Our Team
David James Principal Associate, Architect MArch | Architect, AAA Edmonton

David plays a key role on our design team with almost 20 years of work experience within the A&E industry. He has extensive architectural and project management knowledge in the design and construction of commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, Science + Technology, and Government projects. David leads teams across all aspects of programming, design, production and contract administration, and uses his expertise to ensure coordination between all parties is maintained. 

He has led many complex projects and is recognized as a leader, overseeing a multitude of project work and teams. David has been involved with many LEED projects throughout his career, including being the lead architect and project manager for Kennedale Eco Station in Edmonton, Alberta – an award-winning LEED Gold commercial/industrial project that is a showcase for low impact development. 

As a fifth-generation Edmontonian, the idea of contributing to the design culture of his hometown is a dream come true. At the age of fourteen, local architect Gene Dub visited David’s classroom, and this inspired him to pursue a career in architecture. David is devoted to planting the same seeds of architectural interest for youth. Recognizing a lack of design career resources for youth in Edmonton, he created and orchestrated the Youth Architecture Camp, an initiative that brought local high school students to the studio for a week of credited workshops on design-related topics. In his free time, he enjoys doing fine detailing work and building bespoke furniture for his 1950s home. 

 

 

What’s your favourite DIALOG project?
Kennedale Eco Station. I love how it fills a real need for Edmontonians and demonstrates sustainable design.

What’s your favourite DIALOG initiative?
Youth Architecture Camp!

What’s your favourite way to give back to the community?
Volunteering – I’m the President of the Idylwylde Community League and was a founding board member of the High Level Line Society.

What could turn any bad day into a good day?
Five minutes for reflection, another five for meditation, and a smooth Bourbon.

I’m regularly inspired by the impact of design on our community and its potential to create positive change.
Education

Master of Architecture
Dalhousie University

Bachelor of Environmental Design
University of Manitoba

Featured Work