Ivan Johnson, AIA | Senior Architect and Principal
ijohnson@jparchitects.com
After completing his studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Ivan Johnson spent the next year at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, traveling extensively in Europe. Subsequently receiving his commission in the Army Corps of Engineers, Ivan served stateside at Ft Bragg, followed by an assignment in Vietnam. Upon completing his tour, he opted to stay in Southeast Asia and experience a variety of cultures and exciting architecture.
Returning to his roots in North Florida, Ivan began his career with a large architectural firm, spending a decade designing significant public buildings throughout the Panhandle. Ivan and Guy Peterson formed Johnson Peterson Architects in 1980 and have since completed a variety of public and private projects in 48 of Florida’s 67 Counties.
Ivan’s personal project experience includes schools, museums, clinics, offices, libraries, laboratories, recreational, university and industrial buildings. Over the years, the firm’s projects have received 32 awards for excellence in architecture, historic preservation, environmental design and energy conservation. Johnson Peterson has also been cited for its participation and leadership in community organizations. Ivan has served as Chairman of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, President of the Suwannee River Council of the Boy Scouts of America and District Governor of Rotary International. He has also served his professional organizations in numerous leadership roles.
Ivan and his wife Marsey, have three children who are off pursuing their own odesseys, but like their parents, will probably return to North Florida and the land and people they know and love.
When pushed for his most exciting life experience, Ivan didn’t cite harrowing military experiences, his remote travels or even (gasp!) the travails of his wonderful family. It was, however in 1967, when Ivan appeared on stage with the Metropolitan Opera in six different operas as a supernumerary. That’s an “extra” who is not allowed to open their mouth while filling out the stage crowds, armies and festivals which are crucial to the pageantry of grand opera. And Ivan can’t even sing!
