings, high technology, educational, medical clinics, institutional and community facilities.
A Cornell University alumni from New York, Steve started the firm after fourteen years in the role of executive director for the Environmental Works/Community Design Center. Since then, Steve has been a part of many local advisory boards, including the Seattle Design Commission and was selected as one of the team leaders for the Seattle waterfront design charrette.
Steve has direct experience as a project architect and planner on an exceptional variety of public and privately developed projects. He has received national recognition for his architectural work on landmark structures and for the design of affordable housing. Steve's background in planning projects include predevelopment analysis of major urban mixed-use projects and site assessments for public facilities to the corporate headquarters for Amgen Corporation and for the Washington State community college system.
After almost twenty years working with Steve and the JOAP team (and upon the 30th anniversary of the firm in 2017), Jeff Oaklief was named principal. Jeff has a tremendous amount of experience working projects of all shapes and sizes throughout the Northwest. His understanding of the intricate phasing, scheduling, and demanding technical requirements are a great asset to our clients.
Steve, Jeff and the JOAP team continue to uphold a core philosophy of architectural practice in finding the most imaginative, appropriate and cost-effective solutions that meet the highest standards of design and amenity. Above all, the firm approaches each project as an opportunity to provide a legacy of good buildings in the community and to create noteworthy design that fully meets our client’s expectations.
Johnson Oaklief Architecture and Planning has had great success maintaining strong relationships with local officials and agencies in the region. Participation on many public commissions has provided lasting connections in working with local communities and stakeholders as well as enhancing awareness of the complex regulatory environment, which includes a significant completion of green building and LEED-certified projects.
Above, the "Ladies of Johnson Architecture" reunite past and present staff in Walla Walla, 2018. From left to right: Elise Manning, Mirta Villaran, Charlotte Puff, Laura Cooper, Yoriko Endo, Krista Appleby, Helen Maib, Heather Beckford.