Darrell James Architecture

Mission Statement

Our goal is to create finely crafted traditional homes that are timeless, light filled and evocative of place. Our work transcends the mundane, inspires the senses and nurtures the soul. We bring a holistic sensibility to our work, incorporating sustainable, traditional materials with innovative construction technologies and strong, livable visions. Our buildings are highly responsive to the particularities of the land, deeply rooted in history and custom tailored to the needs and aspirations of our clients.

Biography

Darrell James is known primarily for designing traditional country estates and urban townhomes. But his portfolio also includes a range of notable hospitality and resort projects, historical restorations, bespoke furniture, interior and landscape projects. The design skills he has amassed over twenty years translate well into projects of different scales and complexity which demand a high degree of precision and imagination. His work is rich in materiality, craftsmanship and authentic architectural expression.

After graduation from college, he worked for a number of notable San Francisco firms such as Anshen-Allen, Gensler Associates and Hornberger + Worstell demonstrating talents as the lead designer of resort hotels, country clubs and private residences in California, Nevada, Texas and Florida. He was enlisted by renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern to oversee an extensive renovation of an oceanfront townhouse at John’s Island in Vero Beach Florida for a long time client. The project was a success and enabled him to establish a permanent residence there for ten years. As an associate architect with the firm Gibson & Silkworth he was responsible for completing twenty estate homes, several golf club houses, and resort projects. He returned to San Francisco in 1997 to accept a position as Hornberger + Worstell’s project director for the Westin La Cantera resort hotel in San Antonio and a fifty million dollar private estate in Carmel Valley near Pebble Beach for a prominent international family.

"My goal is not to have a signature design style. I am fortunate in having a diverse clientele. It would be difficult for me to be set on a style. I strive to design architecture that complements natural surroundings, reflects a historical context and satisfies my client’s needs."

Mr. James holds a BA in Architecture from the University of Michigan, BBA in business management and an MBA in Finance. He is a frequently national media opinion and commentary contributor on design and social-economic issues, and actively consults to a wide range of UHNW clients and brands.

“Work like a slave; command like a king; create like a god.” ― Constantin Brancusi

Residential Projects
   Quail Meadows Estate, Carmel, California (consulting architect in association
   with Hornberger + Worstell)
             Florida Townhouse, Vero Beach, FL (consulting architect to Robert A.M. Stern)
    Private Winery & Estate Home, Oakville, California, Master Plan and Concepts
(designer with Hornberger + Worstell)
    Private Residences 1980-2006, California, Florida, South Carolina, New York,
     Nevada.

Hospitality & Resort
                    Westin La Cantera Resort Golf Club & Casitas, San Antonio, Texas
   (associate project architect with Hornberger + Worstell)
Saddle Creek Golf Community & Club House, Calaveras, California (designer
   with Hornberger + Worstell)
Port of Canaveral Resort Hotel, Port Canaveral, Florida
Loblolly Pines Golf Club House, Hobe Sound, Florida
Hawk's Nest Golf Club House, Vero Beach, Florida
Johns Island Tennis Club House, Vero Beach, Florida

Renovation & Preservation
                     Hotel Sainte Claire Renovation, San Jose, California
Tobin-Clarke Estate, Guesthouse Renovation, Hillsborough, California
Fleishhacker Estate Renovation, Woodside, California





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