James had a circuitous path to architecture. He dug quahogs, lobstered, and drove a semi-trailer. He rebuilt MG’s. His enthusiasm for the literature of American beats and expatriates gave way to non-fiction to satisfy his curiosity about the natural world. He moved Downeast. Learned to build and became a contractor. A stint in commercial construction led to classes at Southern Maine Technical College, then graduate school in architecture. Poetic sensibilities came at last to bear upon the art of building.

James has been practicing architecture in Maine since 2005. He has managed projects from pre-design through post-occupancy for a variety of sectors. His experience in meeting the needs of clients, coordinating design and engineering consultants, and working with local and state regulators has provided him with a broad set of skills. He believes that clear and concise communication is the essential requisite underlying every successful project. And he is familiar with sustainable design and its benefits: energy savings, durable building enclosures, comfortable and healthy indoor environments, and the visible expression of environmental stewardship

But he’s still the same guy that enjoys working with his hands and being outdoors, relishing the tactile craft of building and the nourishing value of nature.

And he believes that the spaces we inhabit influence us in ways both subtle and profound, of which we are seldom aware. All spaces are designed either by default or intent. By designing with intent we can create spaces that enhance our lives.

 

EDUCATION:

Master of Architecture, Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA.
Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, MA.

 

CERTIFICATIONS:

RA – Registered Architect
CCS – Certified Construction Specifier
CPHC – Certified Passive House Consultant
CCCA – Certified Construction Contract Administrator
NCARB – National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Registered
LEED-AP BD+C – LEED Accredited Professional Building Design & Construction

 

EXPERIENCE:

JP Gauthier, PA, Architect, Portland, ME, Owner, 2017 – present.
Canal 5 Studio, Architects, Portland, ME, Principal, 2011 – 2017.
Harriman Architects & Engineers, Portland, ME, Architect, 2005-2011.
Ann Beha Architects, Boston, MA, Intern Architect, 2004-2005.
Dooling & Company Architects, Newton, MA, Draftsman, 2000-2004.
Ouellet Construction, Brunswick, ME, Lead Carpenter, 1998-2000.
J.P. Gauthier Builder, Harrington, ME, Building Contractor, 1986-1998.

 

BOARD SERVICE:

U. S. Green Building Council, Maine Chapter, Program Committee Chair, 2007 – 2010.
Architalx Lecture Series, Speaker Committee Chair, 2010 -2016.

LINKS

What is Passive House – Passive house in 90 seconds:
https://blog.passivehouse-international.org/what-is-a-passive-house-building/

Architalx – Portland’s Architecture & Design lecture series held annually in April:
https://www.architalx.org/

Portland Aikido- James is a student at Portland Aikido, a school dedicated to the practice of the traditional Japanese martial arts of Aikido and Iaido.
http://www.portlandaikido.org/