James Shieh brings extensive real estate experience to Real International. With a background in architecture and planning, coupled with his work as a realtor, contractor, and developer, James brings unique perspective and insight in selecting real estate as a home, business, or for development.
James began his career in real estate while he was in architecture school at the University of Texas where he purchased his first investment property. After graduation, he worked with the firms of Cotera Kolar Negrete Architects and Graber Simmons and Cowan designing commercial projects. Later, he joined Shiflet Group Architects designing high-end custom homes. He then became a partner at Volume Studio and later co-founded J Square Architecture.
James also worked with his father’s real estate company and used his experience to acquire properties and redevelop them, ranging from residential to commercial, for himself and his clients. He performed feasibility for large scale projects and oversaw projects ranging from acquisitions, rezoning, variances, historic sites, permitting, construction administration, and sales.
Being a City Commissioner for 3 council members and 2 mayors including the current mayor, James uses a disciplined approach to development that is in tune with city growth.
His Civic duties included serving as Zoning and Platting Commission (Vice-Secretary) and Design Commission (past Chairman). He is currently serving on the Small Area Planning Joint Committee (current Chairman), and the Planning Commission (past Chairman). As a Commissioner, he reviews projects seeking new entitlements, assists communities and developers to find solutions, guides the creation of new codes and ordinances, and helps to oversee the planning and growth direction of the City. He was part of the team that authored the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, Urban Design Guidelines, and Mobility Plan that helps guide and project Austin’s future growth.
Other Community Service：
Committee Chairman and co-founder of Troop 50, ScoutsBSA, Cubmaster for Pack 20, Boy Scouts, Chairman and co-founder of Asian American Resource Center Nonprofit, ASAAP chairman/co-founder, AustinVestors co-founder
