International architecture practice Goettsch Partners has announced that James Goettsch and James Zheng have been appointed the firm’s co-CEOs. Collaborators and colleagues for more than 20 years, Goettsch and Zheng will continue to serve the firm as chairman and president, respectively. Zheng, who received the 2004 Young Architect Award from the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), will oversee the development of strategies for future growth as well as the strengthening of the firm’s global identity. A graduate of Tongji University, the University of Illinois, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Zheng first joined the firm in 1995.
James Zheng
“An established leader, James has been a critical part of the firm’s success,” says Goettsch. “The opportunity for us to collaborate even more closely brings a combined perspective that will improve the firm’s work and performance.”
Goettsch will helm the direction and quality of the firm’s design work. A graduate of Iowa State University and a registered LEED Accredited Professional, Goettsch previously worked with Murphy/Jahn—formerly CF Murphy Associates—for nearly two decades and lent his expertise to Lohan Associates. Both Goettsch and Zheng are members of the AIA and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
