With a long list of family members who were in construction, it was only natural for James to have a passion for design and building.
After college and 6 months working for a surveyor, James started a traineeship as an architectural draftsman, with a large project builder.
Through the mid 1980’s James developed his design and drafting skills working on a wide range of projects as both a senior architectural draftsman and drawing office manager.
In 1988 with a passion for design and construction, James started his own design and drafting company.
This company quickly grew to add 2 additional draftsman with a wide range of builders and projects.
In 1991 James won a HIA subcontractor award for a large home on a sloping site at Shailer Park.
Another 2 HIA awards followed, for James’s designs, a silver award for a home in Manly and an award, for most innovative use of a small lot in Mt Cotton.
In 1990, he was amongst the first to become a member of the Building Designers Association of Queensland and amongst the first Building Designers to become registered with the Queensland Building Services Authority.
In the late 1990’s James met Adam Begbie while working as a Subcontractor Designer for a Redlands Based builder and in 2002 they decided to combine their talents to form Begbie Bentham Pty Ltd.
James is very proud of every home designed and constructed by Begbie Bentham, most homes have been individually designed to suit each client and each site.
He believes It’s important to listen to each clients wishes, needs and budget, consider passive design principles, and work with the best aspects of the site.
After 34 years designing homes James still enjoys helping clients create their dream homes.