MEMBER PROFILE - Richard L. Johnson & Associates

Richard L. Johnson & Associates:

DRAWING UP PLANS FOR SUCCESS

By Paul Anthony Arco

Dick Johnson has always possessed an eye for building design. Scott Johnson thought he wanted to pursue a career in engineering. But the father/son duo eventually came together to form one of the top architectural/interior design firms in the area.

Dick started his career with another firm, before deciding to take a chance on opening his own business. “My dad designed a lot of educational buildings – that was his experience,” Scott said. “When he went out on his own, he continued to specialize in education, which is 90 percent of the work we do today.”

In 1981, Richard L. Johnson & Associates (RLJA) opened its doors on the corner of Alpine Road and East State Street. The firm operated there for five years before outgrowing the space and moving to its current location on Charles Street.

After earning a master’s from the University of Illinois, Scott came home to join his father’s firm in 1990. “I always enjoyed architecture, but I thought I could take a different path,” he said. “Engineering sounded interesting, but after one semester in college I realized it wasn’t for me.”

These days, Dick, Scott, and Terry Carbaugh are the firm’s principals. Dick is 83 and still working daily. RLJA is a family affair. Julie, who is Dick’s wife and Scott’s mom, worked for the company until a year ago, and Scott’s aunt, Char, is the office manager.

Scott has learned plenty from his dad. “His passion and ability to listen to the client has really made a difference,” he said. “My ability to work well with our clients is all thanks to my dad.”

RLJA serves primarily educational clients in northwest Illinois. The firm is the architect of record for more than 30 school districts, much of which is repeat work. RLJA provides architectural services in several areas – new buildings, additions, remodeling, LEED, ADA accessibility audits, safety surveys, master planning, feasibility studies and interior design services. RLJA’s list of clients include RPS #205, Belvidere CUSD #100, DeKalb CUSD #428, South Beloit CUSD #320, Pecatonica CUSD #321 and Winnebago County.

“Our bread and butter are renovations and additions and making it blend or have it stand out for 21st century learning,”

Scott said. “With COVID, however, collaboration has been turned on its head. Classrooms were being designed for students to work closely together. Now the emphasis is to spread furniture out, giving students more space. It changes how we design space moving forward.”

Each project varies but can take 10 to 12 months to complete, which includes schematic design, construction documents, bidding out work, consulting with engineering firms and participating in numerous meetings. “Design work is fun, and the bidding process is exciting, but the greatest satisfaction is meeting our clients’ goals,” Scott said.

RLJA has a team of seven full- and part-time employees, including CAD technicians and an interior designer. In the 1990s the staff was as many as 24, but a leaner staff isn’t a bad thing, Scott said. “With our niche in education we can manage a lot of work with what we have. We are small, but every cog in the wheel is pulling their weight.”

RLJA has earned many accolades from the Illinois State Board of Education and the American Institute of Architects. But none of that matters to the team. “It’s not our highest priority,” said Scott. “We simply like to make our clients happy.”

RICHARD L. JOHNSON & ASSOCIATES - Scott Johnson, principal 4703 Charles St. www.rljarch.com 815-398-1231