James Gundy: Men Of The Year 2024 Design Spotlight

James Gundy’s journey into design and architecture is one of innate passion and early realization.

From the tender age of three, when his mother gave him a Lincoln Log set, Gundy knew his future was destined to involve design. Growing up, this passion only intensified, leading him to study architecture at Arizona State University and UNLV. Gundy’s early career took him into the gaming hospitality world, where he worked as a corporate project manager for Mandalay Resort Group. His experience there, particularly working on major projects along the Las Vegas Strip, shaped his early career as well as his approach to design.

In 2004, Gundy decided to venture out on his own, founding 1027 Design Management, where he spent the next two decades focusing on high-profile hospitality projects. His unique ability to blend creativity with functionality led to numerous successes, but by 2020, Gundy felt it was time for a new direction.

“After taking a brief hiatus to reflect on my next steps, I founded GDS – Gundy Design Studio. As an Interior Design studio, we focus on creating one-of-one projects for select residential and hospitality clients, combining meticulous attention to program and detail with a fresh, innovative perspective.”

What drives Gundy in his work is a deeply personal connection to the creative process. He sees design as a journey, a way of expressing himself rather than merely producing outcomes for clients. While Gundy deeply respects his clients’ needs and objectives, he emphasizes that his design process is driven by his own exploration of space, emotion, and functionality. It’s about creating environments that elicit emotional responses and fulfill programmatic requirements, and the process of reaching those outcomes is what matters most.

“Your clients can’t care more than you do. If that’s the case, you should find another path.”

When asked about his inspirations, Gundy reflects that he does not focus on personal growth in the traditional sense. Instead, he is committed to living in the present, learning from each experience, and observing how people interact with their surroundings. His approach to design is rooted in being attuned to the moment, ensuring that the spaces he creates are thoughtful and intentional.

“I believe that growth naturally follows from lived experiences, which is why I continue to evolve with each project I undertake.”

Looking ahead, Gundy sees himself building a team of diverse, well-rounded individuals who will help foster a supportive and collaborative environment at GDS. His goal over the next five years is to refine his design process and create a roadmap for future projects that reduces chaos and allows for true creative freedom.

In terms of the future of design and architecture, Gundy expresses both hope and concern. While emerging technologies like AI have the potential to assist in the design process, he warns that they should not overshadow the real essence of architecture—grounding it in practicality and functionality. He also believes that the isolation people have felt in recent years has created a shift in residential design, with homes now serving as multi-functional spaces. His vision is to create more bespoke residential projects that reflect the specific needs of individuals.

“We have an opportunity to design more one-of-one residential properties that still focus on living and sleep, but are also a place for work, entertainment, and wellness. The home is the new one-stop shop for the individual, which means residential design needs to be specifically curated to their needs.”

Despite his intense focus on work, Gundy also makes time for his other passions: food, golf, and travel. A self-professed foodie, he loves exploring new restaurants and learning from top chefs, a hobby that complements his meticulous attention to detail in design.

As he looks to the future, James Gundy continues to be driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to bring beauty and functionality to every space he touches.

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