Le Musee de Kaplan is currently hosting an exhibit called "Making Architecture" by James Trahan, a native of Kaplan who now lives in Phoenix.
The exhibit showcases modern design concepts as well as the amount of detail and thought involved in the creation process.
James Trahan holds a Bachelor of Architecture from LSU as well as studying architecture in Italy.
James Trahan AIA holds a Bachelor of Architecture from L.S.U. as well as studying architecture in Sienna, Italy. James graduated with honors and was the recipient of the highest honor bestowed by L. S.U.'s College of Architecture, the 1993 Alpho Rho Chi Medal. James holds a Certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and is a registered architect and a general contractor in the State of Arizona.
James is the past recipient of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architects Award and has been the past president of both the AIA's Salado Chapter and the State of Arizona. He is the past treasurer of the Phoenix Art Museum's Contemporary Forum and current secretary of the Rio Salado Architectural Foundation.
James is the founder of 180 Degrees Design + Build, an architect-led design and construction firm specializing in modern architecture. 180Degrees + Build's work has been published worldwide and has won numerous design and construction awards. AIA honored them with the Contractor of the Year in both 2006 and 2016.
Trahan has designed and managed educational, religious, recreational, retail, and residential works and he has built projects in 18 different states. A monograph of the firm's work "Making Architecture" was published in 2019 to compliment an exhibition of the same name for Le Musee de Kaplan in his home town.
Museum officials say the exhibit can be easily compared to a presentation rivaling a New Orleans or Houston museum.
Ann Henry, says having Trahan return to Kaplan has "elevated our town."
Find more information on the exhibit and the museum here.
