About JCA
JCA is a female-owned architectural firm based in Portland Maine with an established regional reputation. JCA’s approach promotes true client engagement, site stewardship, and clear communication across interdisciplinary teams. Over the last decade of practice, JCA has developed relationships with some of the best Engineers, Landscape Architects, General Contractors, and Crafts people in New England.
About Jessie Carroll, AIA
In 2020, Jessie Carroll was the first female architect in Maine to be recognized by the 5 Under 40 regional award for design excellence by New England Home Magazine. Her design work has been recognized locally through AIA Maine design awards with national jurists in 2021 and 2018. In 2017, Jessie was recognized nationally with the Red Diamond Achievement Award for Family Farmhouse. Upon earning her Master of Architecture degree, Jessie received the highest design honor at Northeastern University in 2010.
Prior to establishing JCA, Jessie Carroll served as an associate Principal at Whitten Architects based in Portland, Maine. There she designed custom homes across New England for 8 years. Before moving to Maine, she managed residential construction in Cape Cod Massachusetts. She also practiced in Boston-based firms including Utile, HMFH, and Cannon Design.
Jessie has given back to the architectural community through her involvement in professional organizations, teaching, and speaking engagements. She taught at University of Maine Augusta as adjunct faculty and is acting Vice President of AIA Maine.
Awards and Recognition
Press About Jessie Carroll, AIA
2023 - Porches in Conversation - Maine Home + Design
2022 - Architect Jessie Carroll on Creating a Client-Centered Practice Focused on Process
2022 - AD&P Architecture Design & Photography Podcast with Jessie Carroll
2018 - Maine Women Magazine - By Design
2018 - Old Port Magazine - Character & Soul
2017 - Maine Home + Design - Designing from a Place of Empathy
2017 - The Empathy Effect
About Ashley Lepre, AIA
Ashley Lepre is an architect based in Portland, Maine. Her design sensibility is derived from diverse experiences. She attended Bates College where she studied English, education, and philosophy. After graduating, she spent a year teaching English in Bulgaria on a Fulbright scholarship before deciding to pursue a career in architecture. She received a Master of Architecture degree from UMass Amherst where she was honored with the AIA Henry Adams Medal.
Her professional experience began in commercial architecture where she applied her passion for education and academics to her design work which focused on higher education projects. Additionally, she exercised her dedication to the theoretical by leading several speculative design competition entries which went on to receive recognition including local AIA awards.
Ashley was drawn to residential architecture by the intricacy and individuality of homes. She possesses a deep appreciation for the Maine and New England lifestyle and is motivated by the unique stories that inform the designs of JCA's clients' homes.
Beyond her professional life, she can be found writing and performing music with her twin sister, as well as enjoying the outdoors with her wife and dog.
