1. James Meyer, Page 1
JAMES D. MEYER, A.I.A., LEED A.P.
Home Address: 1550 South Indiana Avenue, Unit 401
City, State & Zip: Chicago, IL 60605
Country: USA
Telephone #: (312) 405-0718
Email Address: jmeyer4943@sbcglobal.net
Linkedin linkedin.com/profile
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
An innovative and detail-oriented managing Architect with 19 years’ experience in new, rebuild, rebranding & reimaging
design and construction with world QSR industry leader. Extensive knowledge of prototype Program Management, with
simultaneous leadership of multiple projects in support. Successful Design Management as a key member of development team
of +$850Mil (construction) annually is a hallmark of career. A strong ability to negotiate and work with a large range of
development partners: operations, architects, interior designers, construction supply chain, procurement, safety and legal.
Adapts to consistently changing requirements and leads teams through all phases of development to ensure delivery of
objectives and within budget. Experienced troubleshooter with a strong technical background in masonry and tile construction
techniques and standards.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 Researched new materials for possible inclusion into current building program, with a focus on innovation and
sustainability. Setting up screens as they apply to durability, ease of construction, availability and cost.
 Served as core member of U.S. Brand Review Team.
 Assisted in creation of standards for continued evolution of exterior building design and branding.
 Oversaw site, building and décor layout and design.
 Conduct detailed prototype program, building code and ADA reviews, concept design, branding and prototype team
work plans.
 Provided construction document preparation, cost estimating, coordination with construction supply chain,
specifications, engineering disciplines, interior design and site planning.
 Experienced Licensed Architect with both external and internal experience with all national and state building codes,
ADA, construction documentation and construction costs.
 Acting as a “center of expertise” in regards to the previous, as implemented into the current building program.
 Experienced in working with construction managers, general contractors, owner/operators, suppliers, construction
supply chain, and real estate and regional development teams in support of development plans.
 Implemented new development data program (Vision) in direct support of the US Restaurant Design with training.
 Created new development reports which provides a clearer and more detailed view of development as whole.
 Developed training programs as part of a team and training department for new construction and real estate managers.
 Provided opportunities for professional growth to restaurant design staff through mentoring, coaching and appropriate
outside professional organizations and experts, as related to architecture, interior design, engineering and construction
fields.
 Monitored external design trends, new technology and possible threats to the business of US Restaurant Development.
 Identified project scope, work schedules and needs of department for future.
EXPERIENCE
McDONALDS CORPORATION, UNITED STATES RESTAURANT DEVELOPMENT, Oak Brook, Illinois
Architectural Lead, Standards Studio, 2011-2015
Lead Quality Manager, West Studio, 2009-2011
Lead Quality Manager, Standards Studio, 2007-2009
Lead Quality Manager, East Studio, 2000-2007
Lead Architect, Northeast Studio, 1998-2000
Architect 1, Mines Zone, 1996-2000
Implemented new kitchen layouts, retail interior plans, front counter configurations and future concepts. Ensured all new
concepts remained fully implemented per program requirements and working with cross-functional team. Provide impact and
guidance to construction supply chain. Made changes to branding and signage and tracking of new initiatives as progress
continuous for business results. Supplied flexible design, accommodating current needs, as well as providing for future
initiatives to minimize impact down the road. Oversaw tracking and reporting of all related information in new prototype
development for communication to regional offices on estimated construction cost changes for project budgeting. Starting with

2. James Meyer, Page 2
concept design, developing thru to construction documentation. Served as architect responsible for development and
coordination of corporate prototype for use by divisional studios and design managed architectural and engineering firms.
Initiated RFP’s for prototype updates, and change cost tracking. Acted as subject matter expert for RFP’s as part of cross-
functional team for construction supply chain and procurement teams. Served as subject matter expert on ADA and masonry
and tile construction for alignment with industry standards. Performed reviews and updates to corporate specifications in
alignment with current corporate prototype. Handled new material research and implementation.
 Provided webcasts to regional development teams and A/E firms on prototype changes and updates.
 Oversaw shop drawing review in support of prototype.
 Evaluated how decisions impact development costs and owner/operator profitability.
 Protected and preserved brand image and customer experience.
 Provide direction and guidance to outside consultants responsible for development of brand related documents.
 Assisted as subject matter expert for current building standards.
 Reviewed McOpCo (company owned restaurants) standards to insure alignment with current corporate new building
standards for development.
 Reviewed differences across regions between corporate standards and regional for recommendations for cost savings.
 Provided written specifications changes and support documents as required for requested changes to supplier materials
and products.
 Coordinated redlines or suggested changes as submitted from development partners.
 Authored update to masonry and interior and exterior tile specifications.
 Served as key point of contact for instituting and coordinating material building mock-ups for approval.
 Provided cost estimates using Autodesk Quantity Take-off program.
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS at Urbana/Champaign, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, 1988
SCHOLARSHIP/STUDY ABROAD
MARMOMACC - Stone Academy Scholarship (Verona, Italy) 2013
Architects, Landscape Architects and Artists from 6 different countries sharing and learning during 5 full days of continuing
education seminars, taking a firsthand look at the Natural Stone Industry. A.I.A. accredited program on the natural stone
industry starting in the quarry to selling at VeronaFiere International Stone Trade Show in Verona, Italy.
A.I.A. CONTINUING EDUCATION
Wall covering: A History, Korosel Interior Products, 2014
Designing With Tile, International Masonry Institute, 2014
Cost Effective Energy Efficient Design for Buildings Using Exterior Masonry Wall, International Masonry Institute, 2014
Tile Installer Qualifications Language in the Architectural Specification, International Masonry Institute, 2014
Concrete and Wood Substrates, Coverings 2014, 2014
Sketch Up Pro for Tile & Stone, Coverings 2014, 2014
Designing with Tile, Coverings 2014, 2014
Co-Presenter: A.I.A. C.E.U Seminar “A Collaborative Approach to Designing with Tile”, Coverings 2014, 2014
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Site Check Overview, 2014
Development Ethics, 2014
McDonald’s Worldwide Convention, 2006, 2004,2002
Building Blocks To Scenic Improvisation – Second City, 2008
Managing the Organization – Hamburger University, 2007
Gender Speak – Hamburger University, 2005
Presentation Skills Course – Hamburger University, 2002
Decision Skills & Problem Analysis – Hamburger University, 2001
The Art & Practice of Influencing Others –Hamburger University, 2000
Made for You Team – Temporary Construction Manager (Washington, D.C. Region), 1998
Site Development, 1998
Recognizing Differences Seminar, 1997

3. James Meyer, Page 3
LICENSURE
Licensed Architect – State of Illinois
AFFLIATIONS
Member of the American Institute for Architects (A.I.A.)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Accredited Professional (LEED, AP)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Hamburger University
U.S. Restaurant Design & Brand Integrity
Orientation to Restaurant Development
Foundations of Restaurant Development
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Deal of the Year – Atlantic City Rebuild, 2006
Prototype Development Award, 2005
McDonald’s Team Award, 2000
Northeast Significant Contribution Award (Massachusetts Turnpike Acquisition), 2000
Outstanding Architectural Division Team, 1999
Outstanding Architectural Zone Team, 1998
COMMUNITY SERVICE / PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Illinois Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, July 2014 to Present
Honor Flight Chicago, January 2013 to Present
St. Michael’s in Old Town – Facilities Committee, March 2010 to Present
Joliet American Legion Band, November 2008 to Present
Engineering Judge – Illinois State Science Fair, May 2006
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Basic Italian – greetings, simple phrases, questions and culture.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Proficient in AutoCAD, Quantity Take-Off, Deltek Vision, Accurent, PowerPoint, MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
Basic in REVIT and Sketch Up
HOBBIES/INTERESTS
Music, Art, Photography and Travel. Completed 5 Chicago Marathons.