About Us
Meet James Elliot
James Elliot is the creative director for Ætzur.com, a design-build firm, where he brings innovative solutions to commercial and residential environments, making them better suited to today’s needs and aesthetics.
With over three decades of experience re-creating live-work spaces, James feeds his insatiable thirst for new ideas with regular attendance at local and national trade shows, training platforms and associations. Having put himself through school, working as a union carpenter, he brings that rich hands-on experience into his proposals with practical, buildable designs.
His lifelong passion for connecting people mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to their environments has evolved into a philosophy; that the home is a mirror of self. With differing styles naturally reflecting everyone, this can easily become a source of contention, and lead to indecision.
James has found that as most households learn to live together, they learn to use their differences to their advantage. So too, when they learn how their individual style preferences can complement one another, they can co-create in a style that reflects them as a united being.
This philosophical approach of bridging the gap between dissimilar styles has opened the door to multiple opportunities.
As Director of Architecture for the big ten builder Richmond American Homes, Mr. Elliot oversaw the development of multiple subdivisions and the construction of twenty-five hundred homes a year.
As VP at Cucina Galleria, a design-build business he started with a partner after leaving Richmond American Homes, he orchestrated the re-design of 20 to 30 commercial and residential kitchens and baths per year.
The last few years, his focus has expanded to accessibility, seamlessly integrating elevators, lifts, curbless showers and walk-in tubs to support aging in place.
Dedicated to the end user, he is passionate about creating spaces that mirror the occupants. Never having walked in their shoes, James does not take the liberty of telling them how to tie their laces.
Aetzur simply means “Helper.” When the new environment is a perfect reflection of his clients, and the structure looks the part, Mr. Elliot prides himself on leaving no trace.