Secretary, AIA Phoenix Metro
James Wesala, AIA, is an Assistant Teaching Professor at The Design School at Arizona State University in Tempe. A former Senior Associate at Richärd | Kennedy Architects James has worked on projects internationally and throughout the Southwest. James is a licensed Architect in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, and has a broad range of typological experience with a focus on Government, Civic/Public, K-12, and Higher Education projects. His service to the community is exemplified in projects that engage and enrich local communities, uplifting and shaping spaces for people to interact and grow.
James earned his Bachelor of Science and Design in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture at Arizona State University, where he currently is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Design School, teaching students of several levels in multiple disciplines. His teaching experience includes lecture courses and design studios at undergraduate and graduate levels.
James' local professional service commitments include co-hosting/co-producing the "Tracing Architecture" podcast (co-founder), serving the AIA on the Phoenix Metro Chapter’s Board as AIA10 Director (2024-2025) and previously as AIA10 Director (2020-2021) on AIA Arizona State Board. He is also active in other organizations, such as NOMA Arizona and NCARB. Finally, James serves the profession nationally with the National Architectural Accreditation Board participating in accreditation site visits and on the inaugural NAAB Accreditation Review Committee.
James earned his Bachelor of Science and Design in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture at Arizona State University, where he currently is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Design School, teaching students of several levels in multiple disciplines. His teaching experience includes lecture courses and design studios at undergraduate and graduate levels.
James' local professional service commitments include co-hosting/co-producing the "Tracing Architecture" podcast (co-founder), serving the AIA on the Phoenix Metro Chapter’s Board as AIA10 Director (2024-2025) and previously as AIA10 Director (2020-2021) on AIA Arizona State Board. He is also active in other organizations, such as NOMA Arizona and NCARB. Finally, James serves the profession nationally with the National Architectural Accreditation Board participating in accreditation site visits and on the inaugural NAAB Accreditation Review Committee.