James Lee

Principal, San Francisco

“Ambitious mixed-use programs in the urban realm, especially in Asia, present the opportunity to create memorable environments available to a broad cross-section of society.”

Jim has 44 years of design experience in both the public and private realms, primarily in the western United States, as well as China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. His broad professional exposure has enabled him to test and realize a wide spectrum of creative design ideas, which in turn enables him to assess their success, and determine where they can be advanced in future opportunities. In seeking out the most creative solutions and embracing an interactive, collaborative design process, Jim and his team consistently deliver exemplary results.

INSPIRED BY

Michael Laurie, former professor for introducing the wonder in landscape architecture; Louis Kahn’s ability to bring inanimate structures to life; Dan Kiley and Robert Zion’s modernist sensibility; Peter Walker (the strength of the Big Idea; the art of detailing); William Johnson (using drawing to explore and test design problems and opportunities); Robert Irwin, who strives to see the world afresh and free of preconceptions.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from University of California at Berkeley (1975)

AFFILIATIONS & REGISTRATIONS

Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects (2015-Present)

SELECTED AWARDS

APA Northern California Innovation in Green Community Planning Merit Award: Nanhu New Country Village (2014)

AIA National Award: Nanhu New Country Village (2013)

ULI Americas Award: Foundry Square (2010)

ASLA Honor Award: Poly International Plaza (2009)

ULI Global Award for Excellence: Beijing Finance Street (2008)