Jan 8, 2026 – Chicago, IL — Clayco, a leading design-build firm, today announced the merger of its engineering design subsidiary, Clayco Design & Engineering Inc., with its architectural services subsidiary, The Lamar Johnson Collaborative, known as “LJC.” The strategic realignment, which will operate under the LJC brand, will both deepen integration across engineering and architectural design disciplines while better aligning Clayco’s design and engineering business with the evolving needs of clients.
As part of the restructuring, Zac House has been named Chief Executive Officer of LJC. In this new role, House will drive the unification of LJC’s design and engineering disciplines to deliver more cohesive, buildable solutions. As part of the merger, Clayco Design & Engineering’s more than 100+ strong engineering team will be merged into LJC.
“As we evolve to meet the demands of a more connected, tech-driven built environment, this new structure allows us to work smarter, faster, and closer to our clients’ goals,” said House. “Great buildings don’t happen when design and engineering work in isolation. Integration isn’t just a strategy; it’s how we deliver better results for Clayco and LJC clients.”
Under House’s leadership, Clayco is reinforcing the role of design as both a creative and technical discipline. As the architecture field transforms, technical fluency is just as essential as artistic vision. Whether it’s supporting industries like energy, data, or advanced manufacturing, or shaping environments where people work and live, Clayco’s approach is focused on solving complex problems through leading design that is functional, visually compelling and technically innovative.
As part of this realignment:
- Elizabeth Zucker will serve as President of The Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), where she will lead business development, project execution, client engagement, and team growth. Known for her people-first leadership style, Zucker will be focused on building high-performing teams and spaces that empower creativity, collaboration, and innovation across sectors.
- Sarah Jacobson will assume the role of Executive Director at LJC, as a member of the executive team where she will lead the architectural design disciplines, technical standards, firmwide contract negotiations and risk management.
- Justin Burgoon will assume the role of Executive Director at LJC, as a member of the executive team where he will lead the engineering disciplines, technical standards, risk management, and quality outcomes, while enabling delivery teams to perform efficiently and profitably.
“This realignment reflects that we are integrated by design and committed to building a more agile and unified organization that keeps pace with our clients’ evolving challenges,” said Bob Clark, Executive Chairman and Founder of Clayco. “With Zac, Elizabeth, Sarah and Justin in key roles, we’re strengthening our leadership bench and building a model that’s resilient, future-focused, and aligned with Clayco’s broader strategy.”
Clayco’s integrated approach to design and engineering is part of a larger mission to lead through industry disruption. From embracing new technologies to fostering adaptable, cross-functional teams, the company remains focused on redefining what design means in today’s fast-moving environment while leading the way forward with innovative architectural and engineering services.
About Clayco
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely and sustainably delivers the highest quality solutions to clients across North America on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With more than $7.6 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the “art and science of building,” providing fast-track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional and residential-related building projects. For more information, visit www.claycorp.com.
About LJC
LJC is a full-service design and architecture firm, with newly integrated engineering services, committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience and to improving how design and architecture can impact each individual’s emotional being. By harnessing the power of integrated design, including architecture, workplace strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning and engineering, the company achieves its clients’ goals and aspirations. For more information, please visit www.theljc.com.