James Niebling is a native of California, from the San Francisco Bay Area. He began his retail career with Macy’s California in 1981 while still attending High School. He worked for Macys Department Store for 12 years, working his way up to the Senior Executive level. During his last 4 years he was the Buyer for Women’s Better Fashion Apparel. He continued his retail management career with Express, Inc. in Columbus, OH, and Ann Taylor, Inc. in New York, NY.

In the Spring of 2000 James joined Polo Ralph Lauren and served as Vice-President of Merchandising over Women’s and Children’s Apparel in New York, NY. At the close of 2003, James moved from Manhattan to San Diego with his partner Esteban Lopez. In January 2004 he co-founded Arthur Kay, Inc. The first business venture was a beautiful glass gallery named Vetro. James was also a founding member and former Treasurer of The Art and Design District in Little Italy, San Diego. By 2005 James teamed up with Esteban to open the design showroom for Esteban Interiors. In August of 2007 James and Esteban relocated their design showroom, and glass gallery to La Jolla's Design District on Girard Avenue. In the Fall of 2011 James was elected to a seat on the Board of Directors for the La Jolla Village Merchants Association and serves as the Chair of the Design Division.