A native of Baltimore, Maryland, James Curley moved up and down the East Coast, ending up in Huntsville, Alabama. “During my childhood, I lived across the street from a young architect, and I was fond of watching what he drew at his drafting table,” James recalls. “I was amazed how much information had filled the pages when I arrived at his home office studio after school.” At the age of 17, he seized on the chance to draft houses for a local homebuilder, which paved the way for an architecture job. “By the time I graduated college, I was a full-time project manager for a local architect.”

Since then, James has gained 25 years of experience in the industry, specializing in construction documentation, construction administration, and project management—leading complex projects from concept to completion, including serving as Project Manager for The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville.

“From the beginning, I knew The Orion would be a place where people would come together and have lasting memories,” says James. “I am inspired by projects that have a positive influence on the people and environment they serve. I feel like there is no greater joy than serving my community, and architecture is one of many ways I’m able to make that happen.”

He also serves his community through his volunteer work with Hillfolk Farmacy where he harvests organic produce and manages an apiary, which provides donations to local food banks. In the great outdoors, James enjoys cycling, camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing. At home, he combats boredom by cooking (with his garden-fresh produce and wild game) or building, creating, and fixing things in his shop. And if he is hitting the road, its most likely for a spontaneous trip with his wife, Iris, and his dog, Fred.