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 is a licensed Architect 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, but has recently focused on public projects (Government, Civic, and Higher Ed). As these 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 a Professor at The Design School at ASU (also an alum). James teaches architecture design studios (incl. 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th year) and lecture courses on Construction, Structures, and Contract documents.

James serves the profession locally by co-hosting/co-producing the "Tracing Architecture" podcast (he is also a co-founder), and serving on the AIA Phoenix Metro Chapter’s Board, as well as 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 formerly on the Accreditation Review Committee (2024-2025).