James Hill, AIA | Partner

Forward Thinker. Detailed. Collaborative.

James is a big believer in the power of direct conversations – whether they are simple conversations or complex ones. Owners and contractors appreciate his thoughtful and thorough approach to project coordination, his willingness to listen to concerns and questions, and his ability to provide options and communicate key ideas simply and effectively to enable informed decision-making. James' passion lies in making the lives of clients easier through outstanding design.

As the partner-in-charge of design at KMB architects, James instills this philosophy within his team, as well as the belief that form should reflect the function of the building. James is humble in his approach to design discussions, not wanting to impose his ideas, but rather asking questions to generate the best ideas from the team while infusing fun into the process.

“The best architecture is connected to place. Architecture that fits into the context of the environment—a building that couldn’t be anywhere else because its oriented and responsive to the site and makes the user feel connected to the place. I also firmly believe that form must follow function because when architecture is approached this way, the design will always be in alignment with the program.”

The culture at KMB architects is very important to James, and he believes that each person has the power to “make it a great day” through their attitude and actions. James credits firm President Mark Beardemphl’s advocacy and mentorship as foundational to his success and approach to management. After James began his career at a Seattle architecture firm, he returned to Thurston County to join KMB architects in 2013, quickly advancing to partner in 2017. Having benefited personally from Mark’s affirming approach, James actively works to ensure that positivity and advocacy continue to be at the center of the firm’s culture.

KMB architects has afforded James the opportunity to give back to his community in meaningful ways. Growing up in Chehalis, James’ path into architecture began at W.F. West High School in Mr. Lincoln’s drafting class, which exposed him to a field of study that challenged and engaged him. Years later, James was able to return to his alma mater to design the STEM addition for the campus, paving the way for the next generation of architects, and for his children who will one day attend the school.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without all the teachers in the Chehalis School District, but especially Mr. Lincoln, who introduced me to architecture through his drafting classes at W.F. West High School. After I had taken every drafting class offered, Mr. Lincoln encouraged me to figure out AutoCAD because he had imparted all his hand drafting knowledge. It was really special to come back to my high school—the kid who did all the drafting—and be designing the new STEM addition.”

Outside of architecture, James pursues a love of skiing and connecting with close friends. Dedicated to spending quality time with his family, James seeks to instill in his children a sense of wonder and hunger for learning about the world around them. James has had the opportunity to design educational facilities within his own community and at the school which his children will one day attend - making architecture a personal passion.

Architectural Specialties

Education
State of Washington
Port & PUD
Civic
Planning

Education

Master of Architecture, Washington State University

Bachelor of Science Architectural Studies, Washington State University

Registration

Architecture, State of Washington