Jim McLaughlin’s incredible 50-year career has left a lasting impact on architecture, not just in Idaho, but across the globe. From the stunning Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church in Sun Valley, Idaho, to projects in New Zealand and Hawaii, his work showcases the beauty of sustainable materials and thoughtful design. Jim’s guiding principle is to design timeless architecture that not only stands on its own but also enhances the property and surrounding area.

Early in his career, Jim decided to get his pilot’s license to help him travel to wherever the client or project was located. That decision helped to expand his business to locations around the world. The holistic design approach he takes with clients — through a highly collaborative process of design, review, revision and re-design — creates architecture that is not only sensitive to the functional and emotional needs of the users but also to the surrounding environment. 

The Gold Medal is AIA’s highest annual honor, recognizing individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. 

Congratulations, Jim, on this amazing award of recognition! You embody what it means to be an Idaho architect.