Global architecture, interior design, engineering, process design and construction services firm, Ghafari Associates, announced the promotion of Jim Jobes, AIA to executive vice president and business unit leader of its Chicago division. In his elevated role, he will lead the Chicago office’s operations and strategic development.
Jobes joined the Ghafari team in 2006 as a project manager and has steadily ascended to an executive leadership role. He has been a key contributor to Ghafari’s development throughout the Americas, having launched the firm’s operations in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, while collaborating with clients that include John Deere, FedEx, UPS, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines.
“Jim has worn a variety of hats since joining the Ghafari team 13+ years ago, having managed some of the firm’s most complex projects, served as a client champion and started up new offices,” said Ghafari CEO and president, Kouhaila Hammer. “In this new role, he will continue to be a key player in our overall strategic development.”
Jobes holds a master of architecture from the University of Oregon and a bachelor of arts in economics from Indiana University. With over 25 years of industry experience, he is a long-standing member of the American Institute of Architects and has developed a diverse portfolio encompassing a variety of project types, ranging from airport facilities to large-scale manufacturing plants to R+D spaces.
“This is a great time for our firm,” Jobes said. “I plan to continue to grow our team and build upon our strengths in the aviation, manufacturing and commercial sectors in the Midwest region, including new technology projects here in Illinois with clients like Rivian. With customer service as a priority, our Chicago base will continue to support Fortune 500 clients all over the world.”
