Jim’s Projects
Jim Butler
REVIT Guru. Mentor. Problem Solver.
As KMB architects’ resident REVIT guru, project manager Jim Butler leads 3-D production for the firm, helping to write standards, creating templates, and training staff. Jim ensures that each studio’s projects using BIM get started off on the right foot, and takes satisfaction in the knowledge that the use of these tools help the client see the vision for the design, while also being useful in construction meetings.
With experience in architecture spanning 28 years, Jim brings an in-depth understanding of practice to the team, and he shares that knowledge as a mentor to other designers in the firm. Given his deep expertise, Jim is relied on to accurately depict our designs in construction documents, and he is instrumental to our construction administration process.
“What needs to be documented comes naturally to me. That’s not always easy for designers, yet as a technical firm, we expect things to be well documented, so I’m a resource to mentor and share my knowledge.”
Jim enjoys working as part of a team where his skills can provide the most value. He may take over the detailing of a project to ensure the architect’s vision is realized or create a VR walkthrough to help the client visualize the project. Design professional Jim Butler points to a trip to Europe at thirteen as formative in his decision to study architecture. He always liked art and buildings, and through the exploration of historical structures, he realized that quality architecture married the two.
“My favorite project is the one that’s in front of me. I like seeing a project all the way through. It’s fulfilling to see the beginning all the way to the end and then handing it over.”
Jim also plays a key role in our construction administration process because of his depth of experience. With a large portfolio of work in the public sector, Jim understands how to prepare construction documents that protect the owner and effectively communicate our designs to contractors to generate interest in bidding. During construction, he provides timely responses to RFIs and keeps our submittals organized.
In his free time, Jim melds his love of art and architecture in a different medium – sand – as a competitive sand sculptor. His introduction to the craft began at Olympia’s Sand in the City Festival at an event that paired accomplished sand sculptors with architects. From there he was hooked. Jim has KMB architects’ associate, Elizabeth Glenn, on his sand sculping team and they travel the Washington and Oregon coasts to compete in the summers. We wonder if Jim’s pet possum will ever be a subject of his art!
Architectural Specialties
Education
State of Washington
Jutice & Public Safety
Education
AA, Arch Tech, Salt Lake Comm College, 1988