James Tefend is a Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Form4 Architecture. James is involved from design inception to completion and is committed to ensuring smooth project delivery and sound client relationships. As a strong believer in teamwork and proactive leadership, James strives to build effective team experiences where all members participate and thrive towards success.

James has more than 35 years of architectural experience working on national corporate office campuses, commercial retail centers, libraries, municipal transportation centers, fitness resorts and places of worship. From complicated large projects to the very small, James’s approach centers on a strong understanding of the client’s needs and vision and an efficient delivery tailored to the demands of the construction schedule, with random doses of levity and team encouragement along the way.

James began his professional career in 1991 as a designer at EOA Architects in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1994, he became a project architect at Group 4 Architects in San Francisco. In 1997, he joined Robin Chiang & Company as project architect/manager working on Bay Area airport and light rail projects before joining Form4 Architecture in 1999.

James received a Bachelor of Art in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology. With a technical eye and deep passion for architectural design, James’s goal for excellence is evident on all of Form4’s projects. When on vacation, the architect transforms to an artist equipped with an array of pencils and paintbrushes, capturing exciting moments that foster excitement and joy.

James is a registered architect in the state of California and a member of the International Code Council.