Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Solutions in Houston
CDA Architects has been delivering architectural excellence since 1974, serving clients across commercial, retail, grocery, educational, hospitality, industrial, and medical sectors. Our Houston-based team prioritizes a personalized approach, aligning client goals with innovative design solutions tailored to evolving market demands. Over four decades, weve built lasting relationships by focusing on functionality, regulatory compliance, and problem-solving for complex projects. Our expertise spans from retail centers to corporate offices, emphasizing sustainability through renovations that balance aesthetics, efficiency, and cost. Recognized by industry leaders like Ironbridge Realty Partners and Merit Commercial Real Estate, our award-winning designs prioritize client satisfaction over accolades.We pride ourselves on adapting to client needs rather than rigid styles, ensuring spaces feel comfortable for users and reflect the vision of stakeholders. With a staff of 16 professionals, we act as a key partner throughout every project phase, from pre-design to post-construction evaluations. Our deep understanding of retail dynamics and municipal regulations ensures successful outcomes for multi-anchor shopping centers, neighborhood developments, and office spaces. Client testimonials highlight our ability to deliver value through comprehensive planning, from grocery store layouts to large-scale master plans. As a firm rooted in Houston, we extend our expertise across Texas, Louisiana, and beyond, maintaining a commitment to community integration and sustainable practices.
Services
Architectural Design
Site Master Planning
Conceptual Design
Budgeting
Construction Documents
Renovations
Office Building Design
Grocery Store Design
Tenant Coordination
Permitting
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of architectural expertise across diverse markets.
- Our personalized approach makes client goals our top priority.
- We specialize in solving complex problems for real estate developments.
- We prioritize sustainable renovations to reduce environmental impact.
- Our team holds certifications in multiple states for nationwide compliance.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
What people say
Trusted partner
Vital to our success
Solve complex problems
Design expertise
Long-term relationships
Services
Architectural Design
CDA Architects crafts tailored architectural solutions for commercial, retail, and industrial projects. Our process integrates client vision with functional design, ensuring compliance with local regulations and sustainability standards. Decades of experience across diverse sectors enable us to deliver spaces that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
Site Master Planning
We develop strategic site master plans for multi-anchor shopping centers and mixed-use developments. Our approach balances tenant requirements with community integration, optimizing layouts for usability and long-term value. Expertise spans major retailers like Target, Kroger, and PetSmart across 40+ years.
Grocery Store Design
Specializing in grocery store architecture since 1974, we address complex design needs for customers and employees. Our solutions evolve from single stores to anchored shopping centers, ensuring functionality, accessibility, and brand alignment for prominent retailers nationwide.
Sustainable Renovations
CDA Architects transforms existing structures into efficient, modern spaces while minimizing environmental impact. We collaborate with clients to retain building elements where possible, balancing aesthetic updates with cost-effective, code-compliant improvements for retail, office, and industrial properties.
Office Building Design
Our corporate architecture services range from modern, forward-looking designs to heritage-inspired structures. We focus on reflecting client brand identity while optimizing layouts for productivity, whether for standalone buildings or mixed-use campuses across Texas and beyond.
People
Ray Duerer
President
Ray Duerer, President of CDA Architects since 2008, oversees projects from small build-outs to large retail centers. Licensed since 2001 and LEED-certified, he combines pragmatic solutions with budget-conscious design. A Texas A&M graduate and Houston native, he serves in the Texas State Guard and mentors youth through Scouting.
Tamim El Haje
Executive Vice President
Tamim El Haje, Executive Vice President since 2008, brings expertise in retail, office, and industrial architecture across 20+ states. A licensed architect in 17 states and Texas Tech graduate, he emphasizes attention to detail for projects from tenant finishes to power centers. A commercial pilot, he merges design with aviation passion.
Stuart Allison
Vice President
Stuart Allison, Vice President since 2015, specializes in design visualization and complex projects like the Pappadeaux restaurant at the George R. Brown Convention Center. A Texas A&M graduate and former Edna Blevins Award recipient, he focuses on aesthetic excellence while actively participating in faith-based and community service activities.
Questions
What architectural services does CDA Architects offer?
We provide full-cycle services including pre-design, master planning, construction documents, permitting, and post-construction evaluations for retail, commercial, and industrial projects.
How long has CDA Architects been in business?
CDA Architects has served clients since 1974, with over 40 years of experience in architectural design and problem-solving across multiple sectors.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
While headquartered in Houston, we work throughout Texas, Louisiana, and other states, with a proven track record in regional and national retail and commercial developments.
How does CDA Architects approach sustainable design?
We prioritize renovations and reuse strategies to reduce waste, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and cost-efficiency while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.
Can you work on complex multi-tenant developments?
Yes, we specialize in multi-anchor shopping centers, coordinating tenant requirements to create cohesive, marketable spaces with decades of experience in projects involving Target, Kroger, and more.
