Biography
For four decades, Jim has shaped workplaces that balance architectural rigor, business performance, and human experience. As a Principal and Design Director in Gensler’s Chicago office, he leads complex interior and base building architecture projects while helping advance talent, design excellence, and innovation across the firm.
With 40 years of experience and more than 10 million square feet of office interiors and architectural projects delivered, Jim is recognized for creating thoughtful, tenant-driven environments for leading organizations across the globe.
In addition to directing project design, he serves as a leader within Gensler’s Interior Architecture practice, helping cultivate design talent and strengthen the firm’s design culture. His award-winning work has been widely published, and he is a frequent speaker on the relationship between design, organizational culture, and performance.
Jim is also deeply engaged in the Chicago community through his longstanding support of charitable and civic organizations.
My work explores the dichotomy between the intelligent and the beautiful — where clarity meets emotion, creating experiences and spaces with depth, resonance, and visceral impact that are often felt before they are understood.
Selected Projects
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/31912ae270b3af804a747f8de19e258cfd15d240-4478x3400.jpg?w=3840&q=75&auto=format&fit=max)
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/60e1a90678b6d1f15b3927c0c8ed8407f007105b-8736x11648.tif)
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/657d22467f4434e299811df58267e83183f2da81-4907x3400.jpg?w=3840&q=75&auto=format&fit=max)
In the News
Qualifications and Recognition
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Cincinnati
Registered Architect: Illinois
USGBC, LEED AP
Fellow, International Interior Design Association (FIIDA)
Fellow, American Institute of Architects (FAIA)
AIA Chicago, Lerch Bates People’s Choice Award, 2025
AIA Chicago, Young Architect Award, 1999
Speaker, “Developing a Successful PM Dialogue,” IFMA-Chicago, 2011
Speaker, “The Next Tower,” NeoCon, 2013
Speaker, “Evolving Mandate of Modern Workplace,” NeoCon, 2012
Speaker, ULI Chicago Members-Only Tour, 360 North Green, 2024