Our Team

Chief executive officer

James Losee

As a Florida native, James has been a trailblazer in the home design industry for over 24 years. He has an extensive background in structural steel, engineered lumber, and trusses. Through the years James has acquired a wealth of knowledge in the building sector from building codes, environmental practices, the ins and outs of the different building departments, as well as the trends in home construction. He opened this business as a one-man operation in 2008, overcoming the crash. James has been relentless in following his dream to become the local provider for luxury home designs. He is currently pursuing his Architectural License. It is his drive and knowledge that has led the business to grow into a now thriving Architecture Firm providing complete home plans to builders, homeowners, and developers alike. James continues to be the person many local builders rely on, as well as a mentor and teacher to his team.

Chief Operating Officer

Christina Bucknell

Christina learned about construction at an early age. Her father and grandfather were both skilled carpenters and she spent summers helping them on building projects. During college for interior design, she worked as an Office Manager for a builder. After working for 8 years as an Office Manager and Interior Designer, she used her skills to manage a home improvement company where she worked as the Operations Manager. She led a team of over 30 people, establishing the company and managing all aspects of it for over 5 years. Upon relocating to Florida, she managed another local company where she sourced materials for their upscale clients, provided interior design services, as well as managed the showroom and staff. Christina is now an instrumental part of JTL Architects, managing the day-to-day operations.

Vice President, lead Designer

Yihia Qandil

Yihia is a talented designer from Egypt. In 2018 he completed his double B.Sc. degree in Architectural Engineering from MSA University in Egypt and the University of Greenwich in London with honors. During his studies, he was also the founder of a model-making cooperation and led a team in several projects. Yihia has participated in many international, United Nations-sponsored competitions and has been awarded several times. Recently, his project was one of the top 20 shortlisted out of 123 entries worldwide. Yihia’s perception and skill allows him to create detailed, extraordinary designs.

Senior Architect - AR-101055

Joseph Johnson, Ph.D., R.A., N.C.A.R.B.

A graduate of UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelor’s of Architecture. Joe launched a business in North Carolina. There he thrived with design and planning for multiple types of buildings. Over his 39 year career he specialized in single and multi-family housing with hospitality and pool structures that came to define many neighborhoods. His extensive and varied experience includes the Ingram Planetarium, luxury mansions, exquisite waterfront and oceanfront homes, several oceanfront hotels, luxury high rise condominiums, conference centers, over 39 churches, and the Veterans Memorial at Sunset Beach Park.

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Landscape Designer

Andrea Carvalho

Andrea graduated from The University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. She later attended Koln University in Germany, earning her Master’s Degree in Architectural Exhibitions and Landscape Designs. Over her 40-year career she has worked in many branches of architecture in both Brazil and Germany. She also ran her own business for 22 years in which she accumulated a large variety of experiences with single family homes as well as commercial building design.

Project Designer

Thiago Braga

Thiago is a talented designer who graduated from UNIVIX – Faculdade Brasileira in 2012. He worked for over 5 years on architectural projects designing, as well as building, in the City of Nanuque, Brazil. He came to the United States in 2017 where he has been working ever since. Thiago has extensive experience with AutoCAD and Sketchup. He is very talented in the use of 3Ds Max, creating photorealistic images of projects with both the exterior and interior view.

Project Designer

Bruna Assis

Bruna is a graduate of the University of Vale, in Brazil. She worked as a Civil Engineer until she came to the US in 2021. Her extensive knowledge and education, as well as hands-on experience in AutoCAD and Revit have given her the skill set to be a successful project designer within the team.

Project Designer

Hazem M Nagi

Hazem graduated from the Civil Engineering Department of Helwan University in Egypt and now works as a teaching assistant there. He is currently working on a master's degree in structural engineering. He has worked on many residential projects as well as infrastructure projects such bridges. Hazem now works part time for JTL as well, assisting with the structural phase of project plans.

Office Assistant

Melayne Messinger

Melayne is a Sarasota Native. Her grandfather, father and brother are all in the Steel business locally, so construction has been a huge part of her life since she was just a child. Melayne works for JTL as well as our sister company AIG, where she brings in her extensive customer service skills to assist clients with permitting and private provider inspection services.

Receptionist

Brittany Hall

Brittany is a Florida native. Construction has been a major part in her life, as her father works in the
construction industry. Brittany has worked in the customer service industry for 10 plus years. She is
dedicated to providing the highest quality of customer service to our clients.