--- title: "Anthony O. James, Architect — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/anthony-o-james-architect-pfvwus-pf~847261398 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847261398.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Anthony O. James, Architect" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a6f37df50f747b48_0228-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "160 Greenfield Street, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States" latitude: 42.9414 longitude: -78.8374 phone: "(716) 243-1261" website: http://www.AnthonyOJamesArchitect.com rating: 5 review_count: 5 followers: 89 last_updated: 2026-09-01 --- # Anthony O. James, Architect Original Houzz profile: [Anthony O. James, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/anthony-o-james-architect-pfvwus-pf~847261398) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Buffalo, NY - **Serves:** Buffalo, West Amherst, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls, West Seneca, Lancaster, North Tonawanda, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Kenmore, Depew, Tonawanda, Eggertsville, Harris Hill, Williamsville, Grandyle Village, Sloan, Blasdell, Bowmansville, East Amherst, Fort Erie, Getzville, Spring Brook - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - High-end - Offers Custom Work - 31 years in business Anthony O. James, sole proprietor of Anthony O. James, Architect (AOJA), has over 40 years of experience in architectural design and historic preservation, having worked for government preservation agencies, non-profits and private architectural firms on a wide variety of projects. Anthony specializes in working with historic buildings, both restoration and respectful renovation, and traditional design of additions and new construction. Significant areas of expertise include not only restoration and renovation of historic buildings, but also fine residential work from kitchen renovations to design of new houses. Additionally Anthony has expertise in historical research and writing, having prepared historic structures reports and building histories, including the research and report preparation for determination of National Register eligibility. Anthony also has experience in master planning and has worked on campus master plans and the layout of residential communities. Working on your old house would be a pleasure, if our schedules can be coordinated! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Building Design - Basement Remodeling - House Plans - Home Restoration - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Universal Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Space Planning - Historic Building Conservation - Drafting - Structural Engineering - Site Preparation - Construction Drawings - New Construction - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Buffalo - West Amherst - Amherst - Cheektowaga - Niagara Falls - West Seneca - Lancaster - North Tonawanda - Grand Island - Lackawanna - Kenmore - Depew - Tonawanda - Eggertsville - Harris Hill - Williamsville - Grandyle Village - Sloan - Blasdell - Bowmansville - East Amherst - Fort Erie - Getzville - Spring Brook ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 6,000,000 I usually work on a fixed fee basis. The cost range runs from minor home remodeling to large new house construction. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Anthony O. James, Architect | | Address | 160 Greenfield Street, Buffalo, New York 14214, United States | | Phone | (716) 243-1261 | | Website | http://www.AnthonyOJamesArchitect.com | | Followers on Houzz | 89 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyOJamesArchitect - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-o-james-67b4518 - Blog — http://anthonyojamesarchitect.com/en/home/about ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Anthony O. James, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/anthony-o-james-architect-pfvwus-pf~847261398) - **Website:** http://www.AnthonyOJamesArchitect.com - **Phone:** (716) 243-1261 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Registered architect in the State of New York, specializing in traditional and contextual design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews** ### All 5 reviews **★★★★★ — Tomas Herrera-Mishler, March 2017** > Tony helped us to plan an office renovation in the historic House of Hospitality in Balboa Park. He helped us get organized, analyze our use of space and determine the best layout. It was great to work with someone who understands the sensitivity of working with a national historic landmark and accommodating a modern office use into that space. **Comment from Anthony O. James, Architect:** > Many thanks for your kind words Tomas. It's always a pleasure to work with you! **★★★★★ — Janet Lozano, March 2017** > I hired Tony James to plan the renovation of my kitchen in our home. He was able to develop a plan that included everything I wanted in the kitchen ,including a large island that we were not sure could fit in the space. > He was professional, courteous and met the deadlines in a timely manner. > After 20 years I am still very happy with the kitchen, especially the large island where my 12 grandchildren congregate for food and fun. **Comment from Anthony O. James, Architect:** > I'm so glad to hear you still enjoy your kitchen, Janet! It was my pleasure working with you and Neal and I'm happy that you are still happy! It's not always easy fitting everything into an existing space in an old house! **★★★★★ — fionnbharr, Oct. 2016** > We worked with Tony James on a long-distance cross-country renovation and remodel of an 1862 country doctor’s home and medical office in a small village in Western New York. After reading a number of reviews, we identified his experience and interest in traditional design and restoration as a significant influence on our decision, matching our own interests in preserving the historic feel of the home. > > We simply couldn’t be happier with his design. > > Tony intuitively saw potential changes in layout and function that never occurred to us or the contractor. He moved a small, barely-functional kitchen that looked out into the neighbor’s driveway clear to the other side of the house, where a traditional yet spacious-and-functional kitchen now has a wide view of the large lawn and pond framed by trees and field; it seems to be the obvious choice in hindsight – but it took Tony James to first envision it and incorporate it into his drawings. > > His design converted a small and unneeded nursery adjacent to the master bedroom into a large and luxurious bathroom with walk-in shower and separate bath. > > In converting an office and exam rooms (remember; it was formerly a Doctor’s practice and home!) into a comfortable family room, Tony’s design reworked the exterior to a more classical layout, respecting the history and features appropriate to a mid-nineteenth century look. > > And he was able to do this for our new home in Western New York while we were still living in California. Communication across the country and across time zones was excellent: Tony responded to our questions by phone and email quickly and with good, well-considered answers. Our contractor found his instructions clear and detailed. Even our decorator was surprised by Tony’s use of space and promises to take his inspiration to her other clients. > > In the two years we’ve been in the new house, there isn’t a week that goes by where we haven’t reflected on our good fortune to have had Tony James’ vision put in place in our home. **Comment from Anthony O. James, Architect:** > I greatly enjoyed working with you two. Your house is a real joy, both in its great historic character, its wonderful landscape, and now with a great new kitchen! Thank you for the opportunity to work together. **★★★★★ — laurak734, Nov. 2013** > Tony was the architect on a kitchen remodel that we did 1 1/2 years ago. He listened to our desires and needs with our active family of 7 and came up with a plan that we just love. The kitchen truly is the heart of our home now where all the action takes place. > > We were fortunate enough to find 3 month old custom cabinetry at a demo sale. Tony was able to incorporate every beautiful piece but one, which is now being well used in our bathroom. One of the remarkable things about our project was that Tony did all of our work from afar since we live hours apart. > > Tony is a creative genius who is respectful and timely in his turnaround. He was highly recommended to us and we highly recommend him to others. **Comment from Anthony O. James, Architect:** > Thank you very much for your kind review, Laura! It was indeed a pleasure for me to work with you as well, and I am so happy you are pleased with your new kitchen! **★★★★★ — Jacqueline Harper, June 2012** > What most impressed us about Tony was his willingness to listen to the desires we had, to interpret them into a real and practical plan, to make accommodations based on our financial resources, and to finish with a design that was more beautiful than we imagined. We absolutely love what Tony did with our house. We took off an ugly front porch, put both front and back dormers off the second floor , making one bedroom now two, installed a master bath, and added a master bedroom balcony overlooking the woods. Neighbors and passers by cannot believe the change. It looks like it was always meant to be! Tony met with our builder and carefully went over the plans. He was always available when we had questions. Excellent service! **Comment from Anthony O. James, Architect:** > So glad you are happy with the changes and additions to your house, Jacqueline! it was great working with you to figure all that we could do within the constraints and still give you what you wanted. Thank you! ## Selected projects - [Parkside Home Renovation, Buffalo, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/parkside-home-renovation-buffalo-ny-pj-vj~42170) - Location: Buffalo, NY - Photos: 10 - Description: A complete gutting of the 1st floor of a 1907 house that had previously been totally remodeled, leaving not a stick of original woodwork. Custom woodwork designed to be complementary to the period of the house, all new trim, floors, walls, ceilings. Antique mantel used for living room, antique doors used throughout 1st floor. - [Chautauqua County Historic House Remodeling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chautauqua-county-historic-house-remodeling-pj-vj~2073365) - Location: Forestville, NY - Photos: 7 - Description: Whole house remodeling project in Chautauqua County, NY. This 1860s Greek revival house was expanded during the Victorian period and further remodeled in the 20th century for the village doctor's offices. When the owners bought the house they wanted to retain the historic character of the house, but adapt it for modern living. The work included totally rearranging and redesigning the kitchen/breakfast/laundry area on the first floor, transforming the warren of doctor's offices into a functional… - [House and Pool house, Gladwyne, PA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-and-pool-house-gladwyne-pa-pj-vj~68864) - Location: Gladwyne, PA - Photos: 5 - Description: A 12,000 square foot new construction project in a modified French Norman style. Anthony James was principal designer and project manager for this house while working with spg3 Architects in Philadelphia. Interior design by DiFiore & Partners. - [Newbold-White House Restoration, NC](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newbold-white-house-restoration-nc-pj-vj~42783) - Location: Hertford, Perquimans County, NC - Photos: 5 - Description: Restored with the assistance of state and federal restoration grants in the 1970s when I worked for the North Carolina Division of Archives & History. I designed and drew up the paneling based on the existing original paneling on the 2nd floor, and designed the windows based on evidence visible on the original window frames. - [Havertown, PA house kitchen renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/havertown-pa-house-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~137865) - Location: Havertown, PA - Photos: 2 - [Ardmore, PA House \#2 Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ardmore-pa-house-2-renovation-pj-vj~44391) - Location: Ardmore, PA - Photos: 8 - Description: Major house renovation, increasing space on second floor by adding a large dormer in the front and a new master bedroom and bath built out over the existing sunroom on the rear. All new siding, new balcony off the new master bedroom. - [Belmont Hills house \#1 landscape enhancement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belmont-hills-house-1-landscape-enhancement-pj-vj~44414) - Location: Bala Cynwyd, PA - Photos: 2 - [Northgate Church, Clarence, NY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northgate-church-clarence-ny-pj-vj~372935) - Location: Clarence, NY - Photos: 3 - Description: Domestic scale renovations to the existing church building and a new addition. Some of the work done at this church is domestic in nature and scale, such as the two fireplaces illustrated, designed in an updated traditional manner. - [Eagle Tavern, Porch Reconstruction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eagle-tavern-porch-reconstruction-pj-vj~1731813) - Location: Halifax, NC - Photos: 2 - Description: This 1790 historic tavern in Halifax, NC was missing its original porch. While working for the North Carolina Division of Archives & History AOJ was called in to design the missing porch based on evidence found at the site and similar houses of the period. - [Ardmore, PA House \#3, Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ardmore-pa-house-3-renovation-pj-vj~68866) - Location: Ardmore, PA - Photos: 2 - Description: In this whole house renovation the most changes took place in the kitchen, which was totally rearranged, removing the wall between the original kitchen and an enclosed back porch to provide more space and totally rearranging all the appliances and plumbing, introducing a new powder room and laundry room as well. - [Belmont Hills, PA, house renovation \#1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belmont-hills-pa-house-renovation-1-pj-vj~44408) - Location: Belmont Hills, PA - Photos: 3 - Description: The walls between the living room, dining room, and front porch were all removed and new structural beams inserted to open up the space in this plain Victorian house in suburban Philadelphia. The kitchen was totally remodeled as well, with all new cabinets, flooring, windows, french and sliding doors, beamed ceiling, and wood stove. - [Ardmore, PA Kitchen \#1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ardmore-pa-kitchen-1-pj-vj~42203) - Location: Ardmore, PA - Photos: 2 - Description: Remodeling of kitchen and adjoining bath and closet space into new kitchen, full bath, and laundry closet. - [House for a Young Couple](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-for-a-young-couple-pj-vj~1697997) - Location: Clarence Center, NY - Photos: 3 - [Gazebo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gazebo-pj-vj~1705914) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [House on a narrow city lot](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-a-narrow-city-lot-pj-vj~5531034) - Location: Buffalo, NY - Photos: 4 - [House on a Golf Course](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-a-golf-course-pj-vj~3127072) - Location: Buffalo, NY - Photos: 9 - Description: New five bedroom house with three car attached garage. Center Hall plan with two-story entry hall and two-story Great Room. Currently under construction. - [Rose Garden Pergola](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rose-garden-pergola-pj-vj~2543683) - Location: Buffalo, NY - Photos: 6 - Description: Restoration of the 100-year old pergola structure at the rose garden in Delaware Park , Buffalo, NY. All 36 columns had to be replaced, along with carpentry repairs, a new quarry tile floor, stone and concrete repairs, and painting. [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/anthony-o-james-architect-pfvwus-pf~847261398) ## Ideabooks - [Ideas for house on North Forest, Williamsville](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102974308/list/ideas-for-house-on-north-forest-williamsville) — 12 ideas - [Bidwell Kitchen/Bathroom remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106509948/list/bidwell-kitchen-bathroom-remodel) — 4 ideas - [Bidwell project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86326063/list/bidwell-project) — 1 idea - [Historic Restoration/Renovation Projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92486045/list/historic-restoration-renovation-projects) — 2 ideas - [Historic Homes of Western New York](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65382286/list/historic-homes-of-western-new-york) — 12 ideas - [Collaborative Projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63444011/list/collaborative-projects) — 3 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/anthonyojames) ## Community Q&A **Q: Paint it all - or just the door ?** *(in Design Dilemma)* Just moved in to this home about a month ago. Absolutely love it but thought it might be fun to add a bit of color to the exterior. Debating between painting the home a muted yellow and then adding dark brown shakes in the entrance area as well as painting the beams on the side of the house the same brown. Or would painting the door a different color be enough? Any suggestions? A: I believe in color, so would definitely paint your house. The addition of shakes, though, seems wrong, but painting the entry alcove a different color than the other walls would be a good way to differentiate that area and draw your eye to it. I would also paint the door, definitely, a darker contrasting color. There are a whole range of good choices for such a color scheme, one could be: warm yellow for the regular walls, sage green for the alcove, barn red for the door, cream for the trim. Some paint manufacturer's websites allow you to upload a photo of your house and try out some of the colors. Give that a whirl and see what you think. **Q: Off Centered Design Solution??** *(in Design Dilemma)* Just recently built a home in Bowie, MD (25 minutes outside of DC) and we realized we have one blunder that's clearly too late to fix. Our loft has off-centered windows. We wanted to make this a nice lounge area between our 2 kids bedrooms (boy,12 and girl 4). As if that wasn't hard enough, it's not a nicely evened space. I need help and suggestions. It's a 14x13 foot area. A: Agree about the bookcase, but suggest more built-ins there that are deeper, such as a built in desk that brings the line out to the window, and either a cupboard (built-in) in the corner by the window, or a closet (with built-ins next to it along that left wall). Roman shades or wood blinds would be good for window coverings. Interesting colors, including a different one for the window wall, will also help. **Q: Need Help Getting Kitchen Ready For Home Sale** *(in Design Dilemma)* We covered some textured wall paper with this bead board. Not sure that it looks very good. I will put up some small 1/2" flat trim on the edge of the bead board all the way around. Should I paint the bead board, the window trim, and doors w/ trim all WHITE. Are the mismatched appliances killing my kitchen? What else should I do that won't break the bank. (other than clean my kitchen. LOL) A: I agree about painting the beadboard, but also the flush doors as their stain clashes with the cabinets, which are fine. My thought is to do the flush doors in a French blue, and the walls a warm Provencal yellow. The beadboard could go to a lighter grey/blue. I think the chairail and other trim could stay stained, which I would try first. But if that doesn't work for you, a nice cream for the trim would be good. This color scheme would totally transform your kitchen, and yet work with the cabinets and the blue counter tops you have. As far as the appliances go, I wouldn't worry about them for the moment. When you have extra dollars to spend it would be good for them all to match, but not as important as changing the paint scheme. **Q: Desperate for kitchen ideas!!!** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have attached a picture of my kitchen in my ten year old house that i bought recently. It is the only room in my house that I can't stand! It needs the most work, and I am so lost on where to begin. The black applicances are new. I will be getting new flooring and counter tops, but not sure about what to do. Any thoughts or ideas are welcome :) A: Adding a window, or pass through, to the dining room is a good idea, and that will give more of a sense of openness and connection between the two spaces and let more light into the kitchen (assuming the dining room is bright). And a view into the dining room is preferable to looking at a blank wall, in my opinion! Instead of an island maybe a rolling cart would be functional for you. There are quite a range of options available, with decent ones starting about $250 (check on eBay). They have casters that lock in place so the cart will stay pretty stationary wherever you put it. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*