Cowbridge-based architect Jon James has been selected to join the Board of Directors of the Design Commission for Wales.

Established in 2002 by the Welsh Government, the Design Commission for Wales (DCFW) is a national organisation which champions good design for better buildings, spaces, and places now and for future generations.

With 20 years in the industry, Jon is an experienced architect. He has worked on projects across many sectors including small scale residential, commercial, education and masterplans.

During his time as a Director at Scott Brownrigg he worked on a number of acclaimed schemes including Cardiff Pointe, Cardiff North-West Masterplan and Coleg Cymunedol Y Dderwen in Bridgend.

The new community school achieved a BREEAM 'Outstanding' rating at design stage and became an exemplar project for the Low Carbon Research Institute.

Jon leads his own practice, Jon James Studio Architecture, based in Llanblethian with a focus on sustainable buildings.

He is currently working on several sustainable and Passivhaus buildings and works with the Welsh School of Architecture as a consultant.

Jon told Nub News he applied for the role to "give back" to the industry.

"I've presented some of my schemes over the years to the Design Commission," he said.

"The opportunity to be involved with the commission and the board, providing advice and direction is really exciting.

"It's really good that the government is promoting the ethos of collaboration and I'm honoured to be a part of it."

Jon is also a certified Passivhaus Designer, a design approach that provides a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling.

"It's a scientific way of building a building and focuses on getting the basics right, making sure you keep the buildings warm and waterproof, but to a high level where you can reduce the energy consumption," said Jon.

"I'm honoured to continue to champion that high quality design and in turn, promote all of the good things that come out of it," he said.

Jon joins Mike Biddulph, Cora Kwiatkowski and Joanna Rees, who will all take up their roles on 1 April of this year. These appointments are from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2025.

DCFW draws on the skills of a multi-disciplinary team of professional planners, urban designers, architects, transport planners, sustainability specialists and engineers to deliver expert advice and support for commissioning clients, training for local planning authorities and built environment professionals, placemaking guidance and Wales' national strategic Design Review service.

Commissioners of the DCFW are Members of its Board of Directors. They are not paid, but are reimbursed for reasonable travel and subsistence costs.

Julie James, Minister for Housing and Local Government said: "I am pleased that four new Commissioners have been appointed to the Board of the Design Commission for Wales and they each bring with them a wide range of new skills and experience.

"These appointments will undoubtedly support the DCFW in its important role to implement our national planning policies on design and placemaking in order to create better places for the people of Wales."