James Findlay-Shirras, RLA he/him

james’ connection to landscape began while working on his grandmother’s farm in the north of Scotland. the time spent in the late summer hours fishing amongst the native birches and grasses formed an almost otherworldly connection to the spirit of that landscape. it is this awareness of place and spirit that james endeavors to bring to each project.

james received his undergraduate degree from UVM and a masters in landscape architecture from the University of Edinburgh. he was awarded the European Council of Landscape Architecture schools scholarship to study at the Escola Technica de Arquitectura de Barcelona. after graduating james spent 15 years in NYC practicing and started a design build company specializing in green roof and other urban landscape work. having worked with WHLA in Burlington for the last several years, james now splits his time between NY and Vermont. he has three children with his partner and wife jean. james sits on the Montpelier city tree board and chairs the Montpelier stormwater committee. james is also a professor at the Norwich University School of Art and Architecture.