James Baptiste's path to the profession of Architecture began swinging a hammer. In the late 80's and early 90's James was framing houses, installing siding, windows & roofing, pouring concrete, and doing demolition at the former Bethlehem Steel.

In the mid to late 90's he traded in his tool belt for a computer and learned computer aided drafting where he was able to apply his extensive construction knowledge.

James went on to earn a degree from the University of Buffalo School of Architecture and complete the requirements to be licensed as an Architect in New York State.

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In 2005 Mr. Baptiste formed Brookside Design, which would become Anowara Architecture, P.C. 2018.

James has had an award winning career, leading hundreds of millions of dollars worth of construction, renovation and historic preservation projects. His family is descendant from the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, where he is a registered band member of the Turtle Clan. Anowara is an interpretation  of the Mohawk word for Turtle, using the business name to pay homage to his heritage.

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Mr. Baptiste continues to save his clients time and money, weaving his first-hand knowledge of construction techniques into the very fabric of his designs.