Schuler Shook Announces Two New Principals

Jim joined Schuler Shook as a Project Theatre Consultant in 2009, working with Robert Shook to start the firm’s Melbourne office. Jim became a Senior Theatre Consultant in 2012, after the successful completion of the Hamer Hall refurbishment and his work in developing a strong and lasting presence in Australia. Jim now leads a team that offers theatre, audio-visual and specialty lighting consulting services.

Jim’s notable projects include Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal, Hamer Hall, Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Bunjil Place Theatre, Sydney Lyric Theatre, and Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide.

Paul Whitaker, LEED AP, worked his way up from intern to Principal. Paul’s diverse experience in both architectural lighting design and theatre planning are complemented by his continued work as a theatrical lighting designer off-Broadway, regionally and internationally. Paul first worked in Schuler Shook’s Minneapolis office as an intern and project designer from 1997 – 1999. He re-joined Schuler Shook in 2006 as a Lighting Designer and Theatre Consultant. He became a Senior Theatre Consultant and Senior Lighting Designer – one of the few people in the firm to hold both titles – in 2014.

Paul’s significant projects in theatre and lighting include Target Field Station; Macalester College Commons and Music Building; Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas; Howard Theatre; The Palace Theatre; and Woody Guthrie Center and Guthrie Green.