Daniel A. Thornton AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Associate principal, Project Manager

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Dan Thornton, AIA, LEED AP is an Associate Principal and Project Manager with more than 22 years of experience leading large-scale gaming, resort, and entertainment projects. Recognized for his technical expertise, thoughtful leadership, and responsive approach to project delivery, Dan helps guide complex projects and supports project teams in delivering work of exceptional quality.

Dan joined JCJ early in his career and has grown with the firm over more than two decades, including taking on leadership responsibilities as a Project Architect, Project Manager, and Studio Leader. That progression has given him a deep understanding of the technical, organizational, and collaborative disciplines required to successfully deliver complex projects. Known for his well-organized and adaptive approach, Dan collaborates across project teams to align project vision and design with the many details that lead to project success.

Beyond his project responsibilities, Dan has long been committed to mentoring the next generation of design professionals. As a volunteer with the ACE Mentor Program for more than two decades, he has served as mentor, team leader, chapter leader, and now President of the Connecticut affiliate. He has helped grow the program locally while introducing students to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. His commitment to developing others reflects the same patience, generosity, and professionalism that define his work with clients and colleagues.

Awards and Recognition

  • American Institute of Architects, Eastern Oklahoma (AIA-EOK), People’s Choice, Large Commercial
  • Architecture, Choctaw Durant Expansion (2021)
  • “5 Functions for Effective Boards,” ACE Regional Meeting, 2026
  • “ACE and the Future Workforce”, CONNstruction, 2023

Project Experience

  • Tribal gaming and hospitality
  • Gaming and entertainment
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Food and beverage
  • Hospitality renovations
  • Mixed-use developments
  • Corporate and government offices

Representative Clients

  • Bally’s Corporation
  • Caesars Entertainment
  • Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
  • Mohegan
  • Seneca Gaming Corporation

Representative Projects

  • Choctaw Casino & Resort Expansion – Durant, OK
  • Caesars New Orleans Renovation and Rebrand – New Orleans, LA
  • Resorts World Catskills – Monticello, NY
  • Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino – Salamanca, NY
  • Mohegan Pennsylvania – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Experience

23 Years

Capabilities
  • Project leadership
  • Technical project delivery
  • Construction administration
  • Design coordination
  • Team leadership
  • Technical quality management
  • Staff mentoring
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Masterplanning and Programming
Professional Leadership
  • Former Studio Leader, JCJ Hartford
  • ACE Mentor Program of Connecticut, Affiliate President
Credentials
  • Licensed Architect, registered in Connecticut
  • NCARB certified
  • LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
Education
  • Bachelor of Architecture, Syracuse University School of Architecture
Affiliations
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
  • CANstruction, former team leader