ChurchArchitects, LLC

The practice was started in 1984 when John Wesley Whitehead, an architect and pastor’s son, received a call to leave his partnership in a large muti-national firm to begin a practice devoted to serving churches and Christian ministries. In 1989, Todd Phillippi joined the firm, eventually taking over the leadership in 1999. Chris Kulp joined the practice initially in 2015 before serving for several years as the project architect for a mission complex in Cambodia. He rejoined ChurchArchitects in 2020 while also starting an international service arm, Conduit, to train young architects in developing countries. Chris becoming a partner in 2023, and Conduit architects have become an integral part of the practice. Both Todd and Chris are certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), enabling them to be licensed in most states in the US and Canada.

Over the past 40 years, ChurchArchitects has served hundreds of Christian churches, schools and ministries. We employ the latest technology in our practice and are committed to serving with excellence and integrity. We are committed to putting the interest of God’s kingdom and the ministries we serve first. To learn more about our Values, click here.

company partners

Todd Phillippi, NCARB

A licensed architect since 1987, Todd has extensive experience in design, construction, and master planning. He also has a wealth of practical church ministry and leadership experience. To learn more about Todd or contact him, click here.

Modeling & Visualization leader

Jesse joined the team in 2022 and is a master of Building Information Modeling and 3D visualization. Prior to joining ChurchArchitects he spent a year internship working on international mission projects.

Ryan joined our team in 2024. He comes with years of practical experience in construction, estimating and project management. Proficient in computer modeling and construction detailing, he is also pursing his architecture degree, enrolled in Drexel University’s evening program for professionals (all while being a husband and father of three little girls!)

Conduit architectural fellows

Josh is a graduate of the prestigious Ethiopia Institute of Architecture, Building Construction, and City Development (EiABC), and co-founder of an Ethiopia-based social enterprise, Infinite Leather & Crafts. Joshua is an architectural designer and social entrepreneur with a passion to use his skills and resources to create opportunities for others.

Chris Kulp, NCARB

In addition to being a licensed architect, Chris holds a Masters Degree in International Emergency Architecture, reflecting his passion for international missions. To learn more about Chris or contact him, click here.

construction documentation supervisor

Colleen interned under Todd in the early 1990’s and worked her way up to be the lead project architect. She has managed the firms largest projects over the years and is an expert in building codes and construction quality control.

Kate holds a degree in Interior Design and specializes in thoughtfully curated material selections that create cohesive, welcoming environments. She is passionate about designing spaces that support ministry, encourage connection, and glorify God through beauty, function, and intentional detail. Kate is also a wife and proud mother of six.

Bevin  joined the team in 2026 as an Architectural Intern. He is currently a student at Drexel University in the 2+4 Architecture Program, where he is working toward his Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Construction Management. Outside of his academic and professional work, Bevin serves his church by playing drums on the worship team and as the chief editor of the church newsletter. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports and spending time with family and friends.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Yididiya holds an undergraduate degree in Architecture from Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, as well as a postgraduate diploma in Sustainable Architecture from Critical Concrete and the Escola Superior Artistica do Porto (ESAP). Her passion lies in researching environmentally friendly building methods and exploring the social implications of architecture.

Jordan holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Gondar and is passionate about design that serves communities most in need. Throughout her career, she has intentionally aligned herself with organizations committed to creating meaningful change in underserved regions of the world, particularly through architecture that improves quality of life across Africa. Her professional work and research have focused on emergency architecture, colonial history, and project management. Outside of her architectural work, Yordanos enjoys reading and engaging in discussions on theology and biblical history.