James Goettsch and James Zheng
Courtesy Goettsch Partners James Goettsch and James Zheng

Today, architecture practice Goettsch Partners (GP) announced the appointment of James Goettsch, FAIA, and James Zheng, AIA, as co-CEOs of the firm. Both principal partners at GP, which has offices in Chicago, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi, Goettsch and Zheng most recently served as chairman and president of GP, respectively. They will each continue serving in these capacities in addition to their new roles.

Goettsch is a graduate of Iowa State University and began his career in New York. In 1992, Goettsch joined Lohan Associates as a design principal and, in 2005, led the firm's transition to Goettsch Partners.

Zheng joined GP in 1995. A native of Shanghai, he graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, . "An established leader, James has been a critical part of the firm’s success,” Goettsch said in a press release. “The opportunity for us to collaborate even more closely brings a combined perspective that will improve the firm’s work and performance.”

In their new roles, Goettsch will continue his leadership of the practice's design activity while Zheng will focus on practice strategy and strengthening the firm's identity.