Secretary, AIA Phoenix Metro
James Wesala, AIA, is an Assistant Teaching Professor at The Design School at ASU and an Project Architect at the SmithGroup Phoenix office in their Higher Education studio. James has worked on projects internationally and throughout the Southwest and is a licensed Architect in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. James has a broad range of typological experience with a focus on public projects (Government, Civic, and Higher Education). His service to the community is exemplified in projects that engage and enrich the public, uplifting and shaping spaces for communities 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 is currently teaching students of several levels in multiple disciplines. His teaching experience includes several graduate lecture courses and design studios at undergraduate and graduate levels (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th year).
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 and previously as AIA10 Director (2020-2021) on AIA Arizona State Board. He is also active in other organizations, such as NOMA Arizona, NAAB, and NCARB. Finally, James serves the profession nationally within the NAAB participating in accreditation site visits and on their Accreditation Review Committee.
James earned his Bachelor of Science and Design in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture at Arizona State University, where he is currently teaching students of several levels in multiple disciplines. His teaching experience includes several graduate lecture courses and design studios at undergraduate and graduate levels (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th year).
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 and previously as AIA10 Director (2020-2021) on AIA Arizona State Board. He is also active in other organizations, such as NOMA Arizona, NAAB, and NCARB. Finally, James serves the profession nationally within the NAAB participating in accreditation site visits and on their Accreditation Review Committee.