James E. Barrilleaux, P.E., is a seasoned mechanical engineer and strategic advisor with over 47 years of distinguished experience in engineering, project management, and design/build services. With a legacy that spans decades in the commercial, institutional, and industrial construction sectors, Jim has built a career defined by technical excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to collaborative innovation. His contributions to HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and mechanical systems have shaped high-profile projects across the country and continue to influence industry standards and practices.
Jim’s professional journey began in 1977 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington. Since then, he has held key engineering and leadership roles in respected firms such as Brady, Lohrman & Pendleton; Carter & Burgess; Phoenix Engineering; and BL&P Engineers. Over time, Jim rose through the ranks to become Vice President and Director of Special Projects at JJA, Inc., and later served as Senior Mechanical Engineer at both TDIndustries and MIINC LP. In every role, Jim combined deep technical acumen with thoughtful project management, consistently delivering results that exceeded expectations.
Throughout his career, Jim has led engineering efforts on a wide range of project types including office towers, corporate headquarters, large-scale warehouses, high-rise condominiums, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, call centers, data centers, churches, restaurants, and even luxury residences. His responsibilities spanned MEP system design, green building implementation, acoustic and lighting design, fire protection, life safety systems, HVAC systems, construction administration, and mechanical equipment sales. This breadth of experience gives Jim a comprehensive understanding of the full project lifecycle that includes efficient operating sequences, periodic maintenance and servicing. These capabilities position him as a uniquely capable advisor to organizations seeking efficient and future-proof building solutions.
A licensed Professional Engineer in both Texas and Louisiana (and formerly in multiple other states), Jim has remained active in professional development throughout his career. He maintains current credentials through rigorous continuing education and holds Master Plumbing and Master Gas Fitter Licenses in Louisiana. His membership in esteemed organizations such as ASHRAE, ASPE, and NCEES underscores his commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring the next generation of engineers.
One of Jim’s most enduring commitments is his voluntary service on the Real Property Advisory Council for the Texas National Guard, a role he has held since 2007. This advisory group meets semiannually with the Adjutant General of Texas and key leaders from the Texas Military Department’s Construction and Facilities Management Office to provide strategic private-sector guidance. His participation reflects a spirit of civic service and a desire to give back his knowledge to state and national efforts in infrastructure development.
Jim’s career highlights also include his work on critical infrastructure projects for Samsung, IBM, Fannie Mae, Tenet Healthcare, and the Thanksgiving Tower in Dallas. Whether designing a chilled water storage system or leading a design/build project for a pharmaceutical company, Jim has approached every assignment with precision, resourcefulness, and a dedication to delivering long-term value. His ability to synthesize engineering requirements with business needs has made him a trusted leader among colleagues and clients alike.
As a project manager and department leader, Jim has demonstrated a strong capability to manage multidisciplinary teams, navigate complex regulations, and coordinate across stakeholders. He is well-versed in contract management, LEED certification, and energy-efficient systems, and frequently served in mentoring capacities to support staff development. His reputation for calm, solutions-focused leadership continues to earn him respect throughout the engineering and construction communities.
Now actively seeking board and advisory opportunities, Jim brings unmatched field insight and institutional knowledge to companies focused on engineering, construction, real estate development, and infrastructure. While he is no longer seeking full-time employment, Jim remains passionate about contributing part-time in a strategic advisory capacity to share his expertise, identify opportunities, and offer trusted guidance on projects and policy decisions.
His professional philosophy centers around collaboration, long-range planning, and ensuring that engineering decisions support both sustainability and long-term operational efficiency. He is especially adept at advising organizations at growth stages or undergoing modernization, where strategic design choices can make the difference between future-proof success or costly retrofits.
As Jim reflects on nearly five decades in the field, he sees his future role as one of meaningful impact and mentorship. He is driven by a desire to contribute to the industry he loves, apply the lessons he’s learned, and help shape the built environment in ways that benefit both people and communities.
Character:
Jim’s lifelong dedication to engineering and public service reflects a principled character built on reliability, integrity, and follow-through. He brings humility and purpose to every interaction, valuing collaboration over credit.
Knowledge:
With 47 years of project experience, Jim’s technical and practical knowledge spans the full MEP spectrum, making him a true subject matter expert. His deep understanding of building systems, codes, and standards enables him to bring clarity to complex projects.
Strategic:
Jim excels at aligning technical solutions with organizational goals, ensuring that engineering strategies support long-term sustainability and efficiency. His ability to think big-picture while managing granular details sets him apart as a strategic advisor.
Communication:
Known for his calm demeanor and clear, concise communication, Jim effectively bridges the gap between engineering teams, executives, and stakeholders. His experience across disciplines makes him a confident and trusted voice in decision-making discussions.
