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TBE Architects is a Native American-founded architecture and interior design firm. Our team of professional designers specialize in creating immersive experiences for casino and resort properties throughout North America. Since 1971, TBE Architects has set the standard in hospitality and gaming design across North America. With over 350 casino and 400 hotel projects completed, our work leads the industry—shaping what’s next rather than echoing what’s already been done. Clients and peers turn to TBE for visionary design, strategic insight, and spaces that captivate, perform, and endure. Our legacy is built on leadership, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Luke Jumper AIA, NCARB, LEED-GA President + CEO David Nejelski Vice President + Creative Director Mike Carter Vice President Client Relations Luke Jumper, AIA, NCARB is the CEO, President, and a Principal Owner of TBE Architects. His journey in architecture has been defined by excellence, with contributions to award-winning projects across the U.S. and internationally. Since joining TBE, Luke’s role has evolved from Project Architect to Senior Project Manager, and in 2024, he was named President. In 2025, he assumed the role of CEO, further solidifying his leadership in both design and firm strategy. Luke is known for his exceptional project organization, budget management, schedule oversight, and client communication—skills that make him a trusted leader and a driving force behind successful project outcomes. His ability to balance creative vision with operational precision has earned him the respect of clients, colleagues, and industry peers alike. As CEO, Luke leads the firm with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity, particularly in the tribal hospitality sector. He is frequently invited to speak at industry conferences, where he shares insights on architectural trends, project delivery, and the evolving role of design in community development. Outside the office—and in his “spare time” (wink wink)—Luke is currently designing and building his own home in the rural Midwest. This personal project reflects his passion for craftsmanship, sustainability, and the creative process, bringing his professional expertise into a deeply personal endeavor. David Nejelski is the Vice President, Creative Director, and a Principal Owner of TBE Architects, with over 32 years of dedicated service to the firm. His creative fingerprint is woven into every design project, shaping the visual identity and emotional resonance of TBE’s work across the hospitality and gaming industry. Specializing in hotel, casino, and resort design, David is known for crafting captivating spaces that seamlessly blend architecture with art, delivering immersive and unforgettable guest experiences. His passion for designing with meaning is especially evident in his work with Tribal/Indian gaming projects, where he thoughtfully incorporates cultural heritage through stylized and abstract representations. As one of the original visionaries behind TBE’s success, David has played a pivotal role in establishing the firm as a leader in the architectural design of casino and hospitality destinations. His eye for detail, commitment to innovation, and ability to translate cultural narratives into built environments have made him a trusted creative force in the industry. His recent notable projects include the continued renovation and development at the J Resort, the dramatic Garden Court Atrium at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, the grand entry experience at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, and the vibrant new Family Entertainment Center at Wildhorse Resort & Casino. David’s influence is not only seen in the firm’s portfolio but felt in its culture—his leadership, artistry, and passion continue to inspire the next generation of designers at TBE Mike Carter (a.k.a. Bow Tie Mike) brings over a decade of experience in marketing and client relations to the architectural design industry. Since joining TBE Architects in 2019, Mike has become a cornerstone of the firm’s outreach and relationship-building efforts. In 2025, he was promoted to Vice President Client Relations, a role that reflects his deep commitment to client engagement and strategic development. As the first point of contact for many of TBE’s clients and partners, Mike has a natural gift for meeting people where they are—whether at a conference, on a project site, or during a casual conversation. His intuitive sense for connection and ability to build trust quickly have made him an invaluable ambassador for the firm. He’s known for his warm presence, signature bow tie, and a genuine interest in understanding each client’s unique goals and challenges. Mike is an Associate Member of the National Indian Gaming Association, California Nations Indian Gaming Association, and Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association. He also serves on the Advisory Board for Native Nation Events and Indian Gaming magazine, contributing his insights to the broader industry dialogue. Outside of work, Mike enjoys hiking, dabbling in photography, and spending time with his daughter and son—driving them to dance rehearsals, athletic practices, and everything in between Rich Emery AIA, NCARB Executive Emeritus Charles "Chief" Boyd AIA, NCARB Executive Emeritus Rich Emery + Charles “Chief” Boyd —are foundational figures in the legacy of TBE Architects. Rich served the firm for over 40 years, leading as CEO and Design Principal with a visionary approach that integrated advanced technologies and elevated design innovation. Chief Boyd, a founding Principal and member of the Cherokee Nation, used his 60 years of experience to guide TBE’s understanding of Tribal Sovereignty and the respectful representation of Native heritage through design. Under their leadership, the firm partnered with 123 Tribes and First Nations across North America. Though no longer active in daily operations, their philosophies continue to guide and inspire every project we undertake "My passion is to help Native Tribes build financial independence, to strengthen their sovereignty, and improve the quality of life for Indian people." - Charles "Chief" Boyd OUR CORE VALUES RESPONSIVE DESIGN TBE’s design approach is focused on listening to our clients’ wants, and hearing what they need. Being mindful of the 7-generation goal, our work integrates our client’s long-term vision. Our solutions reflect our client’s vision, legacy, and success. EFFICIENCY TBE’s designs are deliberate and intentional resulting in an intuitive space that provides ease of direction and access to amenities for the property guests. This in turn brings increased revenue for our clients. Our forward-reaching hospitality designs are energy and monetarily efficient to our clients, resulting in a more pleasurable guest experience. ACCOUNTABILITY TBE achieves the best possible design solutions, within budget and schedule, while defending the owner’s vision against over aggressive value engineering. Instilling trust and honesty into every relationship, TBE designs in tandem with our clients. What we say we will do, we do.

< Back Johnathan Ruder Director of Production + Partner jruder@tbearc.com 314-727-7000

TBE Architects supports Tribal Sovereignty by providing architectural design focused on strengthening economic independence. Learn how our design process can help represent your unique culture, increase incremental drop on the casino floor, and maximize your return on investment. Out of gallery Projects More Info Clients More Info Testimonial Our firm is primarily focused on serving locals casinos and resorts; designing award-winning experiences since 197 1. We are honored to have worked with many national and international brands, including 123 Tribes & First Nations . - TBE Architects

Imagine finding a firm that is passionate about the people and communities they serve. At TBE Architects, our Project Architects are an important part of the casino design team. Their projects help to shape the world, designing casinos and resort properties that elevate and, in many cases, provide crucial funding for the entire community. PROJECT ARCHITECT - fulltime Are you passionate about creating unforgettable spaces in the hospitality industry? TBE Architects is seeking a talented Project Architect to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on high-profile resort, hotel, and casino projects across North America, including a unique focus on Native American gaming destinations. We’re a mid-sized, nationally recognized design firm known for our collaborative culture and impactful work. Our projects range from $50M to $400M, and we pride ourselves on designing environments that are as meaningful as they are memorable. If you're looking for cookie-cutter projects or a place where you're just another number, this isn’t the role for you. But if you’re driven by creativity, growth, and making a real difference—you’ll fit right in. What You’ll Do Collaborate with clients to understand project goals and vision Develop design concepts and produce 2D/3D drawings, renderings, and models Prepare detailed architectural plans, specifications, and construction documents Coordinate with consultants, engineers, and contractors to ensure code compliance and design integrity Oversee construction phases to maintain design intent and quality standards Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources Mentor junior team members and contribute to a supportive studio culture What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture or related field Licensed Architect (preferred) 5+ years of experience in architectural design and project management Proficiency in Revit; familiarity with other design software is a plus Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and building codes Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills Ability to thrive both independently and in a team setting What We Offer Competitive salary based on experience Bonus opportunities 401(k) plan Health, dental, and life insurance Flexible schedule and paid time off Professional development support Relocation : Candidates must be able to reliably commute to or plan to relocate to St. Louis, MO 63132 prior to starting. Ready to design spaces that inspire? Submit your resume, portfolio, and references to be considered. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table. return to the Career page to apply

The design teams at TBE Architects specialize in creating destination casino, hotel, and resort properties that will impress your most affluent guests and maximize your return on investment. We are committed to providing exceptionally well-designed gaming and hospitality destinations that are both cost-effective and sustainable. Our team of design professionals bring a suite of specialized skill and talent that enables us to create one-of-a-kind guest experiences that respect the unique culture and traditions of our clientele without sacrificing functionality and ROI. Below are several examples of projects completed by our firm. For additional information about how we can partner with you, please contact us . We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Quil Ceda Creek Casino Indigo Sky Casino Resort Prairie Band Resort Havasu Landing Wildhorse Resort & Casino Harrah's Ak-Chin J Resort- Reno Miami Valley Gaming- Racino Paragon Casino Quinault Beach Resort San Manuel Casino Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino Firekeepers Casino Hotel Hard Rock- Tulsa Cypress Bayou Hotel Morongo Casino Resort

< Back TBE Announces New Leadership Structure 5/16, 2024- Indian Gaming Magazine ST. LOUIS, MO – TBE Architects has announced a restructuring of its leadership team. After 42 years at TBE Architects, Rich Emery, Design Principal, is stepping out of his role as President and taking on the title of CEO; Luke Jumper, Senior Project Manager, has moved into the role as President; and David Nejelski, Creative Director, completes the executive team as Vice President. “ With rapid developments in new technology and trends, we felt like the timing was right to introduce in a fresh perspective to our leadership team,” said Emery. “One that can take our abundant history of designing casino resort properties and lead it towards a bright future.” Emery began at TBE in May 1982, and over the course of his career, worked his way up from the production floor to his role as President. Emery’s aptitude for strategic planning can be seen throughout the firm’s portfolio including Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, NV, Buffalo Thunder in Santa Fe, NM, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, AZ, and others. Working alongside co-founders of the firm, Barry Thalden and Charles “Chief” Boyd, Emery’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success partnering with tribal and commercial projects for over 53 years. As CEO, Emery will continue to oversee project progress and will focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders. Jumper’s visionary acumen and strong leadership will benefit his new role as President. Fully immersed in the daily responsibilities, Jumper will lead the firm towards continued growth and success as its President. In this new position, he will be actively engaged in conference panels, property visits, client interviews, and overseeing internal growth of the firm, in addition to his current project management responsibilities. Nejelski completes the executive team with his talent for designing spaces that capture the essence of culture and heritage while inspiring casino guests to stay and play longer. He recently celebrated 30 years at TBE Architects and, as part of his additional responsibilities, will be dedicating more time to client-facing opportunities. Link to article here Previous Next

We love it when a well thought out casino resort design becomes something tangible. Here we share casino renderings and construction updates for projects that our team is working on. Take a look and you may find yourself feeling inspired for your next casino design. TBE IN THE NEWS May 16, 2024- Indian Gaming Magazine TBE Architects Announces New Leadership Structure May 30, 2024- Indian Gaming Magazine We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Receives Tripadvisor 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award TBE Projects in the news- We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort March 13, 2024- Gaming America Coushatta Tribe announces groundbreaking ceremony TBE Projects in the news- Coushatta Casino Resort

< Back 5 most promising Fintech startups Jess Wilder Mar 17, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

Our interior design team knows that patrons to your casino and resort property demand an experience unlike anywhere they have been before. Each casino's sophisticated design is completely unique as we seek to incorporate significant local and cultural components. INTERIOR DESIGNER - fulltime TBE is pressing on towards the future. We are currently looking for fresh talent for to join our Interior Design team at our close-knit boutique firm. TBE Architects is a mid-sized (under 30 person) design firm that accomplishes nationally recognized large scale hospitality work across North America. We are specialists in Resort, Hotel and Casino design, with a unique niche of Native American casinos. We work on projects ranging from $50M to $400M. Our work is fun, rewarding and makes a difference in the lives of the clients we partner with. Candidates looking for cookie cutter projects and a work environment where you’re just a number need not apply. But…if you’re searching for an environment that fosters internal growth, personal achievement, and you want to make a difference, this could be the place for you! QUALIFICATIONS Experience in Interior Design (ideally in hospitality) Bachelor’s degree in interior design from an accredited institution (NCIDQ plus) Proficient in REVIT Proficient in Microsoft Office Familiarity with Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) Deadline and detail oriented Excellent written & verbal communication skills Ability to participate in several projects simultaneously. St. Louis, MO 63132: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required) RESPONSIBILITIES Prepare sketches and documentation for client presentations. Be comfortable developing an interior space 3 dimensionally not just in finishing selections. Select and specify appropriate finishes, colors, and textures to highlight the design. Assist with drawing documentation. Participate in prompt internal and external communication with company stakeholders and the Interiors department. Establish & maintain a positive rapport with clients, vendors, and consultants. Travel may be a part of your future if you enjoy interacting with clients and contractors! BENEFITS Competitive salary based on experience. 401(k) Flexible start time Health insurance Paid time off accruing from day 1 Professional development assistance Bonus opportunities as a percentage of profits Amazing teammates Professional growth opportunities Dog Friendly Suburban office location return to Careers page to apply

TBE Architects is a tribally-founded firm specializing in the design of hotel, casino, and resort properties. We employ architects and interior design specialists based on skill, aptitude, and their ability to be a positive contributor to the team dynamic. Luke Jumper, AIA President + CEO John Corson, AIA Director of Production Michael Klosterman, AIA Senior Project Architect + Partner Rukaia Alwan Interior Designer Lead David Nejelski Vice President + Creative Director Lawrence Wolters, AIA Senior Project Manager + Partner Daryl Starzer, AIA Senior Project Manager Mikki Sammons, RID | NCIDQ Senior Interior Designer Mike Carter Vice President Customer Relations Johnathan Ruder, AIA Senior Architect + Partner Wenyu Xu Site Planner Marketing & Brand Manager Julie Hammond KEY PERSONNEL We’re a powerhouse team of architects and interior designers at the forefront of hospitality design. With deep industry expertise and a forward-thinking approach, we create transformative spaces that captivate guests, honor cultural narratives, optimize operational flow, and drive ROI. From iconic casino resorts to luxury hotels, we don’t just design spaces—we shape experiences that define destinations.

< Back Gadget review: release of new Airy Pods Daniel Williams Mar 21, 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

< Back Lawrence Walters Sr. Project Manager + Partner lwolters@tbearc.com 314-727-7000