Biographies of Principals - Vajda

Joseph Vajda, AIA, LEED AP 
Principal

Joseph Vajda received a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Construction Technology from Purdue University in 1987. He started his career with Bernheim & Kahn Architects in Chicago where he met his future partners.  In 1989, Joe joined Walter, Jim and Kathy as a founding principal of Aria Group Architects, Inc. and he became a licensed architect in 1997.

As a Principal, Joe provides overall leadership to the firm on matters of construction technology and he communicates his knowledge to all the studios. Whether he is providing hands-on assistance or serving as an advisor, Joe provides Aria Group Architects with a firm foundation of understanding. To that end, Joe focuses on implementing office wide quality control procedures and standards as well as the technical education of the staff. This includes IDP efforts for interns and NCIDQ exam-related seminars for designers. It is this high regard for thorough documentation and diligent construction administration which has helped fuel Aria’s reputation and growth over the last 21 years.

Within his studio, Joe oversees a number of national multi-unit clients such as P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (Joe’s studio being the only remaining original architect out of five since 1997), Rock Bottom Brewery, Hacienda Colorado and Dave & Buster’s. Joe also oversees numerous international projects for P.F. Chang’s with locations in the Middle East and Mexico.  Independent clients include Mike Ditka’s in Oakbrook Terrace and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in a number of locations around the Chicagoland area. 

Joe is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Construction Specifications Institute, and the National Fire Protection Association and he has served as a board member on the Hammond Historic Preservation Commission where he wrote numerous articles on technical issues for the newsletter.  In 2009 Joe also became a LEED © Accredited Professional and is completing the firm’s first LEED-certified project in Corpus Christi, TX. He currently serves on the Plan Commission, is Vice-President of the Board of Zoning Appeals and is a contributor to the Comprehensive Community Master Plan design charette, all for his hometown.  Joe is also a member of Vistage, an executive organization that meets monthly to discuss business strategies, best business practices, leadership styles, and other leadership training topics to enhance decision making and business performance.