JCJ Architecture appoints Celella as president; Goldstein is named chief operating officer

 

 

 

Hartford, CT JCJ Architecture has completed a leadership transition at the senior executive levels of the firm. After more than 37 years with JCJ, including over two decades in the role of president, Peter Stevens, LEED AP, transitioned to principal/president emeritus, effective June 30^th. Scott Celella, CSI, CCCA, LEED AP, who has served as the firm’s chief operating officer since 2002, will assume the role of president, and JCJ’s Western Region managing director, Barry Goldstein, AIA, will step into the position of chief operations officer. James LaPosta, Jr., FAIA, LEED AP, will maintain his presence in the role of chief architectural officer, a position he has held since 2002.

With decades of consistent executive leadership, Celella’s transition to the role of president marks an evolution that maintains alignment with JCJ’s long-term vision, fostering a culture of growth, supporting future leaders, and enhancing project delivery capabilities to position the firm for its continued success.

Stevens joined JCJ in 1988 as director of business development. He assumed the role of president in 2001 as the firm transitioned after 65 years of practice to its third generation of ownership. Under Stevens’ stewardship, JCJ has charted a pathway of growth that includes multiple acquisitions, new locations in New York City, Phoenix, Boston, Tulsa, and Las Vegas, as well as strategic investments that have positioned JCJ as one of the top design firms in the country. Stevens’ leadership was key to the firm’s transition from closely held principal ownership to a 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) structure, as well as the growth and stability of the ESOP over the last 13 years.

Celella has served as JCJ’s COO for two decades and has been a valued team member for 30 years. A respected leader in the industry, Celella is known for his exceptional problem-solving skills, his ability to engage clients, and his keen insight into the project design and delivery process.

Goldstein has been the managing director of JCJ’s Western Region for two years. Before joining the firm, Goldstein held key senior-level positions at several architecture firms and spent five years as owner of an Arizona-based design practice.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as JCJ’s president, to have played a part in steering a firm so deeply committed to design excellence and client service,” said Stevens. 

“As I transition to principal/president emeritus, I will continue my involvement in select projects and assist with client relationships, the firm’s M&A activities, ESOP management, and community outreach efforts. My commitment to JCJ remains as strong as ever, and I have every confidence in Scott and our leadership team’s ability to guide JCJ into an exciting new chapter.”

“This transition marks the fulfillment of a thoughtfully developed succession plan aimed at maintaining continuity and excellence,” said Celella. “I am deeply honored to have been entrusted with this role and look forward to the opportunity to work alongside Barry, Jim, and our remarkable team of dedicated professionals. My focus will be to build upon and strengthen the firm’s foundational principles that have brought us to a position of prominence in our industry, and to cultivate the firm’s future leadership. We hope to expand our circle of clients who have come to appreciate the engaged and empathetic design approach that has characterized JCJ for so long.” 

“I’m thrilled to continue the great work our team has been doing for decades, including continuing to align our long-term vision with our dynamic and changing industry,” said Barry Goldstein, Managing Director of JCJ’s Western Region. Through collaboration with our exceptionally talented team, we’ll continue to elevate design excellence and enhance project delivery, while strategically leveraging our resources to support sustainable growth. One of my core priorities is strengthening our approach to staff development, fostering opportunities that empower individuals and nurture their professional journeys.”

As the firm enters this new chapter and approaches its 90th anniversary in 2026, clients and employee owners alike can continue to expect the same high standards in design and project delivery, as well as the unwavering commitment to service that is a hallmark of JCJ’s practice.