James Sanborn
BIM Manager
As an Air Force family, we moved a number of times in my early years. I was born in northern Main, lived in southern Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. I finally settled in Georgtown, Texas, where I went to Jr High and High school. Prior to getting into Architecture, I worked in drafting and designing of pipe supports systems for nuclear and non-nuclear power plants and sales and marketing of software.
I have more than 26 years in Architecture, 12 years with BLGY Architecture. I have experience on a number of different types of projects including k-12 schools, universities, and private and public sector projects including community centers, high-rise retail/residential, water treatment plants, and county facilities. I utilize the latest AutoCAD and Revit software for drafting and Building Information Modeling and use Lumion to create 3d graphic renderings and videos.
As BIM Manager, I keep the standards for the projects, as well as educating others in the software. I also manage and keep all the software up to date and ensure all the employees have the software they need to complete their task, as well as the upkeep of the office computers and handles any technical issues.
Education
AAS, Drafting and Design Technology, Temple College
Q&A
1. How did you choose Architecture as your career path?
My step-father is in the cabinet business, and from early on, he would bring house plans home to work on. Looking at those plans gave me the desire to learn to draw and design, so I took drafting and design classes in high school and college.
2. What project(s) in your professional portfolio are you most proud of?
Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center on Rundberg Ln in Austin. This project design was creative, and the colors and materials used made this an interesting project.
Lavista on Lavaca, which was to be a multi-story retail/office/residential complex with high-end condominiums, apartments, office spaces, and retail and a restaurant. This building offered many different challenges as the land had 2 separate zoning restrictions. However, after the start of construction, the owner sold to a hotel chain, and the interior was redesigned
3. To keep your creative juices flowing, what are your favorite activities away from work?
I like to do woodworking projects and being outside when it is not too hot. We enjoy camping whenever we can, and I have been on a 90 mile/11 day backpacking trip in the mountains of northern New Mexico.
4. Tell us something interesting about yourself that nobody would know.
I married the ‘Girl Next Door’ at the age of 21, although we did not grow up together, and have enjoyed 38 years together and have a son that is a middle school Science teacher in Pflugerville.
