Employee Spotlight: Mickey Jun

Vice President of Architectural Services | GGA Studios

At GGA Studios, leadership is built on experience, curiosity, and a deep respect for how people move through and experience the built environment. Few embody that philosophy more clearly than Mickey Jun, Vice President of Architectural Services. Since joining GGA in May 2017, Mickey has played a pivotal role in shaping both the firm’s technical excellence and its collaborative culture.

A Curiosity Sparked Early

Mickey’s interest in architecture began long before formal training. As early as middle school, he found himself drawn to buildings with historic character, often wondering how structures built decades or centuries ago were still standing. That curiosity evolved into a deeper appreciation for how buildings guide movement and behavior. Streets, parks, interiors, and circulation paths revealed something powerful to him. Someone planned these spaces intentionally, with the end user in mind.

That early fascination led Mickey to pursue architectural studies at Pennsylvania State University and later at The City College of New York’s School of Architecture, laying the foundation for a career rooted in both design and technical rigor.

Navigating Complexity with Purpose

On a day-to-day basis, Mickey is immersed in the complexities of building code, zoning regulations, and local and national standards, applying them to the design and programming of buildings and spaces across New York City. His work centers on balancing life safety and public protection with functionality and experience. For Mickey, architecture is not only about serving occupants but also about ensuring that buildings perform effectively for emergency responders during critical moments.

Equally important to his role is mentorship. Mickey is a trusted advisor within GGA Studios, often fielding questions from team members tackling unfamiliar or particularly complex challenges. Walking through issues together, breaking down constraints, and finding workable solutions is one of the most rewarding parts of his day. Watching uncertainty turn into clarity is, in his words, priceless.

Solving the Hard Problems

Problem solving sits at the core of Mickey’s work. Whether the challenge involves design intent, regulatory compliance, or competing priorities, he thrives on finding solutions that meet code while respecting project goals.

One such challenge involved a high-rise luxury residential project where a client requested 45-minute fire-resistance apartment entrance doors in place of the 90-minute doors specified by the architect. Through careful review and clear communication, Mickey explained how the corridor design, fire-resistance requirements, and inclusion of a fire service access elevator necessitated the higher-rated doors. He also presented an alternative, outlining how the client could achieve their preference by providing a code-compliant elevator lobby. The outcome balanced safety, compliance, and client choice, exactly the kind of resolution Mickey aims for on every project.

Beyond Architecture

While architecture ultimately won his focus, Mickey once aspired to become a pilot with the United States Air Force, a detail that hints at the discipline, precision, and big picture thinking he brings to his current role.

GGA Studios is proud to spotlight Mickey Jun and grateful for the leadership, insight, and steady guidance he brings to the firm. His work continues to shape safer, smarter, and more thoughtfully designed spaces across the city.