furkis.com - About Us

With over 23 years of experience working at Architecture Firms in Indiana, Michigan, and Iowa, James Furkis, the Owner of and Principal Architect for Furkis Architectural Consulting, has worked on numerous building projects of various types and sizes. James has worked on many different project types including Additions, Renovations, Restorations, and New Construction from project conception to project completion.

The first week of January 2014, TEN years ago, we purchased our small farm and moved to Berrien Center, Michigan (Berrien County) from Union, Michigan (Cass County) and I moved the business with me! What an adventure it has been! We are very thankful for everything!

Also in August of 2023 we celebrated as it has been TEN years since I restarted Furkis Architectural Consulting! Ten years prior to August 2023, I began practicing Architecture again as a Sole Practitioner.

James Furkis is currently a Registered Architect Licensed in the States of Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa. He maintains a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate which allows him the ability to be licensed in other states. James maintains LEED Green Associate Certification also.

Company Philosophy and Project Approach

At FAC, we believe that each Building project that comes along demands a unique solution. An Architect is an important part of the Building process to develop and complete this unique solution. There are projects that demand Imagination and there are projects that demand Innovation and I believe an Architect should provide these services. However, there are also Building projects that seem ordinary that deserve to be thought out and options presented to obtain the best solution.

Every Client has different goals and needs for their Building Project. Understanding the Clients needs is an important part of the Building Project. Each Building Project is approached as a new challenge, design ideas or options are presented, and the necessary means to convey the project for Construction are completed.

If you have questions about your future building project, are in need of an Architect for a future building project, or just have questions about the Company and what an Architect can do to help you, please, do not hesitate to contact Furkis Architectural Consulting.

Services Offered Include:

• Licensed Architect in the States of Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa

• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate

• LEED Green Associate Certification

• Qualified Historic Architect With the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office

• Commercial Projects

• Residential Projects

• As-built drawings

• Pre-Design/ Programming

• Schematic Design/ Conceptual Design

• Design Development

• Construction Documents and Specifications

• Bidding and Construction Administration

• Building Code Review

• Accessibility Code Review

• Site Plan Analysis and Zoning Review

• Green and Sustainable Design

• Master Planning

• Feasibility and Rehabilitation Studies

• Bid Projects

• Design/ Build Projects

• Color Renderings

• Drafting Services

• Other Architectural Consulting Services

• Network of Engineering Consultants

Types of Projects Worked on to Date:

The Projects Types listed below include projects with Furkis Architectural Consulting and Previous Employers.

Commercial
Residential
Renovations
Additions
New Construction
Historic Restoration
Bid Projects
Design-Build Projects
Churches
Educational
Offices
Banks
Municipal
Athletic
Performing Arts
Not-For-Profit
Assembly
Library
College Dormitory
Retail
Healthcare Projects
Apartments
Warehouse
Camp
Utility
State Government
Hotel
Urban Design
Museum
Restaurant
Bar/ Pub
Equine Facilities/ Agricultural
Manufacturing

About James Furkis

James Furkis grew up in Ligonier, Indiana and earned his Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan. Since completion of College, James has lived and worked in Northern Indiana, Southern Michigan, and Northwest Iowa. Furkis Architectural Consulting was started in Union, Michigan in 2010 to primarily provide Architectural Services all of Southwest Michigan, Northern Indiana and beyond. Currently James resides in Berrien Center, Michigan and decided this would be a good location for his office to continue serving clients in the Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana areas since the office is located about a half hour south of Benton Harbor, Michigan and a half hour north of South Bend, Indiana. He considers this area home and decided there is no better place to start a business.

James also believes in the importance of strong communities and the affect Architecture has on communities. He continues to be involved with the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in Niles, Michigan as a Board Member and Member of the Design committee. He is also a former Board Member of the Future Ligonier Alliance, a group started with the intent of revitalizing Historic Downtown Ligonier, Indiana, his hometown. He believes in community and feels that each building is an important part of the community.

James looks forward to helping clients with their building projects in any way he can to develop the highest quality solution that meets their needs.