Jim Griffo, Aia, Emeritus Iida, Leed Ap Email & Phone Number

Sewanee, Tn

Jim joined the staff at the University of the South to assist with the development of two projects on campus: The new Bookstore and the University Commons/Student Wellness Center. In this role, Jim assisted the University by representing the Owner in Construction Administration activities and in the development of furnishings and finish packages. In addition, he coordinated design activities and end user requirements. Both projects were completed in 2020.

Birmingham, Alabama Area

Jim was retained by Alabama Power Company to represent them in the completion of new components for Crew Headquarters throughout Alabama. In this role, he reviewed Contractor submittals and schedules and communicated with the end users. In addition, Jim visited the sites to confirm adherence to the Contract Documents and coordinate Contractor activities with the local APCO personnel. Reports on these activities were submitted to APCO HQ in Birmingham. These services were performed as an independent contractor and not as an employee of Alabama Power Company.

Birmingham, Alabama Area

Jim served as the Owner's Onsite Rep for Southern Company for their renovation of two buildings at the Colonnade in Birmingham, AL. (He provided this service as an independent consultant; not as an employee of Southern Company.) As part of his responsibilities, Jim issued a weekly Executive Summary of the progress of the Work. He also assisted with logistics for Owner-supplied furnishings and equipment.The project was 669,438 square feet in two buildings (and two parking structures) and was renovated for 1,700 employees. Two Southern Company subsidiaries: Southern Nuclear and Southern Power, as well as two departments: Engineering and Construction Services and Fleet Operations and Training moved into the two red-roofed buildings. Renovation of the space is complete.

Jim served as Managing Principal of Gresham, Smith and Partners' Alabama office and also as the Director of the Architecture and Interior Design Studio in that location. In that role, he represented the office in prominent community and industry organizations and was responsible for business development, client maintenance, design and quality control. During Jim’s tenure at GS&P, the firm produced many landmark projects in Alabama and around the Southeast including projects for Mercedes-Benz, The McWane Science Center, UAB, The University of Alabama, Wells Fargo Bank, Alabama Power Company, the US Space and Rocket Center, Auburn University, as well as multiple church, school and office projects, many of which received AIA and IIDA design awards.

In the five years that Jim was with Hendrick Associates in Atlanta, he advanced his career to the Senior Designer level. He was the lead designer for multiple clients including Price Waterhouse, IBM and SouthTrust Bank (now Wells Fargo) in Birmingham, Alabama; where he later relocated to join Gresham Smith.

Jim headed to Cooper Carry to gain valuable architectural experience. It was there that he completed the Architectural Registration Exam and obtained his architectural registration. He also became the first employee of the newly formed Cooper Carry Interiors Group and solidified his career path combining his architectural expertise with commercial Interior Design.At Cooper Carry, Jim was the primary interior designer for several projects including Park Place Tower and Lakeshore Plaza in Birmingham - foreshadowing his eventual move to that city.

Fresh out of the box from Georgia Tech (Architecture) Jim landed in one of the largest Interior Design firms in the country. At ASD, Jim was able to participate in large, complex office projects and be an apprentice to some of the best designers in the country.Projects and clients included Coca-Cola, Southern Bell (AT&T), McDonalds and many others. It was at ASD and its sister architectural firm, FABRAP, that Jim learned about comprehensive and client focused design solutions.

B. Architecture

Diploma