James A. Marsh, AIA, is Chief Executive Officer of CSHQA and a multi-state-licensed architect with 28 years at the firm. Jim leads with a clear, practical focus—design and delivery excellence—so the work is inspiring, buildable, and on time. He’s scaling a simple operating rhythm while deepening an employee-owned, design-led culture: rigorous concept-to-detail thinking, collaborative charrettes, peer reviews, and post-occupancy learning that drives continuous improvement.
As a past principal architect and market leader, Jim’s portfolio spans hospitality, adaptive reuse, workplace/interiors, civic, retail, and more. Recent award-winning projects include Inn at 500, The Warehouse Food Hall, Treefort Music Hall, Hotel Renegade, and The Sparrow Hotel. His approach balances human-centered, context-driven, and sustainable design with constructability and budget discipline—“people who listen, creating design that speaks.”
He previously served on CSHQA’s Board of Directors and remains active in AIA, BOMA, NCARB, and ICSC. Jim currently serves as co-chair of the City of Boise Design Review Board, reflecting his commitment to thoughtful urban design and community engagement.
Outside the office, Jim and his wife love to travel and get outdoors as often as they can—look for him on Idaho’s bike trails or paddleboarding on one of our beautiful rivers.
Education
BS, Architecture, University of Idaho
Licensing and Certification
Licensed Architect: ID, AR, AZ, CO (pending), LA, MS, NM, OK, TX, UT
Certified, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA)
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)