Professor, Syracuse University
James is a Designer, Strategist, Teacher and Co-Creation Partner who believes passionately in the power of creative approaches as a transformative force in society if it is people centered, regenerative and light-footed. He is also a realist and is all too aware that design practice, in particular because of its founding linkages to neoliberalist economics, has been at the root of many of the problems we face in society today. As Raymond Lowey said, “Design is too important to be left to designers”. Building on his doctoral research work in India, during which he explored grassroots design responses with crafts communities, he is committed to following an inclusive, co-creative approach to design where all voices and perspectives are valued, including those of future generations.
James has worked as a Designer in the manufacturing sector and as an innovation consultant to small businesses. More recently as an academic he has focused on the impact of design on people and planet. As an academic leader he has worked across three continents and most recently he was the founding director of the Syracuse University School of Design and the Inaugural Iris Magidson Endowed Chair of Design Leadership. As James has transitioned away from hands-on leadership, he is developing his work as a strategic creative coach/mentor - a role which allows him to get out of the way as a white, cis-gendered, temporary able-bodied (TAB) male He provides support and space as a thinking partner, especially to those who choose to bring more diverse perspectives to positions of influence.
As a Professor James splits his time between researching and teaching on the philosophies, ethics and impacts of design on society and ecology. He grounds this work in more practice-led roles as the designer-in-residence at the Near East Foundation (The United States’ oldest nonsectarian international development non-governmental organization) and as a design volunteer at Arise Adaptive Design, (a local organization he helped found where everyday materials are used to create customized equipment and adaptive devices for children and adults who have disabilities).
