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Our Team

Selvam Rajavelu, AIA, NCARB

President & CEO

Selvam joined the firm in 1990 and is now the President and Principal at NJRA Architects. Selvam received a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Utah in 1991. He is a member of the National Golden Key Honor Society for his outstanding performance. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Anna University, Chennai, India in 1989. He graduated at the top of his class and received the Gold Medal Award from the University. He is a member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and A4LE (Association for Learning Environments). He is certified by NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) and also a member of UFOMA (Utah Facilities Operation and Maintenance Association). He attends conferences regularly to know the current trends in healthcare and educational fields.

Selvam’s main focus is in designing Green and eco-friendly buildings. He attends LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) workshops regularly to update his knowledge. He has a strong passion for design and perfection. He concentrates on the accuracy of information provided in the construction documents. A well coordinated document helps the contractor to be on schedule and avoids costly change orders.

Selvam is very active in the community. He is actively involved in the fund raising, design, and construction of the India Cultural Center in South Jordan, Utah. He also served as treasurer for the India Forum of Utah for five years.

Jackie Vatsend

Office Administrator

Jackie joined NJRA Architects in 2022. She oversees all administrative aspects of the business and assists wherever needed. Before joining NJRA, Jackie worked for several years in residential interior design. She is experienced in working in a fast-paced environment that can utilize her organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills. Jackie is committed to superior customer service while interacting with all individuals. She strives to keep up to date with administrative solutions with a design-inspired mindset.

Outside of the office, Jackie leads an active life with 2 teenagers, 2 dogs, and 2 cats keeping her very busy. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tiffin West, Associate

Associate & Project Manager

Tiffin received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree and Master of Architecture from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. During her education at the University of Utah, Tiffin received the Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation of America Award, had a project published in the Utah Opera Magazine, and was awarded the AIA/AAF Scholarship. She was also a teaching assistant for Environmental Controls and Architectural History courses.

By participating as a team member, job captain, and project manager, Tiffin has developed long- lasting relationships with several of our long-term clients. She joined the firm in 2000 and was promoted to Associate in 2007. Tiffin is an integral member of our educational design team. She works closely with school districts, staff, and community members to ensure all of their ideas and goals are met in the new facility. Tiffin has managed many educational projects for numerous school districts throughout the State.

Tiffin strives to keep up to date on educational trends, design solutions, and technological advances. She has served as a member of the AIA “Architecture for Education Committee”, Utah chapter. Goals of this committee are to increase awareness and knowledge about the design of educational facilities to other Architects specializing in this area, as well as those working within the school districts. Tiffin regularly attends UFOMA and A4LE conferences in order to keep up-to-date on current issues within the school districts and school facility design as well as procedures for energy management, security, safety, and code implementation to name a few.

With her husband and two children, Tiffin enjoys Utah’s unique state and national parks, ski resorts, and rivers on a regular basis. As a resident of downtown Salt Lake City, Tiffin also believes in keeping an awareness of the urban, social, and sustainable aspects that will keep the city’s growth responsible and the downtown a vibrant place to live.

Shailesh Munot, AIA

Associate & Project Architect

Shailesh holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Utah. During his education at the University of Utah, Shailesh was handpicked to receive a teaching assistant scholarship for demonstrating excellence in structures. Shailesh received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Pune, India in 1998. He then worked in India for a year as an architect before moving to the United States to pursue his graduate studies

For the past twenty three years, Shailesh has worked on complex healthcare projects including new hospitals, hospital expansions, remodel and tenant improvement projects that have led him to excel in healthcare planning, project management, and construction administration roles. Shailesh offers a creative and comprehensive contribution to the entire design process. He has worked on several complex and award-winning projects in Utah including the Intermountain Medical Center, Riverton Hospital, Utah Valley Hospital, and Dixie Regional Medical Center.

Shailesh continues to expand his medical expertise by attending conferences, workshops, and gaining on-the-job experience working with clients on new projects. Shailesh is technically savvy and is very passionate about the accuracy and detailing of the drawings. He believes that a detailed set of drawings is the foundation for a project’s success.

When not at work, Shailesh enjoys spending time with his wife Rupali and playing with their two sons, Ved and Vivan. Shailesh loves the outdoors and enjoys gardening during the summer months.

Sourabh Sinha, Associate, LEED AP

Associate & Project Manager

Sourabh is a LEED Accredited Professional and received a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Utah in 2005. He also received a Bachelor of Architecture degree with honors from the University of Rajasthan, India in 2001. He has worked as a licensed architect in India before coming over to USA to pursue his higher studies. Since graduating in 2005, he has been working on various projects specializing in Healthcare and Educational type facilities.

Sourabh’s passion for architecture directly translates into projects he is involved with at NJRA. He appreciates the way architectural environments affect human lives and can touch their emotions. His architectural experience ranges from design, project coordination, project management and construction administration. His interest in green and environment friendly design influences his design process and produces buildings that are energy efficient and have low environmental impact. He believes good design should be accompanied with detailed, thorough and clear construction documents.

Sourabh is also active in the community, currently serving as the cultural secretary for the Bengali Association of Utah. He is a trained singer and a keyboard player and has organized and performed at various social events in the Salt Lake Valley. He likes to play cricket and badminton. When not at work Sourabh enjoys spending time with his family, hiking in the mountains, and traveling.

Paul Hirschi, AIA, LEED AP

Associate & Project Architect

Paul has worked in the Salt Lake City metro area for the majority of his career and has well established connections with approval agencies throughout the valley. He is also licensed in several adjoining states. Paul has over 30 years in the architecture profession. He understands the process necessary to manage projects of all types and complexities. Paul’s strong belief in connecting the client to their project has been his focus on every phase of the projects that he works on. As project architect, he is responsible for overseeing the architectural aspects of the development of the design, production of construction documents and specifications. He coordinates the needs of the client with our technical staff and consultants. He has a passion for sustainable design and encourages these practices in each project. He continues to work with commercial brokers, developers, contractors, and individual clients to provide all aspects of architectural design. His experience includes vertical mixed-use, retail, multi-level office, medical office, tenant interiors, assisted living and hospice care projects—a few of which have been featured in DESIGN Magazine.

Paul enjoys spending his free time with his wife, four children and grandchildren. They enjoy camping and playing tennis together when time allows.

Robert Howell, Associate AIA, LEED GA, MRAIC

Project Manager

Fascinated by the way architecture catalyzes human interaction and relationships, Robert has always been intrigued with the intricacies of the built environment. His main focus is healthcare architecture; with an especially strong affinity for the unique design challenges, and immediate social benefit such projects afford to the community.

Robert's passion for world travel led him to graduate with a master's degree in architecture from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. He is currently working towards licensure as a registered architect. Besides design, Robert enjoys skiing, adventure motorcycling, mountain biking, mechanics and exploring the diverse landscapes of his native Utah and the intermountain west.

Katianne Jones

Project Manager

Katianne completed her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees at the University of Utah and participated in the Design Build Bluff program. She is expanding from residential design into the commercial sector and building experience in pursuit of licensure.

Katianne’s passion for the built environment is driven by her fascination with its impact on the individual and the natural environment; the idea of a building going beyond avoiding negative impact to actually contributing positively to its surroundings. She sets her mind and goals on expanding what architecture can be. To this end her studies have included regenerative design and efficient or passive controls.

Outside of architectural pursuits, Katianne enjoys spending time with her husband and son, donning a cowgirl hat and herding cows in Arizona, hiking the Intermountain West and exploring the pacific coastline.

Melissa Allen, Associate IIDA

Interior Designer

Melissa wants you to love your space, from lobbies to laboratories and every commercial space in between. Interior design can elevate a space to something special. Melissa believes this is important and is always striving to envision spaces for her clients that they will enjoy for years to come.

At Utah State University Melissa earned a Bachelor degree in Interior Design and is currently an associate member of the commercial interior design association (IIDA). Melissa has 9 years of healthcare design experience. Her background has given her a unique standpoint on the importance of functional interior materials. She is committed to selecting finishes that are appropriate for their intended use, durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Melissa enjoys working as part of the team on the array of design projects at NJRA Architects.

Melissa lives in North Salt Lake with her husband and son. She enjoys baking, hiking, and chasing after her 3 year old son.

Ashley Sudbury

Architectural Technician

Ashley received her Architectural Design Technology certificate through Utah Valley University where she also received her bachelor’s in integrated studies. Throughout her life, Ashley’s passion for design and attention to detail have driven her creativity and precision in everything she endeavors.

Ashley is excited about the opportunity to become a licensed architect in the future. As an architectural technician, Ashley enjoys learning and expanding her drafting skills in healthcare, educational, and commercial design.

When not working, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters hiking in the mountains, playing games with friends, and trying new crafts.

Katya Fullmer

Architectural Technician

Katya completed her bachelor’s degree of Science in Architecture at the University of Utah and she is planning on completing her Master’s degree in the future. Throughout her life, Katya’s passion for design and attention to detail has driven her creativity and precision in everything she endeavors.

Katya is excited about the opportunity to become a licensed architect. As an Architectural Technician, Katya enjoys learning and expanding her drafting skills in educational, healthcare, and commercial design.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her family and husband, going to different events and festivals, and learning new skills. She is part of a dance group that spreads Latino culture in different parts of the country. Her Peruvian roots are kept alive through dance and her traditions.

Lexi Trapier

Architectural Technician

Lexi is currently enrolled in the Architectural program at Utah Valley University. She has a growing passion for design, problem-solving, and attention to detail. These are things she developed and learned from her father while helping him with projects while growing up. Lexi hopes to work side by side in the construction industry with her father one day. She aspires to work on religious and historic preservation projects.

Lexi enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing volleyball, cheering for local sports teams, watching movies, and being outdoors whenever she can.

Sean Donner

Architectural Technician

Sean is a current student in the Bachelor of Architecture program at Utah Valley University. With a background in facility management, he always thinks about how to design a better experience for the people living and working in the building.

Sean has spent much of his life admiring and photographing architecture. He is excited to expand this pastime to architectural design with the goal of being a licensed architect with a passion for historical preservation.

When he is not at work or school, Sean spends his time with his wife and children. He is a British car enthusiast who also enjoys movies, music, and art.

Angelica Lenhardt

Architectural Technician

Angie is working on her Associate of Architecture degree at Utah Valley University. She got into architecture by helping her husband, an architect, with some minor detailing on his projects. Angie found that she enjoyed the design aspect of architecture and decided to pursue it. With her background in the medical field, NJRA was a great fit, given Angie’s desire to continue to help people give and receive medical care in a comfortable environment.

When not working or attending class, she enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband go off-roading on weekends during the summer months. She also enjoys hiking, traveling, and perfecting her photography skills.