Our Team

Adam James, AIA, NCARB

Partner, Senior Architect, CEO,

“At the end of the day, it’s about people and designing something meaningful together.”

Adam leads with a people-first mindset and a deep belief in the power of thoughtful design. As an experienced architect and partner, he guides the strategic direction of the firm while supporting teams across architecture, engineering, and interior design in pursuit of DC’s mission to improve people’s worlds.

Driven by building strong teams, Adam fosters meaningful client relationships and creates an environment where great ideas can thrive. He values listening closely—to clients, collaborators, and communities—and believes the strongest solutions emerge when creativity and purpose are aligned. Beyond the office, Adam is actively involved in the community and is passionate about giving his time and leadership to organizations that strengthen the regions DC calls home.

Areas of Expertise

• Architecture
• Private: Programming
• Master Planning
• Facility Assessments
• Visioning & Discovery

Memberships

• Riley Children's Foundation - Philanthropy Council - Fort Wayne
• PFW ETCS Industry Advisory Council
• NEI Regional Initiatives Council
• Junior Achievement Board of Directors
• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
• Salvation Army Board Member, 2011-13

Honors

• 2025, Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly – 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
• 2025, AIA FW - Community Impact Award - Harvester Neighborhood Bus Shelter
• 2024, BD+C – 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
• 2024, Leadership Fort Wayne Graduate
• 2017, YLNI Leadership Institute Graduate
• 2016, BCA Excellence in Construction – New Construction under $14M, Turnstone Plassman Athletic Center

Registrations

• Registered Architect: Indiana

Publications

• Looking Back with Gratitude: A Year Built Together
• Revolutionizing Retail Banking: Unveiling the Five Secrets to Branch Design
• Future Branches Conference: Three Key Lessons
• ALEC Headquarters Anniversary
• Connecting Culture and Policy in the Workplace: How to Strengthen Your Company by Bridging the Gap
• Wrapping up 2022: Financial Highlights
• Design Collaborative Begins Renovations of Downtown Fort Wayne Headquarters
• Adam James Named to Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025
• Financial Project Highlights
• DC’s Financial Team Project Highlights
• Part 1: Technology in Retail Banking Today, Tomorrow – and the Future
• Part 2: The Branch of Tomorrow
• Part 3: The Branch of the Future
• Five Must Do’s in Retail Branch Design
• Banking Branch Models: The Impact Design has on Your Bottom Line and Customer Experience
• What does COVID-19 mean for the Future of Retail Banking?