James Wright Bird

Following service in the U.S. Navy (1944-46), he earned his BA in architecture from USC in 1953. During his time at USC, Jim began working summers for structural engineer Eugene Lincoln Freeland. In 1955, he joined the San Diego chapter of the AIA in 1955 and became a principal in Freeland & Bird (1955-64). Years later, the firm added staff and renamed itself as Freeland, Bird & Associates (1964-67). Jim then launched Bird, Fujimoto & Fish in 1967 with Walter Fujimoto and Charles Fish.

He would serve as San Diego's AIA Chapter Treasurer (1959-60), President (1961) and Director (1962) and as a member of the Executive Committee (1967). Beyond these service efforts he served on the Board of Appeals for the National City Building Department (1960-65); the San Diego Board of Appeals (beginning in 1969). Mr. Bird died on January 14, 2011.

Southland Greyhound Club (1956)
West Memphis, Arkansas
*Freeland & Bird

Biscayne Kennel Club 1957)
Miami, Florida
*Freeland & Bird

Education Center (1960)
Chula Vista
*Freeland & Bird

Elementary Schools (1955-1961)
Chula Vista
Four separate schools were designed by Freeland & Bird

Kuma Greyhound Club (1961)
Arizona
*Freeland & Bird

Bachelor Officers' Quarters (1969)
San Diego
*Bird, Fujimoto & Fish

Fifth Avenue Financial Center (1965)
2550 Fifth Avenue
*Bird, Fujimoto & Fish

Hipodromo-Galgodromo (1966)
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
*Bird, Fujimoto & Fish

National City Civic Center (1967)
National City
*Bird, Fujimoto & Fish

Palomar Mt. Camp & Camp Cuyamaca (1969)
Palomar Mountain - San Diego County
*Bird, Fujimoto & Fish

Westgate Plaza Hotel (ca. 1970)
1055 2nd Avenue
*Bird, Fujimoto & Fish