Chris Hamer, AIA, LEED AP

As President, Chris builds client relationships with responsiveness and dedication, continuing the standards set by Aria’s founders.  He sets the course for company strategy and provides inspired leadership to our executive team. Chris also leads one of the studios in the office – leading a group of exceptional design and technical teammates building exciting brands and environments for clients.

In his years at Aria Group, Chris has been involved in all aspects of project development from concepting to design to drafting to contract administration. His focus has been on learning the aesthetic, functional and operational needs of his clients to deliver the best possible project. Understanding the way, the business is run, how food gets from kitchen to table, is just as important as delivering a great looking space.  He also has been involved in marketing, social media, and branding for our firm.

Chris has completed projects across the country for a number of multi-unit and independent clients including: California Pizza Kitchen, Nordstrom, Dave & Buster’s, Del Frisco’s, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille and Tortazo by Rick Bayless.

Chris joined Aria in 2004 and was promoted to Associate in 2013, and Senior Associate in 2018. He was promoted to President in 2023. Before joining Aria Group, Chris worked at Holabird & Root as a technician and Project Coordinator. He is a licensed architect in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Oregon and Washington State, a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a LEED© Accredited Professional. Chris served two terms on the Building Code Advisory Commission in his hometown of Oak Park, where he advised on code adoption and interpretation, and is the former Communications Chair for the AIA’s Retail and Entertainment Knowledge Community. In his spare time, he plays music and rides bikes.