Aria Group Architects

Aria Group is a full-service design and architecture firm that brings to life high-performance, personality-rich spaces with an innate sense of welcome. We are known for our work in the restaurant, hotel and entertainment sectors, and this reputation for service and expertise in hospitality permeates the work throughout our portfolio. Every one of our projects benefits from our expertise in designing spaces that are welcoming and inclusive -whether it's a master planning project, retail design, multi-use development or office space.

Aria Group Architects works within the framework of the industry-standard phases of design. We provide full service to our clients, from Preliminary Design through Construction Documents and Post-Construction Services. Each phase is a refined development of the previous phase. The completion of each phase sets a benchmark for the client to evaluate the progress of the design and serves as a point of approval to proceed to the next phase. In addition to providing all phase, full services on a project, we can provide limited design services, focusing on a particular level of design characteristic of an individual phase.

In recent years there has been unprecedented growth in sustainable design across all of the architectural and engineering professions. Commercial and residential buildings consume approximately 40% of all energy in the United States. Architects have the opportunity, like never before, to make a positive impact on the built environment by incorporating environmentally friendly technologies into the design, construction and operation of buildings. Certifications have created standards that enable clients and designers to minimize the ecological impact on the environment for both new buildings and remodeled spaces.

We love day one. That day when the paper in the windows comes down and the doors open. It's the day when it all comes to life. Our architecture solutions and design inspirations are finally being experienced by guests, employees, and tenants. The excitement is palpable. Our vision has come to life and there is nothing more gratifying. Except one thing. Ten years later - to the day - is what counts. That's when the value of our work really shines. And we know it. So we start thinking about day 3,650 from the start.

Jim co-founded Aria Group Architects, Inc. in 1989. As President and Senior Architect he has maintained a strong client contact with most projects in the firm. Jim is licensed in 42 states and is NCARB certified so he is heavily involved in quality control. The firm's concentration on hospitality has allowed Jim to lead the development of over 80 restaurant concepts for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc., including Foodlife, Foodease, Bub City, Maggiano's, Corner Bakery, Reel Club, Wildfire and ParisClub/Studio Paris.