Joseph James

Joseph James is a Lecturer in Landscape Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He is also the founder of Eponymous Practice, a studio focused on landscape architecture, outreach, and storytelling in Rhode Island. His teaching emphasizes the interplay between landform, hydrology, and plant systems to shape human experiences in landscapes, while his professional practice seeks pragmatic yet expressive design solutions.

James co-chairs the BSLA’s K-12 Committee, developing programs to introduce landscape architecture to young audiences. He is currently working on a graphic novel to promote the profession and advocate for quality greenspace and humane public realms. His awards include the Landscape Architecture Foundation Fellowship for Leadership and Innovation.

He has taught at RISD since 2010 and served as a critic at institutions such as

• Michigan State University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Boston Architectural College

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His research interests include environmental sustainability, ecological design, and community engagement through landscape architecture. He also explores pedagogical approaches to sculpting landforms and crafting details from simple materials.