Principal + Managing Director – Austin
University of Kansas
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, became 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 also a member of the GFF Management Committee that handles the day-to-day management of the firm. A former Principal at RTKL, now Arcadis, Jim is a Project Manager with 26 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 site-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.
Outside of his project and Managing Director duties, Jim leads the recruiting efforts to bring the best talent to the firm. Outside of GFF, Jim is active in ULI and sits on the TOD Local Member Council.
Jim has over 26 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, Colorado 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 with the Austin Animal Shelter, spend time with his dog, Guff, and also makes a fantastic bourbon ice cream.

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Architecture
Our decades-long commitment to workplace culture, the enrichment of our cities, and design excellence has earned us numerous accolades, including the prestigious TxA Architecture Firm Award in 2019.
Mixed-Use & Multifamily
Our approach to Mixed-Use and Multifamily design is rooted in creative placemaking, striving to elevate the quality of life for the residents of our buildings and the broader community.
Zoning Entitlements
We have been engaged by many clients who seek to secure Zoning Entitlements in the pursuit of more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable development with the highest and best uses.
Austin Office
Our Austin Office is located on the second floor of the historic Norwood Tower at the intersection of 7th and Colorado in Downtown Austin.