Biographies of Principals - Lencioni

James R. Lencioni
President/ Senior Architect

Jim obtained his associates degree in Architectural Technology from Purdue in 1972 then transferred to the University of Illinois where he received his BA in Architectural Design in 1976. He worked as a draftsman, architect, designer, construction laborer, estimator, project manager and superintendent for Oliveri Brothers, an architect, developer and construction company. He taught an estimating class at Purdue during that time as well. Jim then joined Bernheim & Kahn and Lozano in Chicago and for 10 years worked as a project architect on numerous retail, industrial, and restaurant projects.

In 1989 Jim co-founded Aria Group Architects, Inc. As president and senior architect, he had led the team for many of the firm's accounts including Lettuce Entertain You, Blue Chip Hotel & Casino, Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort, Brookfield Zoo, Rosemont Casino, etc.

Jim is currently chairman of the Oak Park YMCA board, and has been president of Toastmasters, Vice President of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, and has been active at St. Giles Church. He is on the Oak Park YMCA handball team and enjoys golf with his wife and 3 children. He has been a member of AIA since 1989, is NCARB certified and licensed in 38 states.