After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Jim joined the ranks as a young designer in 1994. In the 30 years since, he has put together an impressive body of work focused on elevating the well-being, cognition, and dignity of the people who use them. Designer, researcher, thought leader, teacher, and mentor; the list of functional titles associated with Jim’s architectural objectives reflects a long and meaningful commitment to architecture as more than a profession but, rather, a way of being.
Seminal among his research accomplishments, Learning Space Design for Ethnically Diverse Undergraduate Classrooms, published in 2015 with Morgan State University, provides evidence that active learning classrooms significantly enhance learning among ethnically diverse students. The Impact of Biophilic Learning Spaces on Student Success, published in 2019 with Morgan State University, the Salk Institute, and Terrapin Bright Green, established a significant association between biophilic design, reduced student stress, and improved learning outcomes.
Along with his day-to-day design responsibilities as a firm Principal and educational practice leader, Jim’s relentless determination to foster good design in the next generation is evidenced by his 30 years of teaching at Baltimore HBCU, Morgan State University.
“As a graduate student at Morgan State University, Mr. Jim’s passion for pursuing bold architectural goals transformed my projects. Today, as a firm owner, I know my success is a product of the selfless work of professionals like Mr. Jim,” says Jacob Parker, AIA.
Jim has also been a determined advocate who has challenged local, state, and national public policy efforts to homogenize facilities using stock school plans. Jim’s research, analysis, and testimony before the Washington County Board of Education changed policy that would have limited school design to cookie-cutter solutions to one that favors learner-centered spaces tailored to the unique needs of each community served instead.
From the design desk to the classroom and board room, Jim Determan has been an inspired advocate, ally, and agent of change for the good of all.
