James Hanis is an Orlando, Florida, resident who holds responsibilities as design manager with Walt Disney Imagineering. In this position, James Hanis is part of a team that creates theme parks, rides, attractions, and other aspects of the Disney experience worldwide. One high-profile ongoing project overseen by Imagineering team members involves the creation of a new Star Wars-themed land. Building on the 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge attraction will be integrated into Disney’s California and Florida theme parks and is set to open in summer and late fall of next year, respectively. As revealed in a promotional video showing progress of the Anaheim construction, the project goes well beyond simply creating connected rides. Visitors will be transported to a Star Wars universe set across 14 acres that represents the remote galaxy outpost of Batuu. This location is one that attracts “rogue adventurers” and bounty hunters, and likely will include elements such as Han Solo’s craft the Millennium Falcon and a colorful canteen. Interactive aspects include the ability of guests to engage in support of either the First Order or the Resistance and gain a “reputation” within the attraction.
Architect, urbanist, and project manager James Hanis brings more than 25 years of experience to his position as a design manager for Walt Disney Imagineering. At his Orlando, Florida, offices, he works with the team responsible for the Disney parks’ design and architectural conception and execution. In addition to his work on the design infrastructure of theme parks, James Hanis has served in a leading role on design projects such as the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center in Daytona Beach.The $2.5 million center, which hosted its grand opening in 2013, is situated in the east coast city’s leafy residential neighborhood of Derbyshire. Sporting a neo-modern exterior featuring extensive glass wall surfaces, the center represents a rare instance of major infrastructure investment in its quiet working-class community.The center is named in honor of Yvonne Scarlett-Golden, Daytona Beach’s first-ever African-American mayor. This achievement is even more remarkable because Ms. Scarlett-Golden grew up in that same Derbyshire neighborhood under segregation. She was the daughter of a chauffeur to Daytona’s mayor. Ms. Scarlett-Golden went on to become an educator and an activist in the field of civil rights in San Francisco before she won her hometown’s mayoral election in 2003. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 80.
As an experienced architect, James Hanis has led comprehensive design projects for organizations such as the City of Daytona Beach's Public Works Department, Orange County Capital Projects Division, 3-D International, and URS. James Hanis possesses over 25 years of project management experience in developing theme park attractions and currently serves as a Walt Disney Imagineering design manager. Here are some fundamental strengths a successful design manager should possess.Good design managers have a long-term vision that effectively directs team members towards a defined goal. Under good leadership, a group of designers can complete their work with confidence and make progress to achieve the group's objectives. In addition, to achieve design solutions most efficiently it is important that design managers possess good project management skills and can create realistic deadlines that consider the capabilities of the design team. A proactive design manager seeks to understand his team’s capabilities by recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of individual team members, and assigns each project task to the most appropriate person.Last but not least, a design manager should possess technical expertise in a relevant area, be it sketching, mechanical knowledge, renderings, or 3D, to be an effective and communicator and mentor to team members.
The recipient of a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida, James Hanis works as a design manager for Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando, Florida. To stay current with industry trends, James Hanis maintains membership with several professional organizations, including the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).A nonprofit organization, NCARB consists of architectural boards found in 54 states and territories. The organization’s goal is to regulate architecture through safety, welfare, and public health initiatives. It also establishes standards for licensure and accreditation of architects.In June 2017, the NCARB announced the winners of its highest honor, the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service. Recipients were honored at the organization’s 2017 annual business meeting. President Kristine A. Harding recognized each recipient for his or her commitment to architecture and ability to adhere to the organization’s mission. The 2017 honorees included Roxanne Alston, who was recognized for her leadership with the NCARB and its Customer Relations Directorate, and Daniel D. Bennett, who was honored for his years of service with the Alabama Board of Architects. Other recipients were Cathe M. Evans, Arne O. Jorgensen, Andrew McIntyre, and Cheryl Walker.
