James got his start with earthen construction in 2004, at a cob workshop in Mexico. After this initial introduction, he was inspired to learn more and went to Oregon to apprentice with Conrad Rogmans of House Alive. He would end up staying with House Alive for nearly 10 years, facilitating workshops in the Pacific Northwest, but also internationally: he has taught in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Jamaica, India, France, and Italy.

James moved to Portland in 2009 and learned to integrate earth building techniques with more "conventional" building practices and in an urban environment. He specialized in earthen finishes, such as plasters and floors. In 2014 he co-authored a how-to book about earthen floors with Sukita Crimmel; it is still the only comprehensive book on the subject. In 2020 he moved back to his family’s farm in Western Massachusetts, and got interested in timber-frame restoration. He currently holds a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License and a Home Improvement Contractor license.