About Us
We create spaces that test your senses. Not one detail of your design project occurs by chance. Our design philosophy is based on the belief that people respond to three basic things: light, scale and proportion.
At JDI Architects, we use scale and proportion based on the activity or function of a space. Every nuance is thought out and planned to enhance your experience while inside the building. We also work with the site and natural surroundings to create a special balance between the built form and nature.
JDI Architects provides a variety of services ranging from residential remodeling to new homes, as well as multiple commercial building types. Our experience over the past three decades includes new homes and remodeling, multi-family and mixed use developments, retail, office, and commercial developments. We also have extensive experience in master planning and interior design.
When you go through the design process with JDI Architects, the end result is a space that is extraordinary, with elements that delight, comfort, energize and impress. We believe that the design process, while rigorous, thorough, and educational for our clients, should also be fun.
At JDI Architects, you work with experienced and talented team members, who take your ideas and make them a reality. We believe in a collaborative approach that involves the owner, architect, contractor and consultants as a team, and understand that this collaboration is critical to a successful project.
“It was great working with Kent Johnson to design our home. We had a vision for our home, but weren’t sure how to bring it to life. Kent took the time to understand exactly what we wanted and then transformed our ideas into a stunning reality. His creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and enjoyable. We couldn’t be happier with the final result — Kent truly brought our vision to life, turning it into the home we cherish. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and reliable architect.”
– Randy & Laura
W. Kent Johnson, AIA
Kent Johnson is the principal and founder of JDI Architects. Kent received his Master of Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1984 and started the firm in Sarasota Florida in 1989. A licensed architect, Kent has been involved in the design and construction of a wide variety of projects, ranging from small residential additions to large, multi-story commercial projects. Kent has been actively involved with both church and community through the years and believes in the importance of architecture and good design and the effect it has on all our lives.
Ben Otten
“A house should be of the hill, not on the hill.”
-Frank Lloyd Wright
Ben graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and continued to gain his Master of Architecture from UW-Milwaukee in 2017.
Ben brings a diverse set of skills to JDI Architects with backgrounds in residential and commercial construction. His creative and comprehensive design solutions give him the ability to design & highly detail both traditional and modern structures from the initial sketches through construction.
This allows him to take an idea and turn it into concrete reality for clients.
Through diligent analysis and design, he utilizes this inherent desire to transform the boundaries of each unique project into a powerful design tool that both recognize and respond to each individual while incorporating the natural surroundings of the site.
Ben respects the balance between nature & architecture and these attributes can be found in each one of his projects.
Outside of the studio, Ben is known for his award-winning Watercolor Paintings, enjoys spending time on the lake & sailing.
Ram
Ram graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2013 and a licensed Architect in the Philippines. One of his talents is providing high quality renderings to communicate well the 3D space and features close to reality bringing the experience to a new level. Proportion and symmetry are his key pillars on planning and designing. Outside JDI Architects, he enjoys exploring underrated family – owned restaurants, adapt fun outdoor activities, learn new hobbies, explore cities and spend some time catching up with close friends.
Clayton J. O’Connor, Assoc. AIA
Clayton is a Wisconsin-based Senior Architectural Designer and BIM Manager with over 20 years of experience delivering impactful architecture. Known for advancing design technology and integrated project delivery, Clayton brings extensive design expertise in both residential and commercial projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and developing BIM standards to enhance collaboration and efficiency. An active member of AIA Wisconsin, he regularly shares thought leadership through presentations on the future of BIM and architectural practice. Clayton is passionate about blending technical excellence with client-focused, sustainable design solutions that stand the test of time. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, attending his kids’ sporting events, watching sports, and exploring history.
