James leaves for Puerto Rico in a few weeks to pursue a Degree in Architecture. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO

James discussing some specifications of a design with his boss Steve. Photo: VINO

This young professional dreams one day to build a 'mind blowing' building in the VI. Photo: VINO

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”.

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.”