Jim West is a 1996 graduate of The University of Kansas where he received his Bachelor of Architecture. A trained pastry chef, he joined GFF in September 2011, become an Associate Principal in 2014, a Studio Director in 2015, Managing Director of the Austin Office in 2018 and was named a Principal in 2019. Jim is active in ULI Austin. A former Principal at RTKL, Jim is a Project Manager with 24 years of experience in mixed-use and multi-family housing. His portfolio also includes retail, healthcare, hospitality, master planning and senior housing project types. His experience includes project management through all phases of planning, design, production, construction, and administration including the coordination of multiple consultant teams. He has vast knowledge on the Fair Housing Act Design Guidelines, The American’s with Disabilities Act Design Guidelines and the Texas Accessibility Standards, and has a broad depth of knowledge of building codes and building systems. Additionally, he is highly proficient in Revit and AutoCAD. Outside of his project and Managing Director duties, Jim leads the recruiting efforts to bring the best talent to the firm.
Jim has over 24 years of experience working in and around Austin and is not only familiar with the current local Zoning Code, Neighborhood Plans and Overlay Districts, but also with the local Building Codes and Amendments. He also has significant project experience in San Antonio, Denver and Utah. He has in-depth familiarity with the various City departments and agencies and their processes. He is comfortable working with neighborhood groups, presenting projects in front of both the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
In his spare time Jim loves to travel, volunteer, spend time with his dog, Guff, and also makes a fantastic bourbon ice cream.
