Boston– CannonDesign has named James Miner as its new Executive Director for the East Region, signaling a major addition to the firm’s leadership team. Miner, a celebrated urban planner and the former CEO of Sasaki, brings with him more than two decades of design leadership and a strong commitment to building sustainable, future-ready communities.
In his new role, Miner will help guide CannonDesign’s strategic growth and elevate its design impact across the East Region, with a focus on teams in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. His appointment marks a pivotal move as the firm continues to expand its reach and influence.
“James is a force in the design industry,” said Brad Lukanic, CannonDesign’s CEO. “He understands what it takes to scale impact and lead with vision. His ability to connect strategy with our ambition to expand our influence, while attracting and growing top-tier talent, will be a powerful force as we continue to grow across the East Region.”
Miner spent 22 years at Sasaki, more than a decade of which he served as CEO. His leadership there helped grow the firm’s global footprint, reinforce its integrated design approach, and establish it as a leader in shaping resilient and equitable communities. His planning work spans urban infill, regional planning, and corporate and academic campuses, with a consistent emphasis on long-term sustainability and social impact.
“I’m looking forward to connecting people and ideas in ways that spark new relationships and shape what’s next,” said Miner. “CannonDesign is doing remarkable work and I’m eager to help more people experience the energy and ambition that make this place so special. The work happening in the East Region alone is incredible.”
Recent highlights of CannonDesign’s East Region portfolio include Memorial Sloan Kettering’s new Cancer Pavilion, Building 201 at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory, the Margot Connell Recreation Center at Boston College, and the Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion at North Shore University Hospital. The firm is also engaged in multiple library renovations for the New York Public Library and aquatic center projects for Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.
Based in Boston, Miner is an active civic contributor. He serves on the board of trustees for Boston Harbor Now, advocating for climate resiliency and equitable waterfront access. He has previously held roles on the board of A Better City and Fast Company’s Impact Council. Miner earned a Master of Urban Planning from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Art and Design from MIT. He remains an engaged member of the American Planning Association, continuing his commitment to shaping vibrant urban futures.
