Jim Friesz co-founded Mutuus Studio in 2016. Jim leads civic and cultural projects with almost three decades of experience working on award-winning projects including museums, college facilities, offices, multifamily mixed use and restaurants.  He is passionate about working with the complex organization of civic, cultural and residential projects with people that value community. Jim’s architectural experience in institutional design and museums brings a depth of understanding of project leadership at any scale - blending building performance with harmonious design.

Growing up in Eastern Washington, Jim brings a vernacular and regional approach to the projects he designs. Jim is a licensed Architect in Washington and Montana and holds a degree in Architecture from Washington State University. Jim is a LEED AP's and is committed to embedding national sustainable standards and equitable practices into his work.

Like the other partners in Mutuus Studio, Jim comes from an artistic background and is a lifelong practicing musician, offering a different perspective to our creative design process.  Jim has led the all-designer band (The Gray Band) since 2019, and completed an original song and video for the 2020 Gray Awards presentation.