James G. Dayton, AIA / Founder
With a deep dedication to his clients and the profession, Jim held himself and those around him to the highest ideals. He was a master of his craft; a leader, a visionary, and a unique design voice.
Jim grew up in Wayzata, Minnesota. He graduated from Yale with a BA in Architecture in 1987 and received his Masters of Architecture from the University of Virginia in 1991 where he received the AIA Scholastic Gold Medal. Jim received the Minnesota Young Architect Award in 2005 and the American Institute of Architects Young Architect Award in 2006.
Prior to opening JDD, Jim worked for Frank O. Gehry in Los Angeles. During his tenure there, Jim was a design team member on numerous notable projects including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and the Museum of Decorative Arts in Montreal.
Jim’s vision for his firm was a practice based on collaboration, honesty, integrity, and a deep belief in using innovative design to create thoughtful spaces that serve clients well and contribute positively to the community.