This Week We Feature Young Professional Adrian A. James
James leaves for Puerto Rico in a few weeks to pursue a Degree in Architecture. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO
By ANEKA EDWARDS
This week’s young professional’s dreams of designing a mind-blowing and unique building in the Virgin Islands and is on his way to making that a reality as he heads off to college to earn a Degree in Architecture.
In the meantime, 18 year-old Adrian James has been sharpening his skills as a Draftsman for a year and half at SA Architect, located in Lower Estate.
According to him, when he graduated from the B.V.I Seventh Day Adventist High School in 2009, he immediately enrolled into the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) where he started off majoring in Computer Science before switching to General Studies with Architecture as his technical option.
“Actually in high school I wanted to be many things, including becoming an Architect,” James divulged. And how he got into the whole “Architecture business” is quite bizarre.
With a laugh, James recalled that during the summer of 2010 he applied to the Youth Development and Sports Department for a coaching job to train youngsters the techniques of basketball while keeping himself occupied. “On my application Ms. Persia Tobin along with Mrs. Loren Rhymer saw I was doing Architecture in College, and instead urged me to try my hand at SA Architect to work alongside Steve, my boss, who I have learned so much from. And the rest as they say is history,” he said.
James fondly recalled reporting for work on the first day and feeling like a “fish out of water”. “I barely knew anything,” he admitted with a grin. “He [Steve] gave me a book and told me to read, and by the third day, he gave me something to draw, and from that day on I was given more work and progress was made.”
As the summer came to a close, James’ boss impressed with his zeal for the profession, asked him to stay on as long as he was able to balance it with school.
In actuality, being in the architectural industry helped him vastly because in classes he could better relate to what was being taught.
When asked about the relationship with his boss, James went on to say that their relationship isn’t like that of a typical employer and employee.
He stated, “Steve is the kind of guy you can sit and have a conversation with about anything and not worry about hearing it anywhere. He’s a positive person that gives good advice, anyone who knows him can attest to that”.
James discussing some specifications of a design with his boss Steve. Photo: VINO
According to James, under Steve’s supervision, his responsibilities include preparation of architectural details and developing working drawings while meeting the regulatory requirements. His practical experience includes; onsite measurements, application preparation and submissions, liaising with the respective regulatory bodies, conversing with clients, plan packaging, copying and the use of various programs such as AutoCad and Photoshop.
To hone in his skills, this young professional will be attending the PUPCR, Puerto Rico in a few weeks for his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. He revealed that part of the course stipulates that after three years he can begin his internship at a firm, and according to the young professional SA Architect will be first choice.
“And when I graduate, I will continue to work with Steve. Also I plan to give some kind of contribution back to the B.V.I Seventh Day Adventist School…whether it’s teaching students how to use AutoCAD. I will push to see if I can give some assistance in that area because while I attended the school, there was a limited option in the school’s curriculum – only Business or Science in that department,” he said.
James is also a “health nut”. His day starts from about 5 am when he and friends would have a friendly game of basketball at the Lower Estate Court. “We also run, and go to the gym in an effort to stay fit”.
He also credits his parents George and Sharon for keeping him grounded. “They have raised me to be progressive in life. But to be honest, I wanted to hang out on the block when I was younger but I have a cousin who is in jail and I don’t want to end up there. I don’t think I’d survive. I like freedom”.
Describing himself as hardworking, intelligent, and trustworthy, our young professional sees his father, boss, and James Todman as men he respects and holds as role models.
And to the youths like himself, James advises them to “take each day one step at a time. Don’t rush anything. Try to stay away from negative influence. If you see someone going down the wrong road, you don’t have to follow. At the end of the day they can still be your friend, but you don’t have to do what they do. Try to do positive things in your community and always keep your head on.”
This young professional dreams one day to build a 'mind blowing' building in the VI. Photo: VINO
28 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Adrian A. James”
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A-D-R-I-A-N!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so PROUD of you. You see what happens when you read those books(inside joke). You are such an Amazing young man with such a gentle and kind spirit whom I have had the pleasure to watch blossom from this shy young kid to this confident and self assured young man, the sky’s the limit and may GOD continue to Bless you on your journey to GREATEST!
Now go finish read that book, lol!
at his age I must say very impressive…..the world is your osta Mr. James
I knew you from a baby and I am so happy to read this story about you. I am so happy for you and proud of you. God bless you and continue to make your dreams a reality.
Congrats!!! Such a gentleman…Keep aiming high and see you in five years
Not a bad area of study. Another young male moving on up..reach for the starts Adrian
Congratulations Adrian !! I am very, very PROUD of you!! You are such an intelligent, handsome and focused young man!!! I wish you nothing but the best in all your future endeavours , the sky is the limit keep reaching for the stars I know you can do it!! It’s good to see yet another positive young man doing something constructive!! All the best again……you should know who this is our middle name starts with the same letter LOL (insider)!! See you in Puerto Rico, cheers to the future!!! xoxo
Keep up the good work youth and make sure God is first in everything
Keep it up!
all am going to say is that i wish mummy was alive to see u sweetie thats my wish for u
am crying with joy
what a handsome young man
Very happy to see you being recognized Adrian. Stay positive and keep reaching for the stars!
Wishing you all the best young man. I’m always inspired when I see young men excelling. There will be obstacles and negative influences that you will encounter but just keep focus and keep God in the centre of your life. Looking forward to hear of your further achievements in the next 4 years when you complete your Bachelors.
I see you everyday walking, and I’ve always admired you for some reason. I see you’re doing positive things, keep it up!
Big ups to Steve for coaching this young man. It’s not a lot of us can attest to having great bosses that truly cares,appreciates and propels us further. Congrats Adrian on your accomplishments thus far. Looking forward to hearing even greater things from you in the near future!
do we have the next Paul W or Julien F in the making??? all the best young Adrian with your college goals……
Adrian, you are doing the right things and demonstrating the right attitude. You may encounter challenges on the journey. But stay focus and work through the challenges. Life are full of peaks and valleys but you have to commit to working through the valleys to get to the peak. Some wise person coined the that success is 1% aspiration and 99% perspiration. Work hard, stay focused and stay true to yourself and to your goals. Never give up. Good luck and best wishes.
Stay focused, remain confident, strive for excellence and all will be well. Your progress thus far is an indication of greater things to come; make it happen!
Wow, he’s probably the youngest professional ever featured, good job & keep striving for excellence!
well done Mr. James!!!!
Mr James I am so proud of you and I am so happy that you make your Mom Sharon and your Dad George James proud of you keep up the good work we love you
yeaaaaaa my boi,,,,,, i got a question though ,,,, how did i get from being your teacher to seein you teaching me…….
holla when u get bac
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Adrian I am extremely proud to be able to come online & see a gentleman that I watched grew, so all grown up and in a professional stance. Well done on your achievements. It’s wonderful to see ur interested and focused in steering the youths in the right direction, along with your plans to help the BVIs to grow and develop at it’s best. Continue to stay focused and dedicated at whatever your heart desires and rest assured your mom and dad are proud. All the best Adrian, the sky’s the limit.
CONGRATS!
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Adrian I am extremely proud to be able to come online & see a gentleman that I watched grew, so all grown up and in a professional stance. Well done on your achievements. It’s wonderful to see ur interested and focused in steering the youths in the right direction, along with your plans to help the BVI to grow and develop at it’s best. Continue to stay focused and dedicated at whatever your heart desires and rest assured your mom and dad are proud. All the best Adrian, the sky’s the limit.
Glad to have Adrian as part of the Ponce Community(even though it will be for a short time, while attending school here in Ponce.) Young men like Adrian, tells me there is hope for the future!
I’m very happy for the family, consider me as a new friend in Puerto Rico. I wish you all the best!
I’ve been in at least one class with this young man. Virgin Islands History. Quiet yet attentive was he – reminds me of me. It’s always good to know but also physically see more young men climbing the positive ladder. Proud of you my boy. Continue to persevere and engraved on your heart should God remain. Blessings bruh!