James M. Hodges, AIA

President

Education Accreditations

Bachelor of Architecture,
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

NCARB

As President, Jim leads the firm wide effort to ensure that clients receive exceptional service and design solutions that are innovative and sustainable. Jim is responsible for client relations, firm management as well as hands-on project management from the initial client contract through job completion. Jim’s responsibilities include marketing, design, coordination of work with consultants and clients, supervising and developing work. Jim has worked with WHN for 29 years and is currently handling the Carvana corporate account which includes the state-of-the-art prototype automobile vending machine. He has managed multiple project types over the years ranging from educational to commercial.

Over the past three decades Jim has been associated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and National Architectural Accrediting Board (NCARB). Jim also had the privilege to speak at the NFPA conference in Las Vegas where his projects were featured.

Paul R. Garafola, AIA, LEED AP

Vice President

Education Accreditations

Bachelor of Architecture,
University of North Carolina at Charlotte

LEED AP BD+C
NCARB

As Vice President, Paul’s responsibilities include practice management and overall operation. With over 24 years with WHN, Paul has grown and climbed the ladder to principal and understands the culture and attention needed to produce results for our clients. Paul manages, coordinates and schedules major projects within the firm. He is responsible for client relations and new client acquisition for the Industrial sector. His strong skills in codes and detailing allow him to be involved at every step of the project. He has experience in programming facilities and site planning and has worked with public and private clients. He understands what it takes to make projects successful by using thoughtful and innovative design solutions. Major clients include Pregel America, Burkert, Ritrama, Huber and Pepsi.

Over the past two decades Paul has been active in numerous organizations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NCARB) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). Paul is a regular volunteer in the CMS system promoting Architecture to the children of tomorrow and an active custody advocate for The Council for Children’s Rights.

Alan Hunter, AIA

Partner

Education Accreditations

Bachelor of Architecture, Georgia Tech
Master of Architecture, Texas A&M University

LEED AP BD+C
PMI – PMP
NCARB

As Partner at WHN, Alan is responsible for the oversight and implementation of architectural projects while coordinating all phases of design and construction activities. Alan is actively engaged in all aspects of the design process to maintain the overarching vision for each project. He works in concert with our Project Architects to oversee the management of the entire Design Team. His career focus on community and educational projects gives him an exceptional understanding of the approach needed to manage and deliver these buildings while maintaining the qualities that make extraordinary spaces. Alan has over 20 years working with educational and civic clients including Central Piedmont Community College, UNC Wilmington, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the City of Charlotte, and Mecklenburg County.

Over the past two decades Alan has participated with numerous organizations and committees including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Architectural Accrediting Board (NCARB), AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), US Green Building Council (USGBC), and the UNC Charlotte iPals program for architecture students.