Jim Nicolow, MBA’16

Deep Green Designer

Principal and Director of Sustainability, Lord Aeck Sargent 

Architect Jim Nicolow has dedicated his career to transforming the built environment through leadership and collaboration on significant deep green projects, sustainability education, advocacy, leadership and mentorship. 

As principal and director of sustainability for Lord Aeck Sargent, he leads efforts to incorporate sustainable design strategies into the firm’s design projects nationwide. He has successfully guided the LEED certification of over 80 projects, ranging from Certified to Platinum, including the LEED Gold-certified Western Heights residence hall complex at Western Michigan University. 

Nicolow has served as president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Southwest Michigan and Honolulu chapters and has also been a member of Lord Aeck Sargent’s Board of Directors. Recognized for his contributions to sustainable design, he was elevated to LEED Fellow in 2012 and AIA Fellow in 2018. He earned his Living Future Accreditation in 2023. 

Favorite WMU Professor:

“Dr. Timothy Palmer, a great sustainable business advocate.”