Jim is an infill developer and development advisor based in Sonoma County, California. Known for his aspirational but practical approach, he works with a range of tools and best practices to communicate the value of inspired design and sustainability within the realities of market norms. With over forty years experience as an urban designer, land planner, sustainability strategist and now infill developer, he brings a broad range of perspectives and skills to the discussion about how communities can and should grow. Trained as a landscape architect, he received a Masters in Real Estate Development from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as way to more effectively integrate economics, development and design thinking.

Continuing his role as an innovator and proponent of ‘doing development different’ Jim founded one of the leading national programs focused on small scale incremental development. Now approaching its 25th convening, two times per year Jim curates three days in a new city where participants explore the impact and benefits of non-institutional approaches to real estate development, and see first hand how it creates stronger local economies and more authentic places.  Drawing on his own experience and the work of others seen during these programs, he authored Building Small: A Toolkit for Real Estate Entrepreneurs, Civic Leaders and Great Communities. Published in 2021 by the Urban Land Institute the book sold out its first printing and has gained a national following from all professions engaged in shaping the built environment. 

Jim works seamlessly with multi-disciplinary teams, bringing his design and real estate training to resolve complex challenges – focusing on enduring solutions  catalyzed by initial, immediate steps. With an emphasis on high quality communications, Jim works to build deep understanding for the ‘how and why’ of decisions – rather than just creating consensus. His collaborative, integrative, and effective team leadership is recognized through his participation or chairmanship of over 15 Urban Land Institute Advisory Service Panels – in places as diverse as Napa, CA; Ft Lauderdale, FL; Toronto, Ontario; and Moscow, Russia.

Originally born in Pittsburgh, PA; Jim credits the diversity of places he has lived and worked – Springfield, Vermont; New Orleans; Denver; Phoenix; Boston; and San Francisco – for shaping his appreciation of how the built environment impacts quality of life, and the importance of regional identity for creating more interesting places.  Now living in the idyllic community of Healdsburg, California he shares these insights with clients and audiences across the globe.