JAF Architect is passionate about design and creating elevated spaces for the human experience.
As a small, design-driven studio, we take on a select number of projects to ensure every home receives the level of attention and authorship it deserves. From first sketch to final fixture, our focus is on clarity, beauty, and the quiet sophistication that comes from intentional design.
Projects
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Saddlecreek Lane
Lexington, 2024
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![An image of modern kitchen in Kentucky.]()
Elm Street
Lexington, 2021
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Shady Lane
Lexington, 2020
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![Mide Century modern Lexington interior design architecture]()
Mid Century
Lexington, 2019
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![Tates Creek]()
Tates Creek
Lexington, 2025
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Saddlecreek Lane
Extensive interior and exterior architecture renovation of existing home in the beautiful horse country of Lexington, Kentucky. Opened up spaces throughout the house to bring in more natural light and highlight views of rolling hills while using texture and materials to enhance user experience.
Counter-to-ceiling porcelain tile panels serve as backsplash and a soft muted background for the kitchen workspace with a porcelain slab counter while natural quartzite island is polished to reflect surrounding light and serve as gathering space for visitors. The colors and textures are inspired by the Japandi aesthetic, a combination of Japanese and Scandinavian design sensibilities.
Sliding glass folding doors replaced small windows letting the outside in and the inside out while providing more natural light and views to the surrounding rolling hills landscape.
Light pours into the dining area, and after sunset the discrete lighting fixtures accent artwork and circulation.
Concealed within the architecture, lighting sources both direct and indirect enhance the serenity of a Japandi-inspired space. Asymmetrical balance was a consistent theme throughout the design including the space layout of the great room entrance. The oval artisan rug was selected to offset the circulation and guide visitors from the entry to the entertainment area.
A new picture window replaced two closets providing a serene space for reading or contemplation to wind down the day. Custom white ash wood cabinetry extends into the bedroom providing storage and a floating bed platform with radius corners for smooth circulation.
Honed porcelain large format tiles sit on top of a heated floor and continue up the shower wall of the master bath. Indirect lighting throughout enhances the user experience. Porcelain slab countertops are also honed to coordinate with the fixtures to be soft to the touch.
Light-filled connector allows continuous connection with nature.
Wellness room was enhanced with indirect lighting, simple matte shower plumbing and cedar floors.
Laundry area was opened to the connector space and accented with indirect light washed fluted glass tiles. A sitting bench provides a space for contemplation while cleansing.
White ash wood continues in the office with concealed lighting for contemplative work.
Shady Lane
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Floor-to-ceiling glazing enclosed the new sitting room and office above with added observation deck overlooking a new soaking pool.
Porcelain tiles complement the natural limestone retaining wall which defines the hardscape gathering area and barbeque station. The pool area is sunken from the dining area with a 6” step for added privacy.
Steps surround the limestone retaining wall and cascade into the landscape accented by natural gas lanterns.
Sliding doors from the living space and kitchen open to outdoor pool and sitting area.
Outdoor pool is open and screened from view for added privacy.
Elm Street
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Interior renovation for mindfully aging in place focusing on simplicity, calm and centered. Plumbing fixtures selected are patina brass that darken as they are touched.
A large picture window replaced a small high window and needed storage space was added below the new peninsula table that doubles as dining and extra work surface. Refrigerator and freezer are concealed in the light-washed oak wood cabinetry.
The kitchen area flows into the living area with the locally sourced white oak reclaimed engineered wood flooring. The media area is recessed with natural wood paneling, and the new floating fireplace is surrounded by natural marble.
A new familial entry also serves as gathering space before entering the kitchen area. A custom fabricated steel handrail for safety accents the space while contemplating the circular pendants viewed from the picture window.
Takes Creek
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Exterior renovation for a peaceful patio scape with essential elements: water, light, shelter and plantings.
Full height porcelain-tile panels clad the privacy walls and custom planters while serving as a soft backdrop to the barbeque grill and water meter which are screened from view and easily accessible when needed. A water fountain adds serenity and a visual focal point from the covered sitting area.
A new covered patio roof was added over the existing sliding doors with 3 skylights to allow natural light to filter the sitting area. Custom built in planters and bench seating are clad with large porcelain panels to match the flooring and privacy walls.
Mid Century
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Interior renovation of a true Mid-Century modern gem in Lexington, Kentucky. The original materials were honored and complemented.
The original terrazzo floors were preserved and maintained while the kitchen was reconfigured to increase flow and workspace. Natural walnut wood was used for cabinetry and a quartzite island countertop serves as gathering place.
New lighting accents the workspace and increases ambience.
The master bath showcases the same natural walnut and simple white quartz countertop.
Meet Jill
Jill is the founder and principal of JAF Architect, a design practice rooted in clarity, restraint, and a modern sensibility. Since becoming a licensed architect in 2005, she has built a diverse body of work shaped by her Master of Architecture training at the University of Michigan and years of practice across the American Southwest, Los Angeles, and South America.
Her early career in New Mexico grounded her in the simplicity of desert light and form. Five years in Los Angeles refined her focus on small commercial and high-end residential design, where craft, atmosphere, and detail matter as much as program. During two years abroad, she designed a vineyard for a major Bolivian wine producer, an experience that deepened her appreciation for architecture connected to landscape and ritual.
Jill now works from Kentucky, where the rolling hills echo a familiar sense of calm and inspire her ongoing exploration of modern living. Her residential work has been recognized locally, including a project featured on the Eastern Kentucky AIA Home Tour—a home originally designed by well-known local architect, Scott Guyon. Its thoughtful siting and dialogue with the landscape deeply resonated with her, sparking an ongoing design collaboration with Scott to continue the evolution of the New Native House concept.
She holds architectural licenses in both Kentucky and New Mexico, as well as Certification in Interior Design. Jill approaches each home as a unique composition—balancing light, material, and experience to create spaces that feel effortless, grounded, and deeply human.