As Co-founder and Principal of HarrisonKornberg, James uses his inner sense of purpose and community service to guide him as he strives “to create an environment that is going to have a positive effect on the world that we live in.” Working hand-in-hand with partner Daniel Kornberg, James takes a special interest in the business development side of the business. He loves working with stakeholders and the design team at large to create buildings that best serve their communities.
James oversees the development of project schedules, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration. He also supervises in-house technical staff and negotiates contracts with current and prospective clients. He has been actively involved in the delivery of commercial and institutional buildings, airports and aviation facilities, K-12 education, higher education, public assembly and religious projects.
As a Houston native, James grew up experiencing the works of many great architects in his hometown. However, it was the work of one architect in particular that influenced his decision to pursue architecture as a career – John S. Chase. Chase was the first Black architect to receive an architecture license in the state of Texas, started the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and became a mentor to James as he pursued his dream of architecture. Practicing since 1991, James built a career that took him through Chicago, Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh. He eventually returned to Houston and took a position with the man who used to look at his high school sketches: John Chase.
A proponent of community engagement, James has served on the City of Houston’s Buildings and Standards Commission, Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority/ TIRZ Board #3.
An advocate for access to higher education, he believes in paying it forward. This commitment is represented in his volunteerism and service on the Lone Star College Foundation Board, Carnegie Mellon Alumni Association Board and the Carnegie Mellon University Admissions Council (10 Years).
James Harrison received his Bachelor of Architecture from Hampton University and Master of Science in Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. He is licensed to practice in the states of Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Washington. He is member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and certified through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
When James isn’t at the office, or on a call, you can almost always find him sailing Galveston Bay. Certified through the American Sailing Association (ASA) he has successfully completed four levels of sailing proficiency, ASA 101 Basic Keel Boat, 103 Basic Coastal Cruising, 104 Bareboat Cruising and 105 Coastal Navigation certifications. He also enjoys skiing, physical fitness and cheering on the Houston Rockets.
James is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He is married to Consuella Harrison and has two children, Avery Elise and O’Neal Stafford James Harrison.
