Nationally Renowned Jacksonville, FL Architecture Firm

TTV Architects, Inc. is a progressive, full-service architecture and engineering firm located in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. We combine imaginative design, advanced technical knowledge, and experienced project management to meet client goals. We honor your vision, respect your budget and schedule, and deliver results that consistently exceed expectations.

At TTV, every project reflects the people and organizations it serves. Through collaboration in architecture, planning, and interior design, we create environments that are healthy, secure, and productive. This approach has earned us long-standing relationships with many clients returning for future projects.

Bring us your vision, and together we will make it a reality—on time and on budget.

Christopher Noel, AIA, LEED AP – President

Christopher Noel was born in Burlington, Vermont, where he lived until 1999, when he and his wife, Rachel, moved to Jacksonville in search of warmer weather and new opportunities. He earned an Associate’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Vermont Technical College and later completed his Bachelor of Architecture at Norwich University.

After relocating to Florida, Chris joined TTV Architects in 1999 and quickly became a cornerstone of the firm. He was promoted to Vice President in 2005 and, in 2023, was named President. In this role, he provides vision and leadership across all projects, guiding the firm and continuing to strengthen TTV’s reputation for excellence and client-focused design.

Chris’ leadership extends beyond the firm into the Jacksonville community. He has served as President of the AIA Jacksonville Chapter, represented the region on the AIA Florida Board of Directors, and held board positions for the Mellen C. Greeley, AIA Foundation, Jax Pride, and Meninak, where he also served as Secretary.

Chris is deeply rooted in family and faith. He and Rachel have been married since 1994 and are the proud parents of three children, Jillian, Griffin, and Elijah, as well as their rescue dog, Diesel. He is active in his church and begins most mornings with F3 Jax, a men’s workout group that focuses on fitness, leadership, fellowship, and community impact.

Jessica Vu – CFO, Office Manager

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Jessica Vu brings a blend of creativity, precision, and leadership to her work at TTV Architects. She attended the University of Florida, one of TTV’s longstanding clients, before completing her undergraduate degree in Computer Animation. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Jessica began her career in Southern California, where she spent a decade working with children with autism. That experience strengthened her skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving, which she later carried into the business world. In 2017, she joined TTV Architects as Office Manager, and her expertise in efficiency and financial systems soon became invaluable. Her leadership and strategic insight led to her promotion to Chief Financial Officer in 2023, where she now oversees financial operations, manages accounting, and ensures the firm runs smoothly for both staff and clients.

Outside of work, Jessica and her husband, Ryan, share a love of travel and food. They celebrated their wedding in a destination ceremony in Jamaica and now live in Neptune Beach with their son, Kai, and their rescue dog, Rudy.

Donnell Pinder-Culmer, AIA – Architect, Project Manager

Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Donnell Pinder-Culmer discovered her passion for design early. She earned an Associate’s degree in Architecture from the College of The Bahamas, then completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture at Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Her academic experiences included hands-on work with architectural firms, the Bahamian Ministry of Works, and programs at Harvard and MIT. Donnell’s accomplishments include being a Lyford Cay Foundation Scholar, a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, and receiving the AIA Henry Adams Certificate of Merit.

Since joining TTV Architects in 2017, Donnell has grown into her role as a licensed Florida Architect, serving as Project Manager and BIM Manager. She is known for her attention to detail, collaborative approach, and adaptability to each client’s needs. She was part of the winning TTV team for the 2017 Phoenix Art District Design Competition in Jacksonville, Florida, and has served on the University of Florida’s BIM360 committee, helping guide the transition to a new digital review process.

Outside of work, Donnell enjoys reading, road trips, and exploring new experiences. She and her husband, Joemeko, married in 2022, and together they raise their nephew, a high school senior and football player.

Chad Horton, Assoc. AIA – Project Manager

Chad Horton is a Project Manager at TTV, specializing in educational and healthcare projects. Originally from Franklin, Pennsylvania, and raised in North Florida, Chad showed a strong creative drive from an early age. He pursued an accelerated academic path, earning both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Florida.

Since joining TTV in 2019, Chad has brought a balance of detail-oriented project management and big-picture perspective to his work. He has contributed to projects such as the City of Jacksonville Mayport Community Center, renovations at the University of North Florida, and ongoing work at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa. His interests include adaptive reuse, accessibility-focused design, and multimedia architectural lighting, which influence the thoughtful and innovative approach he brings to every project.

In his free time, Chad enjoys creative side projects, exploring virtual reality, and curating themed movie nights with friends and family. He lives in Jacksonville’s Southside, where he enjoys hosting gatherings and experimenting with homemade cocktails.

Craig Bethell Jr., Assoc. AIA – Architectural Associate

Craig is a dedicated architectural professional whose journey reflects a strong passion for design, construction, and community. Born on the island of New Providence (Nassau) in The Bahamas to hearing-impaired parents, he was raised with the steady encouragement of his older sister, whose support has guided him throughout his life. His early interest in the built environment led him to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (2015) and a Master of Architecture (2017) from Florida A&M University. He also holds a Building Performance Analysis certification from Autodesk, expanding his expertise in sustainable and efficient design.

Since 2017, Craig has worked with TTV in multiple capacities, from freelance design professional to architectural associate. He has contributed to projects for clients including the U.S. General Services Administration, the Florida Department of Management Services, the University of North Florida, and the University of Florida. His professional experiences in construction, preservation, and design—both in The Bahamas and the U.S.—inform his approach of merging history, functionality, and innovation.

Craig lives in Midway, Florida, with his wife, their daughter, and a new baby on the way. He values family, community service, and his faith, which continue to shape both his life and career.

LéJon Smith, Assoc. AIA – Architectural Associate

LéJon Smith is an Architectural Associate whose work reflects a strong commitment to design, collaboration, and client service. He earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Architecture from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida.

He began his architectural career in 2017, gaining experience at several small architecture firms across Florida. His experience has strengthened his attention to detail, collaboration, communication, and creativity, enabling him to provide practical design solutions tailored to client needs. Since joining TTV in 2019, LéJon has contributed to projects across commercial, higher education, and government sectors. He actively participates in all design phases, including construction administration, project and client management, and consultant coordination.

Born in Columbia, Maryland, with family roots in the British Virgin Islands, LéJon enjoys balancing his professional life with time spent with family and friends. Outside of work, he stays active through jump rope, strength training, and cardio, and he enjoys traveling to experience diverse cultures, architectural design, and new foods.

Joemeko Culmer, Assoc. AIA, IFMA – Architectural Associate

Joemeko Culmer was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. At 17, he moved to California to pursue his dream of playing football while completing his high school education. From an early age, he was fascinated by how buildings are “put together,” a curiosity that led him to earn a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master’s in Facilities Management from Florida A&M University (FAMU).

Before joining TTV, Joemeko gained experience in The Bahamas on residential, commercial, airport, educational, and financial institution projects. He joined TTV in 2023 as an Architectural Associate and serves as the project manager for various UF and UNF projects, while also assisting with other projects as needed. Skilled in multiple design software programs, he communicates design intent clearly and approaches every challenge with careful attention to detail.

When he’s not working, Joemeko enjoys spending time with his wife, Donnell, going wherever the wind takes them. He likes working out, learning new skills, and taking good naps. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Joemeko played high school football, baseball, and track and field, and continued with college football. He has spent more than 13 years coaching, including serving as Head Coach for a youth football team in The Bahamas.

Brianda Valdez – Architectural Associate

Brianda Valdez is an Architectural Associate at TTV Architects, supporting a variety of projects across the firm. She enjoys gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of the architectural process and is focused on strengthening her skills in project design, technical detailing, and client collaboration.

A Jacksonville native, Brianda earned her Master of Architecture from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 2024. She began building her foundation in design earlier, completing a Drafting Certification at Florida State College at Jacksonville in 2018. Since then, she has gained valuable technical experience that continues to inform her growing career in architecture.

Outside of work, Brianda enjoys spending time with family and friends while finding inspiration in everyday life. She values meaningful connections and brings that same thoughtful perspective to her work at TTV.

Robert Carkhuff III – Office Assistant

Robert Carkhuff supports TTV Architects with a wide range of responsibilities, from administrative tasks to logging shop drawings. Known as the “gatekeeper” of the office, Rob is always ready to help, approaching every challenge with a positive attitude and problem-solving mindset. If he doesn’t know how to do something, he makes it a point to figure it out.

Rob earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Fisher College in 2018. Before joining TTV in March 2023, he worked for the Boston Red Sox, the 2018 World Series Champions.

When he’s not at work, Rob enjoys exploring Jacksonville’s hidden treasures, discovering new foods, and spending weekends at the ballpark or stadium catching a game. A dedicated sports fan, he brings the same team spirit to his role at the firm as he does to the stands.

Tri Vu – Founder, President Emeritus

Tri Vu is the Founder and President Emeritus of TTV Architects, Inc., which he co-founded with Lori Vu in 1994. His vision, leadership, and dedication laid the foundation for the firm’s long-standing success. After more than 30 years of leading TTV, Tri retired in 2026 but remains closely connected to the firm and enjoys seeing its continued growth. His work has left a lasting legacy of innovation, ethics, and a strong foundation that continues to guide the culture of excellence at TTV.

Tri earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas in 1980 and studied business management at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business. Early in his career, he worked with renowned architects E. Fay Jones in Arkansas and William Morgan in Florida, experiences that shaped his design philosophy and professional approach.

Throughout his career, Tri has been deeply engaged in the profession and the Jacksonville community. He served as President of the AIA Jacksonville Chapter, on the AIA Florida Board of Directors, and was honored with the Jacksonville AIA’s John Dyal Award. He also served on the University of Florida School of Architecture Advisory Board, the City of Jacksonville Building Code Adjustment Board, and the board of Downtown Vision, Inc. Among his notable achievements, Tri received Downtown Vision’s 2004 Visionary Award for his successful “Lighting the Bridges” initiative for Super Bowl XXXIX. His commitment to advancing the field extended beyond the U.S., as he was selected to join the U.S. Architecture Delegation to Hong Kong, China, and Vietnam.

A refugee from Vietnam, Tri has called the U.S. home since 1975. He married Lori in 1979 and enjoys traveling, exploring cultures, and experiencing diverse cuisines.

Lori Orton Vu – Founder

Lori Orton Vu is the Founder of TTV Architects, Inc., which she co-founded with Tri Vu in 1994. From the very beginning, Lori managed the office, finances, and operations, handling everything outside of architecture to help build the firm from the ground up. She served as Chief Financial Officer until 2023 and continued as CFO Advisor until her retirement in 2026, leaving a lasting legacy of strategic leadership and operational excellence.

During her time at TTV, Lori took numerous courses and workshops through the Society for Design Administration, the Small Business Administration, and on Ajera accounting software, further strengthening her expertise in business and firm operations.

Lori earned her B.A. in French and Spanish from the University of Arkansas, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and her M.A. in French from Washington University in St. Louis.

Outside of work, Lori enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures, ballroom dancing, and spending time with her children and grandson. She is an avid lover of strategy and puzzle games and is currently learning Vietnamese.