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Jordan Pennington Promoted to Principal

05 Jun 2025, Posted by Jaime Pacilio in Promotions

Arlington, TX – [June 3, 2025] – SBL Architecture is honored to announced that Jordan K. Pennington, AIA, NCARB, has become a Principal, reinforcing our commitment to the continued evolution of leadership within our firm. Jordan’s achievement reflects our dedication to fostering talent from within our highly collaborative team of architects and designers and rewarding outstanding performance. At SBL Architecture, our Principals lead in marketing, management, architectural design and planning, ensuring a cohesive approach to all facets of our practice.

Jordan began his journey with SBL in 2014 and quickly demonstrated a deep understanding of project execution and team dynamics. After a brief period away, he returned to SBL with a broader perspective and renewed energy. Since rejoining the team, he has been instrumental in harnessing new business, strengthening existing client relationships, expanding our presence in the market, and mentoring emerging staff. He is currently focused on diversifying our portfolio to include higher education and commercial sectors while maintaining our strong foundation in healthcare architecture.

A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington, Jordan earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture (Cum Laude) in 2007 and his Master of Architecture in 2009. His connection to UTA and the Arlington community continues to play a meaningful role in his professional journey.

Jordan sees his new leadership role as an opportunity to build on the firm’s legacy and drive its growth with clear optimism. “There’s greater potential with our team at SBL to create a positive impact on community,” he shares. “I’m excited to join an established firm and I look forward to creating exponential growth. The journey is not about me. It’s about a team, relationships and creating a trusted community with our professional services. I want to show people that it’s possible to work hard, chase a vision, execute, and evolve. I also strive to inspire others to pursue their goals along the way.”

Architecture is more than a profession for Jordan – it’s personal. He credits his passion for design to a memorable visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Allen House at age 12 and to a family legacy rooted in art and construction. One grandfather was a mason, the other a steel welder, his grandmother an artist, and his father an art teacher. These creative influences shaped his identity and direction early in life and remain apparent today.

Known for his approachable personality and entrepreneurial mindset, Jordan values relationships as the cornerstone of success. Whether working with clients, contractors, or peers, he thrives on connection and believes, “the best way to predict the future, is to create it.”

As a Principal in the firm, which required acquisition of stock in SBL Architecture, Jordan now has a vested interest in the firm’s future, culture, marketing, corporate strategy and operational management. Jordan will continue in his role as Senior Project Manager and will use the title of Project Principal as his leadership responsibilities grow.

Outside the office, Jordan is deeply rooted in family life. He enjoys golfing, sporting events, fishing, spending time at the baseball field and dance recitals, or simply relaxing at home with his wife, Brooke, and their two children. He also prioritizes time with his mother, recognizing how meaningful and finite those moments can be as we get older. Family connections are at the heart of how he recharges and stays grounded, providing balance to his professional pursuits.

He also draws creative inspiration from architecture around the world, particularly the minimalist elegance and discipline found in Japanese design. He admires the work of Tadao Ando, especially the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Jordan also has a few favorites from his personal collection of work that continue to inspire him. His appreciation for global influences began early and comes full circle with the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Allen House, the first building Wright designed after returning from Japan while completing the Imperial Hotel.

For more information about SBL Architecture and its projects, please visit www.SBLinc.com.

 

About SBL Architecture

SBL Architecture, Inc. was established in 1994 by James S. Little, Jr., AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Michael K. Barnett, AIA, NCARB with a foundational focus on healthcare design—a commitment that remains at the core of the firm’s identity. Over time, our clients have driven our growth into complementary markets, including commercial and institutional design.

Now celebrating 31 years and over a thousand completed projects, SBL Architecture continues to shape the future of healthcare facilities across Texas and beyond, delivering innovative, client-centered solutions that meet the evolving needs of communities.

Media Contact:

Jaime Pacilio

Senior Associate, SBL Architecture

(817) 792-2100 | jpacilio@sblinc.com