ARLINGTON, VA — James Brown, LEED AP has been promoted to Civic Principal. In his new role, Brown will be working to lead the growth of the civic architecture practice in the Arlington, Virginia, office and throughout the east region with a focus on expanding HDR’s practice with state and local governments. Additionally, Brown will continue to support the national federal architecture practice as the client development lead for the U.S. General Services Administration and will continue to manage projects for federal and civic architecture clients.

Brown joined HDR in 2006 and has split his time between the firm’s transportation and architecture practices. Prior to HDR, Brown spent 11 years working in a variety of government staff and leadership positions in Detroit, Michigan, and Arlington, Virginia, helping plan and deliver development and facilities projects.

“James’ extensive background working with local communities to identify their development goals and with private real estate developers to navigate the local government approval process makes him a perfect candidate for this new role,” said Global Civic Architecture Director James McConnell. “Additionally, his experience in bridging the gaps between the public and private sectors and between local, state, and federal agencies is unparalleled.”

“Over the years, I have established many professional and personal relationships with amazing colleagues across HDR,” Brown said. “I look forward to maintaining those relationships and developing new ones as we all work to continue to deliver excellence to our clients. At HDR, we do things right for the right reasons and when we do so, our projects positively shape the built environment for generations. I am proud of the work that HDR does and the impact that it has on our communities. I look forward to helping the federal and civic architecture practices continue to grow their impact on our world.”

Brown is active in his local chapter of the Urban Land Institute and has participated in the ULI NEXT program. He currently serves on the Technical Assistance Panel committee.