Team profile

"......I built my first ‘Solar House’ for myself in 1980. I have always considered sustainable design simply good design and incorporated it into my work long before LEEDS was introduced. My recent thesis topic for my graduate studies was sustainable urban building design and my design approach today is the result of over 25 years of practical experience fused with my recent 5 years of academic research....."

James Arvai is the founding members of j p arvai associates in architecture and brings over 28 years of building design and construction experience to the table.

An avid environmentalist, James combines his knowledge of building science with sustainable design principles to provide a unique approach to architecture.

"...In this age of specialists and niche markets, our appreciation of the generalist, the master journeyman, who can bring together many perspectives is often not acknowledged. Building projects benefit from an experienced generalist's point of view and leadership. The generalist can see the connections as well as the assembly. It is the basis for understanding the holistic nature of sustainability..."

Career History

2005 to Present

· Graduate student at University of Waterloo School of Architecture at Cambridge, Masters of Architecture candidate

· Ontario Architects Association Member, Architect of Record on several high-end residential projects

2003 to 2005

· Undergraduate student at University of Waterloo School of Architecture at Cambridge, Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies

1984 to 2003

· Established a regional design, architectural, and engineering firm in Plattsburgh, New York. As Principal of the firm, guided its growth to staffing levels of 20+ with annual gross revenues of excess of $2 million, successfully completing over two thousand projects. As the Project Architect of Record, responsible for personally directing over one thousand commercial and institutional projects.

1982 to 1984

· Opened and managed a branch office in Plattsburgh NY for O’Connor Sheridan & Marsh Architects and Planners.

1978 to 1984

· Construction Manager and equity owner for multi-family and light commercial projects in Upstate New York.

1975 to 1978

· Independent Construction Manager for multi-family and commercial developers in Toronto and Montreal.

Education

Masters of Architecture, 2009, University of Waterloo

Honors Bachelor of Architectural Studies, 2005, University of Waterloo

Bachelor of Environmental Studies, 1975, University of Waterloo

Professional Affiliations

Member of Ontario Association of Architects

Member of American Institute of Architects

Member of National Trust for Historic Preservation

Member of Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association

Registrations

Registered Architect; Ontario Ca License No. 6074

Registered Architect; New York License No. 016833

Registered Architect; Vermont License No. 2362

NYS Certified Building Code Enforcement Officer;

New York Number 0090-7435A

National Council of Architectural Registration Board

Certificate No. 50220

jp arvai

associates in architecture