Four people stand spaced apart on steps in front of a large, elegant house with white railings, stone accents, and many windows. Theres a swimming pool in the foreground. The group includes three women and one man, dressed in business casual attire.

Younger Architecture & Design is a boutique architectural firm dedicated to crafting timeless, detail-rich residential architecture. Our collaborative team brings together creative vision and technical expertise, designing homes that are both beautiful and deeply personal. With a foundation in classic design principles and a forward-thinking approach, we guide each project from concept to completion with care, clarity, and craftsmanship.

A man in a gray blazer, white shirt, and beige pants stands on a porch with his hands in his pockets. He is smiling, with brown shoes, in front of a white door and window. A large planter with green bushes and a black lantern are on the left. 300 characters.

JOSHUA G. YOUNGNER

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, NCIDQ

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

Josh’s passion for the arts developed at a young age while apprenticing as a decorative painter in houses and golf clubs during his high school summers in Sea Island, Georgia. These experiences instilled the importance of collaboration among architects, designers, artisans, and builders – a framework which he has carried into his practice today.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Georgia, he interned with several design firms before obtaining his Master of Architecture Degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design. For nearly a decade, he worked as an architect with Dunwody/Beeland Architects before founding his own practice in 2017. Josh’s work focuses on custom residential homes and special resort projects across the United States, which often involve a mix of different period styles and contemporary elements. His successful projects result from close collaboration among the owner, design team, and building team.

A lifetime resident of Saint Simons Island, Josh is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and holds LEED Certification for Building Design and Construction. He is certified by the National Council of Architecture Registration Board and is licensed to practice architecture in Georgia and Wyoming.

A woman with light brown hair, wearing a long black dress and black heels, stands on a light stone path outside a gray stone building with white doors, surrounded by greenery and trees. She is smiling and has her hands clasped in front of her.

Jeanmarie Farrell

NCARB

Lead Project Manager

Jeanmarie is a licensed architect who brings more than 10 years of experience with specialties in multifamily, senior living, and hospitality projects. She received her Masters of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Jeanmarie values creating residential spaces that inspire and enliven people.

She believes that incorporating thoughtful details can make a positive impact on people’s lives, and finds joy in seeing the happiness on clients’ faces when they first see the finished space designed specifically with their sensibilities in mind. In her free time, she enjoys staying active through weightlifting and paddleboarding.

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a tan sleeveless top and dark pants, stands smiling and leaning against a white column in front of a green door with glass panels. Bushes and a welcome mat are visible near the entrance.

Alex Ilaoa

AIA NCARB WELL AP

Designer

Alex is a licensed architect with over 10 years of experience working on large-scale projects across commercial office, mixed-use, and science & technology sectors. Having spent much of her career at large firms in Denver and Atlanta, she developed a strong foundation in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams through all phases of the design process. This diverse experience has equipped her with a versatile skillset, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to innovative, functional design.

After relocating to St. Simons Island with her family, Alex is excited to shift her focus to the residential side of architecture, bringing her expertise in large projects to create personalized, thoughtfully designed homes. She holds a Master of Architecture from Georgia Tech and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University.

Outside of architecture, Alex enjoys hiking and camping, writing children’s books, and recharging at the beach.

A woman stands outside a white brick building with black-framed glass doors. She wears a navy suit, striped shirt, white sneakers, and a headband. Her hands are in her pockets, and she stands on a pebble path beside green shrubs.

Laura Nora

Designer

Laura Tora is an Architectural Designer with more than 5 years experience in both commercial and residential projects.  She supports project managers throughout the entire design process, but especially during construction documents and coordination.  Born and raised in Colombia, her culture enriches the team with different perspectives and creative design solutions.  For her, providing functional ideas that meet client needs is her number one goal.  She wants the client to connect deeply with their space, and to embrace it and make it home.  She is currently working to become a Licensed Architect as she continues to develop her craft while also contributing to the team’s success.

Not Pictured

  • Elizabeth Foreman, Designer