Team

John C. Williams, AIA, NCARB

Andrew Stephens

Andy Stephens has been a Project Manager and Designer with Williams Architects for a decade and has been an instrumental team member on projects at vastly different scales, various programs, and a range of budgets and timelines.

As a Project Manager, Andy has an acute understanding of the importance of a client’s vision for the site and the critical roles community, local agencies, and historic context play in a project’s viability, success, and longevity.  Andy believes in the power of collaboration and is adept at connecting and building a critical sympatico between the various team members that are a part of any project’s success. Through his years of experience, Andy has cultivated strong and respectful relationships with local and state agencies that are essential for building consensus on a project’s design. Andy has also served as a team member on several local neighborhood organizations, including a Board member of the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association, a founding Board member of the Lower Ninth Ward Neighborhood Association, and as a Steering Committee member for the 2018 AIA RUDAT in the Lower Ninth Ward. 

Andy has a diverse and dynamic body of project experience in single family, multi-family, commercial and institutional work, with local examples such as Bellegarde Bakery, the One11 Hotel, NOCCA Forum, 6324 Chef Menteur Hwy renovation and the redevelopment of Charity Hospital.

Jean Kijko

Jean Kijko is dedicated to her goals of identifying the project from the customer’s perspective, determining their unique needs and values, and conceptualizing solutions through innovative and creative design services, product selections and follow-up.

Jean’s expertise is indisputable with over thirty-five years of proven organizational skills such as Programming, Conceptual and Schematic Design, Design Development, Space Planning, Construction Documents, Cost Proposals and FF&E Budget Analysis, Finish Plans, Interior Specifications, Purchasing, Expediting and Coordination of Delivery and Sub-contractor Installation.

Jean is a respected and self-motivated professional who consistently demonstrates thought-leadership and a collaborative approach to teamwork and providing a high level of service to clients.

Patrick Capella

EDUCATION

A New Orleans native, Patrick first discovered a love of drawing and painting during his high school years. Over time, his passion for art and the unique historical culture of New Orleans ignited a drive towards architecture. He followed his interests to Louisiana State University’s School of Architecture, where he further cemented his commitment to art and design. After graduating, he spent his first years in the field working on projects in New Orleans’ historic districts.

Patrick joins Williams Architects following a rising career in California working on custom homes and retail businesses. He enjoys working closely with both client and contractor to bring practical, beautiful, and culturally integrated designs to life.

• Bachelor of Architecture, Louisiana State University 2015

Dixon Jelich, RA

Dixon Jelich began working for Williams Architects in the summer of 2016 and has become a valuable team resource to his projects and colleagues. With architectural and construction experience, Dixon thrives in a hands on approach to develop a better understanding of the project and its needs to be successful. He believes initial code and zoning review is integral to the successful start of any project. As part of facilitating a favorable experience for the community and clients, Dixon has cultivated solid and meaningful relationships with numerous state and national agencies, as well as departments within New Orleans City Hall, such as HDLC, VCC, Zoning, Downtown Development District, Parks and Parkways, and the Departments of Property Management and Public Works. This emphasis on planning extends to Dixon’s constant client engagement and efforts to keep the client informed throughout the process. It has also reinforced a deep respect for the importance of government partners.

The results of this fundamental belief are evident in Dixon’s dynamic and diverse body of work. Dixon has been an intrinsic part of residential projects like the condos of 1031 Orleans Avenue, institutional projects such as the Blood Center at 2609 Canal Street, and commercial projects like the Aveda Paris Parker Salon, which the client believes set a new precedent for upscale salon design.

With his extensive planning and practice of client collaboration, Dixon is proud of his work in revitalizing blighted properties and improving the aesthetic and property value of New Orleans neighborhoods.

Emile LeJeune, NCARB

Emile LeJeune is a registered architect raised near the strawberry fields of Tickfaw, Louisiana. He was fortunate enough to travel frequently to Italy to visit family, where he developed a passion for the blending of contemporary and traditional architecture of Europe. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from Tulane University, focusing on design-build studio classes and gaining skills in woodworking and fabrication in the process.

In addition to his hands-on knowledge of building and millwork construction, he is also technologically proficient in BIM, 3D rendering, clash detection, and is always seeking more knowledge of the latest technologies in design and construction. His project experience covers a broad range of project types, including many contemporary residences, high-rise hospitality, and performing arts centers.

Sara Beaman

Newcomer to New Orleans, Sara found a love for architecture through playing with and learning various spatial modeling programs in high school.

Following the 2016 Louisiana Floods, Sara supported her parents in restoring and renovating damaged homes. She also served as a consultant for the FDA and as an intern at non-profits. Inspired by the environmental movement, she hopes to incorporate resilient and sustainable design in each project at Williams Architects.

Morgan Conner

Born and raised in Bourg & Montegut, Louisiana, Morgan recently returned home to join Williams Architects and begin her career in architecture. Morgan completed a Master’s of Architecture program and participated in an internship with Karoline Becker Architektur (Heidelberg, Germany) before offering her skillset and drive to the Williams Architects team.

Growing up fascinated by built spaces and those occurring in the natural environment and landscape around her, Morgan translated this curiosity into a passion for sustainable design and material incorporation, purposes, and fabrication.

Thomas Mouton, AIA, NCARB

Thomas is a Louisiana native originally from Lafayette, Louisiana where he pursed his masters degree in Architecture at the UL of Lafayette. After graduation Thomas gained experience working on projects in the historic Fairmount & Southside districts of Fort Worth before returning to home to Louisiana. Before he begun pursing his education in Architecture Thomas worked as a furniture/cabinet fabricator for close to a decade. This experience prior to his architecture education instilled an appreciation of craft and the haptic design processes fundamental to the act of making. This previous life experience has led to a deep interest in the tactile experience of the occupant when engaging with architectural elements influencing his design process.

Kaylan Mitchell

A native of Franklin, Louisiana, Kaylan is passionate about people, placemaking, and material history within design. Kaylan holds a Master of Architecture and Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation from Tulane University. There she received both the graduate leadership award and equity diversity and inclusion award for her dedication to her roles in student leadership and creating community within the school.

Growing up on the rural Gulf Coast, Kaylan is inspired by meaningful gestures and enjoys trying to find ways to implement that in design. She is committed to understanding how to continue the stories of historical buildings through sustainable renovation and restoration.

Jennifer Morales

Originally from New Orleans, Jennifer has 23 years of experience with Full Cycle Accounting, Payroll, and Benefits Administration. She also has expertise with budgeting, payroll/human resources, and business planning. Jennifer’s primary function at Williams is to oversee the company’s financial operations and reporting. She is responsible for handling all ledgers accurately. Her goal in the future is to become a Project Manager with the firm. In her spare time, she loves to catch up with family and friends.

Laura Williams

After graduating with a BA in Art History from Tulane University, Laura went on to study at the Tulane School of Architecture for three years. Since then, she has worked in architecture as well as completing a Masters in Education at UNO.

Laura is a founding partner of Williams Architects and has spent the past 37 years cultivating a thought-leading and collaborative firm that defines expertise and innovation in architecture, planning and interior design. Laura’s skill set extends to the administrative side of the business as well as managing transformative and dynamic residential projects.

Thai Nguyen

Upon receiving his Master of Architecture degree from Drury University, Thai has enjoyed the life of design and construction which has led him to continue practicing architecture at Williams Architects. After working on a wide variety of projects from small residential homes to an electric vehicle factory, his ambitions are to continue to integrate technology and design to further develop the built environment that surrounds us. Thai aims to become a valuable member to the Williams Architects team and anticipates his future relationships with clients and the city of New Orleans.

Alongside with his love of technology, Thai also enjoys hands on work such as wood working, building computers, or even 3D printing/laser cutting products of design. His hopes are that with all the skillsets gained through Architecture and design, he can become a great architect for the city of New Orleans and be a useful asset to the Architectural environment of Louisiana.

Mackenzie Laxton

Born and raised in St. Louis, Mackenzie received her Master’s in Architecture from the University of Kansas with certifications in both Historic Preservation and Design-Build. During her time at the University of Kansas, she participated in Studio 804, and comprehensive design-build course where she was challenged with the design and construction of tiny homes for the local community shelter; this fueled her love for community-based projects and serving those in need. Her passion for historic architecture and adaptive reuse brought her to New Orleans and eventually to work with the Williams Architects team.

Mackenzie hopes to use her construction and carpentry knowledge in unison with her proficiency in technical modeling to excel with Williams Architects. She is always eager to learn more advanced and efficient ways to work and always strives to exceed client expectations.

EDUCATION

-Master of Architecture, University of Kansas, 2021

-Certificate of Design-Build

-Certificate of Historic Preservation

-Associate Architect, AIA