James has designed public facilities with an aggregate construction value of approximately $2 Billion and has provided leadership for the design of many projects of regional significance. A Founding Principal at RJC Architects (where he first worked with President and CEO of Steinberg Hart, David Hart), James is a past president of AIA San Diego and past director of AIA California Council.

James is widely recognized for his expertise in the design of public facilities, and his work has received more than 50 local, regional, and national design awards in architecture, campus planning, and sustainable design. He has a long commitment to sustainable design. His recent work includes three LEED Platinum-certified facilities and two Net-Zero Energy projects. James is actively engaged in the San Diego cultural community. He is a past Board Chair of Art of Élan and currently serves as a trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and retired in 2024.