James Wesala

James Wesala, AIA, is a Project Architect at the SmithGroup in the Higher Ed studio (Phoenix) and an Assistant Teaching Professor at The Design School at ASU. 

James has earned his license in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, and has worked on projects internationally and throughout the Southwest (AZ, CA, NM, TX). James has a broad range of typological experience with a focus on public projects (Government, Civic, and Higher Ed). James’ projects serve their communities by engaging and enriching them, uplifting their ideals, and shaping spaces for them to interact, develop and grow.

James helps craft the next generation of architects and designers as an educator at The Design School at ASU, he is also an alum. James teaches architecture design studios including 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th year studios. Additionally, he has taught lecture courses on Construction, Structures, and Contract documents. 

James' local service to the profession includes co-hosting/co-producing the "Tracing Architecture" podcast (he is also a co-founder), he is currently serving on the AIA Phoenix Metro Chapter’s Board and previously served on the AIA Arizona State Board. He is also active in other local organizations, such as NOMA Arizona and CSI’s Phoenix Chapter.

James’ National service includes NCARB (on the CEU Committee and as an AXP Supervisor), and with NAAB participating in accreditation site visits and on the Accreditation Review Committee (which oversees all NAAB accredited institutions).