Jim (James) C. Tsang, AIA (Emeritus) NCARB

Award-Winning Architect

 

​​​​About.....​

Jim (James) C. Tsang (曾祥駿), AIA (Emeritus), is an award winning architect known for his contributions to architecture in education, commercial, residential and urban planning. Born in 1948 in Hong Kong, he completed his high school education at St. Paul's College in 1967 and matriculation studies at Wellington College in 1969.

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Jim furthered his College studies in the United State on a scholarship from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon in1970. He was admitted to the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, where he earned his 5 year-Bachelor of Architecture degree. He obtained his professional accreditation from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) after successfully passing the Architectural State Board Examination in Washington State in 1977.

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Professional Career​

Throughout his professional career, Jim Tsang participated in ownership and partnership of multiple architectural firms, contributing to design excellence and project management:

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• Harris, Reed, Litzenberger & Tsang Architects (1977–1979) Owner/Partner

• Tsang & Merritt Architects (1979–1983) – Owner/Partner

• Harris-Tsang Architects (1983–1985) – Owner/Partner

• The Tsang Partnership (1985–2001) – Owner/President

• Innova Architects (2015–2023) – Partner/President

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Tsang played a pivotal role in shaping architectural landscapes with a focus on sustainable development and innovative design. His work spans commercial developments, institutional structures, urban revitalization, and city planning projects. His expertise was sought after by both public and private sectors.​​

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American Institute of Architects AIA Design Awards:

• 1992 – AIA SW Washington Chapter - Honor Award
 - Tacoma/Pierce County YMCA, Lakewood Branch, Lakewood, WA

• 1994 – AIA SW Washington Chapter - Honor Award
 - Takopid Indian Health Center, Puyallup, WA

• 1980 – AIA SW Washington Chapter - Honor Award
 - Washington State Visitor Information Center, Olympia, WA

• 1980 – AIA SW Washington Chapter  - Honor Award
 - Bonney Lake Library, Bonney Lake, WA

• 1995 – AIA SW Washington Chapter - Merit Award - 
Washington State Archives Building, Central Region Branch, Ellensburg, WA

• 1990 – AIA SW Washington Chapter  - Special Citation - 
BMW Northwest, Inc., Fife, WA

• 1994 – AIA SW Washington Chapter - Special Citation - 
David L. Stone Education Development Center, Fort Lewis, WA

• 1993 – AIA SW Washington Chapter - Special Citation - 
Pierce Transit Commerce Connections and Public Spaces Project

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Other Notable Architectural Design Awards​

• 1990 – Washington Trust for Historic Preservation - Outstanding Award
 -   Carnegie Library – Tacoma Library Main Branch, Tacoma, WA

• 1999 – Award for Excellence in Masonry Design for Educational Facilities - Masonry Institute of Washington, Central Washington University, New Science Building, Ellensburg, WA

• 1999 – Robert Fraser Masonry Design Award - 
Masonry Industry Promotion Group of Spokane, Central Washington University, Black Hall, Ellensburg, WA

• 1999 – Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Rehabilitation - State Historical Preservation Office – Whole House Repairs, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, WA

• 1990 – International Northwest Parks and Recreation Association Design of the Year Award
 - Point Defiance Boathouse, Tacoma, WA

• 1991 – American Association of School Administrators Annual Convention - 
Selected for Exhibition of School Architecture – Silver Ridge Elementary "School of the Future”

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Honorary Recognition​

• 1978 – Honorary Citizen Award, City of Tacoma, WA​​​​

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Contributions and Achievements​

• American Institute of Architects (AIA) Membership 
Achieved emeritus status in recognition of his service and contributions to the profession.

• Advocacy for Green Building Practices
Influenced industry standards and policies for sustainable design.

• Educational Innovation – “School of the Future”
 Dedicated a significant part of his career to educational design projects. He led the design team for Silver Ridge Elementary School, exploring increased teacher-student engagement through technology and innovative teaching stations. The project was recognized in 1991 by the National American Association of School Administrators as a model “School of the Future.”

• Historic Preservation and Cultural Design
 - Designed a historical park in Tacoma as part of a reconciliation effort to recognize the wrongful expulsion of Chinese residents in 1885. The Tacoma Chinese Recas tion Park, completed in 2001, features a sojourner walk and an authentic pagoda constructed by artisans from Fuzhou, China. The park remains a cherished community landmark. (Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park)​

 

Community Service and Leadership
                                   

Jim had served on multiple public boards in benefit to his community:

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• Pierce College Trustee - Appointed by Gov. Locke and Gov. Gregoire

• Founding Board Member of Tacoma Sunrise Rotary Club

• Founding Board Member of Tacoma City Club

• Board Member of Tacoma Art Museum

• Pacific Lutheran University – Business School Advisory Board

• Broadway Center for the Performing Arts

• University of Oregon School of Architecture – Board of Visitors

• Asia Pacific Cultural Center

• Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park Committee

• City of Tacoma - Member of the City Planning Commission.

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Architectural Mentorship
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As architectural firm owners and as Member of Board of Visitors of University of Oregon, Jim had mentored many young architects in his architectural offices, fostering the next generation of professionals in architecture and design.

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Recognition in Career Contribution

Individuals contributed to the success of Jim's professional career:

 

​Partner Level:

James (Jim) Martin Harris FAIA (Jim's mentor) • Bill Reed FAIA • Ted Litzenberger AIA • Jim Merritt AIA • Paul McCormick PE 

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​Key Associates Level:

Randy Robbins AIA • Eric Prestegaard PE • Robert (Bob) Wissenbach AIA • Aki Sato AIA • Robert (Bob) Katica AIA • Donald Whittaker AIA  • Paul Akiyama AIA • Bruce McKean AIA • Jeff Brown AIA • Rory Connolly AIA • Steve Storassli AIA 

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​Associate Level: 

Brian Ludwig PE • Dwayne Gratz • Lowell Cate • Susan Givens • Phil Maxfield • Rick Olson AIA • Roy Cutler • Dave Seifert • Cheryl Marshall ASID • Mary Cunningham Smith ASID • Fritz Griffin • Geoff Goss • Bjorn Gilje • Dale Anderson • Kristine Anderson • Scott Shaw • Kelly Shaw • Cindy McKean • King Choy • Karla Johnson • Lee Davenport • Jim Linahan • Jim Wolch • Matthew Flickinger • Mark Preston • Walter DeBoer • Brian Urban • Brandon Karn • Carol Lemon • Carol Robbins • John Strobel • Bob Carper • Manfoon Chu • Beth Gosselin • Frank Jones • Amy Calkins • Barbara Brandt • Charles Fritzmeier • Edward Breen • Liz Rekevics • Eric Richardt • John Gibbons • John Steele • Kazuya Mizuno • Mindy McDonough • Jim Meier • Margot Plant • Larry Reed