At AE URBIA there are no job titles, no written job descriptions and no hierarchy. Our people are talented and gifted and know what needs to be done, and they do it. Employees are encouraged to pursue their interests and do what they find to be the most enjoyable and satisfying. Each contributes greatly to the success of each project and the success of the company. Our people are service oriented and always give the client and the project first priority.
We are a Utah-based professional architecture and engineering firm offering services worldwide.
AE Urbia functions dually having both an in-house architectural design and structural engineering expertise and are capable of producing any type of project, of any size, anywhere in the world.
Our team is comprised of genuinely gifted minds
James M. Williams is president and founder of AE Urbia / J.M. Williams and Associates, Inc., a diversified Utah based architectural, interiors and structural engineering firm with over 40 employees. James is a Licensed Architect, Professional Engineer, Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, and is a LEED Accredited Professional with over 35 years of design experience in both residential and commercial projects.
Since starting his company in 1992, they have successfully completed over 6,000 projects nationally and internationally. James is licensed in over 20 states and has worked in more than 15 countries. He and his firm have received over 200 design awards. James has also received the ICC Education Award and the ICC Industry Award of Excellence for his contribution to the built environment. James is also a past recipient of the TCA Irving Gill Distinguished Architect Award and the David L Kelly Distinguished Engineer Award and is in the top 20 of “The World’s Most Influential Tilt-up Design Professionals.”
James is one of 14 who serves on the ICC General IBC Code Development Committee and has been instrumental in the development of the 2021 and the 2024 building codes. He is the chairman of the National HUD Resiliency Seismic and Earth Task Group. He has served two code cycles for the International Green Building Standard and has been appointed by the Governor of Utah to serve as Chairman of the Uniform Building Code Commission Advisory Committee. James has served on the AIA’s National Codes and Standard Committee, the AIA ICC Prescriptive Code Task Group and has also served on the executive board of directors for the Tilt-Up Concrete Association for 7 years. He is a past president, vice president and secretary of the Structural Engineers Association of Utah, as well as having served on several SEAU committees.
James has been a national judge for Architectural Record, ENR and the TCA. He has 39 regional and national published articles and seminars including several featured articles in Structures Magazine. He also presented, “New Trends in Multi-Story Office Construction” featuring Tilt-up Concrete at an ACI Spring Symposium and spoke to the ACI Intermountain Chapter on “Innovations in Tilt-up Construction.” James is recognized nationally and internationally as an expert in the design and engineering of tilt-up concrete structures, the engineering of specialty water features, and the development of building codes, not to mention a broad portfolio of award-winning projects.
Andrew is a co-founder and partner of AE Urbia and has worked with James M. Williams since 1996 when he joined JM Williams and Associates, Inc. Andrew's experience, knowledge, dedication, and camaraderie have allowed him to excel in his personal relationships and to gain the trust and respect of his clients and co-workers. Andrew is responsible for Business Development and truly has the client’s best interest at heart. He also oversees and assists with production and helps to manage the owner’s expectations and to guarantee client satisfaction. Andrew has been instrumental in helping realtors, brokers, contractors, and owners work together to create successful projects for all parties involved. Andrew is highly liked and respected by his peers and is known for his honesty, fairness, and for being a team player. He is a key player for all the projects that run through AE Urbia.
Keith has worked in the architectural industry for nearly 20 years and is a principal designer and partner at AE Urbia. His design and experience include tilt-up office warehouses, retail centers, Class A office buildings, hi-rise multi-use office buildings, resorts, hotels, high-end residential and multi-family projects.
His creativity and unique approach to concrete tilt-up put AE Urbia on the map earning AE Urbia many awards for design and the creative use of materials. His work is recognized across the United States and Utah.
Keith collaborated with Mike Lee of Mike Lee Design/MLD productions on several of the design aspects of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Hawaiian Journey which depicts a dormant volcano on the exterior; he also worked on the Hukilau Marketplace.
Keith enjoys the creative process and seeing the project from concept to construction. His attention to detail, years of experience, and collaboration with all stakeholders to deliver the building the client had in mind. He is one of the most well-rounded designers in the state.
Keith is honored to be an Architectural Experience Program mentor for aspiring architects, a nationally recognized program. He is a Utah State and Arizona State registered Architect and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
In his spare time, he enjoys watching football, playing basketball, and spending time with his family.
Shawn has worked with AE Urbia since its inception. He has collaborated on multi-family, hospitality, medical, Office, Retail, and Industrial, but has focused his career on Industrial. Lately, he has been working on light and heavy manufacturing facilities. He has developed his expertise in Hazardous Material Handling as well as being well versed in the consequences of Hazardous material storage and handling in building environments. Over the years he has developed hundreds of site layouts and development master plans. He has a good grasp of the design concepts required to maximize sites for different uses. He has been working in the industry for over 20 years.
Ryan is an architect licensed in 17 states with more than 25 years of experience. His primary focus is multi-family housing and hospitality projects, having completed thousands of units across the western half of the United States. Ryan has extensive HUD experience. He completed his college career in 2004 at the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Degree and a Master of Architecture Degree, with a minor in Landscape Architecture. He has been certified by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards and is an accomplished technical & creative writer. He has done work for the Utah Transit Authority, Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management, and Idaho Department of Transportation.
Why AE Urbia
What sets AE Urbia apart is our comprehensive expertise in architectural design, structural engineering, and interior design. This multifaceted functionality enables us to handle projects of any type, scale, and location worldwide. With AE Urbia, you can trust that your vision will be brought to life with impeccable precision and creativity.
Our Values
Innovate each project with no exceptions.
Innovation can be as simple as product replacement, or as complicated as integrating geothermal energy. We have saved our customers thousands of dollars by being innovative with materials, scale, orientation, building systems, and design. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish with an architect with an open mind.
Always overdeliver to our clients.
To overdeliver is our expectation. Quality and timing are important to us and our clients. We aim to please you with our accuracy and quickness in project delivery.
Build things that inspire people
Through architecture and engineering, we strive to create emotional impact, memorable experiences, inspire creativity, and evoke positive change with human-centered design.
