H2M architects + engineers (H2M) announces that James (Jim) T. Powers, AIA joined the firm as the Chief Development and Growth Officer effective June 23rd, 2021. This addition to the firm’s leadership team represents a new era for a small but mighty leader in the architecture and engineering (A/E) industry as they look beyond the tri-state region with the goal of planting roots in communities across the East Coast.
Powers’ career progression follows a similar journey to H2M’s, with humble beginnings that served as the foundation to becoming a leader in the A/E industry. Powers received his Associate of Science degree in Architecture from Mercer Community College in New Jersey, and his Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology where he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor. He has worked in cities throughout the country, from Albany to Dallas, and on landmark projects such as the original World Trade Center.
His strategic mindset, and experience as a business owner, led him to a career in business development, most recently as Director of Business Development at Bohler Engineering where he was vital to the growth of the firm for over 10 years. Through his experience as an architect, builder, and strategist, Powers acquired an extensive network making himself known as a thought leader and expert professional. He is also involved with organizations that better communities, such as the NAIOP, ULI, AIA, CMAA, NYBC, SCUP, and ICSC.
In this newly created role, Powers will work directly with CEO & President Rich Humann, P.E. to manage the strategic direction of the firm, focusing specifically on regional branch office growth. “Our firm has grown and strengthened significantly over the last 85 plus years,” says Humann. “Jim joining our team as the Chief Development and Growth Officer signifies our commitment to continue that trajectory well into the future.”
At a time of unprecedented uncertainty, this commitment to growth is representative of the firm’s history. Founded as a small engineering firm in 1933 during the Great Depression, H2M evolved. Their reputation for offering small firm client service with big firm resources became widely known, and their service offerings expanded significantly. Over the last five years, H2M has grown on average by 13% annually and they will strive for double digit growth in the next five.
“As someone who has worked as an architect and builder, business owner, and Vice President and Head of Architecture at Chase Manhattan, I’ve acquired a lot of experience in many different areas of the A/E industry. At H2M, because of the breadth of services they provide, I can utilize all that experience to expand their reach. H2M is a really unique firm, I’m excited to strengthen and expand their brand,” says Powers.
H2M has continued to stay at the forefront of architecture and engineering for over 85 years. Their expertise now spans the industry, landing major projects that speak to its future, which serves as a major factor in Powers’ decision to join the growing firm.
