JAMES E JACKSON JR
James E Jackson, Jr., AIA NOMA Architect
SAY IT LOUD - FLORIDA Exhibitor
Florida Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My inspiration professionally originated with Paul R. Williams, African American Architect from California for who I have admired my entire career.
JAMES E JACKSON JR
Bio:
The Great Designer James Jackson Jr., a native of St. Petersburg, is a graduate of Howard University, Washington D.C. and currently serves as a Senior Project Coordinator for the City of St. Petersburg and has been a practicing Architect in the State of Florida for over 30 years. James retired after 21 years of service as the first African American to hold the position of City Architect within the City of Tampa’s Contract Administration Department.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learned of Architecture in middle school 7th grade during a woodworking class. The Teacher had students reading architectural digest; i eventually came upon a photo of a ski chalet that interested me. I asked my parents, they said Architect!
What do you do?
Professionally, I have been focused on providing design solutions to meet the variety of needs of each and every client/ person I encounter. All solutions are approached in a contextual way to ensure a project success the client would enjoy.
What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me the most is providing architectural services to those who really do not understand the profession, but understand they need the help. Its rewarding to help especially when many projects are the only time they would engage in design.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My inspiration professionally originated with Paul R. Williams, African American Architect from California for who I have admired my entire career.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I would say 1 of my proudest accomplishments would be as one of the creators of the Contract Administration Department for the City of Tampa in 2004/2005. As City Architect I became the first manager of the planning division in the history of Tampa.
Featured Project Name:
Boskovic Residence
Featured Project Location:
St Petersburg Florida
Featured Project Completion Date:
September 2020
Role in Featured Project:
Architect of Record
Featured Project Description:
This project is a 4,900 s.f. custom residence that includes an open plan concept in the living spaces, specific master bedroom orientation to take advantage of water views of Tampa Bay. The residence is contemporary in nature and entails cement plaster wall finish, metal roof while the interior boast contemporary finishes quartz and tile flooring, and energy efficient elements such as LED lighting, high SEER rated HVAC equipment, foam insulation, impact rated windows.
