The Road to Bend

Often described as “the second B in BBT,” Jim Barrett played a defining role in shaping the firm during its formative years. His path to Central Oregon began in 1977, when he graduated from the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and accepted one of only two architectural positions available in the state at the time—an opportunity in Bend that naturally aligned with his professional ambitions and lifelong love of skiing.

After a year-long internship with Robert Hyde, an architect with projects in several of Bend’s prominent neighborhoods, Jim was invited to join (WHB) Waldron Huston Barber Architects. Neal Huston immediately became his mentor and for a long period of time, Jim assisted Neal with numerous residential design projects in Black Butte Ranch. As an Intern Architect, Jim was selected to manage the new Redmond Airport Terminal project through construction and was introduced to the legendary Kirby Nagelhout, who was positioned as the Construction Superintendent; Kirby was merely 18 years of age at the time!

Becoming the Second “B”

Following the departure of David Waldron in 1985, Jim became a Partner with (HBBT) Huston Barber Barrett Turner Architects and served in this capacity for over 16 years. In the early 80s, the firms’ “claim to fame” was the first interior remodel of the United States Post Office downtown Bend. Following the most recent renovation, this historic structure reopened in December 2025 as Bend’s newest boutique hotel: The Westman.

When Neal Huston formed his own residential design practice in 1988, the three remaining partners – Ron Barber, Jim Barrett, and Todd Turner – abbreviated the firm’s name to BBT Architects.

Growing the Firm, Project by Project

With BBT’s transition, the three partners focused on public and commercial work with a diversity of projects in every design sector: civic, educational, office, manufacturing, medical, religious, and resort facilities.

The Redmond Airport Terminal was a notable project Jim managed throughout 30 years of his career. On behalf of BBT he led the Redmond Airport through two major expansions, as well as planning for another expansion, which was delayed due to the events of 9/11 in 2001.

Through his duration with the firm, Jim completed several significant church projects, including the First Presbyterian Church in Bend, Sisters Baptist Church, and planning for the Catholic Church in Redmond. Along with colleague, Alan Levage, Jim provided design services for Eastmont Church’s first new building on the upper site on Neff + Eagle Road in Bend. As recently licensed Architects, Jim and Al volunteered to draw up the project, and both stamped the drawings; neither had stamped a drawing set prior to this project!

Years later, they completed the first family building for Eastmont Church, including a gymnasium, classrooms, and master planning for future expansion on the lower site. Jim and Al essentially laid the groundwork for the campus expansion by a different design firm currently under construction in 2026.

What Came Next—and What Endures

In 2002, Jim retired from the traditional practice of architecture to provide project management services for The Center’s Orthopedic Neurosurgical Care & Research located on the St. Charles Medical Center campus in Bend. In 2005, Jim moved on to become the Development Director for Tetherow Resort – a premier destination encompassing 700-acres and featuring an Audubon-certified, Scottish links-style golf course on Bend’s westside.

The previously planned Remond Airport Terminal Expansion project resurged in 2007. Because Jim was the architect for multiple past projects on Redmond’s Roberts Field, he was invited to lead as Resident Architect. Once again, he collaborated with Kirby Nagelhout and KNCC as the contractor on all expansion projects completed through 2010.

Jim’s final foray with BBT Architects was a stint to serve as part time Operations Manager (2011-2012). As a previous partner and shareholder, his business and operations skills were needed for strategic planning and through ownership transitions to onboard a new principal, Renée Alexander.

Jim attributes the success of his multifaceted design opportunities and project collaborations to experience under his own firm, his consulting work with medical facilities throughout Central Oregon, and the esteemed reputation he gained as a Partner with BBT Architects.