Jefcoat began her career at Perkins&Will 24 years ago as a project architect in the firm’s Charlotte studio, where she spent over a decade working on large, complex projects in higher education, K-12, corporate, commercial, and workplace sectors. She earned her architectural licensure during this time and, with mentorship and encouragement from Stephens, went on to earn her law degree in 2012. She has been part of the legal team ever since, most recently serving as the firm’s deputy general counsel.
In her new role, she will lead the global legal team, managing contract review; compliance with local, state, national, and international regulations; risk mitigation; the execution of mergers and acquisitions; and more.
“It’s an incredible privilege to take on this role at a firm that’s been such a formative part of my journey,” says Jefcoat. “I started here as a young architect, and with the support of Perkins&Will, I found my path to law. I didn’t leave architecture—I wanted to help advocate for its future. My focus has always been on ensuring architects are not only integral to the process but also protected as the industry continues to evolve.”
Jefcoat is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a member of The Jefferson Society, a national organization of professionals licensed in both architecture and law. In 2017, she was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States and currently lectures at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia, a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Juris Doctor from the Charlotte School of Law.
“I’m not going far,” adds Stephens. “But as I step back, I do so with full confidence in Joelle—someone whose clarity, judgment, and leadership will help guide the next chapter of our firm. From her first day as an architect to today, she has led with purpose and poise. Watching her grow into this role has been one of the great privileges of my career.”
