Dave Helms, AIA

Partner | Project Architect

Vice President & Director, CJA Studio

Education:   San Diego State University

P.A.S.S. Certified

What was your path to becoming where you are in your career now?

“It’s been a fulfilling journey.”

My 8th grade Algebra teacher thought I should take the drafting class based on my math and penmanship skills. In high school I took three years of architectural drafting classes and made life-long friends with my classmates. Then in college, I took classes in environmental design with the goal of becoming an architect. It’s been a fulfilling journey.

Personal Philosophy: 

Work together to provide inspiring solutions.

Focus/Hobbies outside of work: 

Gardening, learning guitar, home improvement projects, visiting family, and anything that involves the ocean – relaxing at the beach, boat rides, and fishing.

What inspires your work every day? 

Gaining knowledge. As a problem solver, I seek to understand the challenge I’m faced with, find the right solution, and execute the solution to my satisfaction and that of my client.

If you were a car, what make and model would you be and what color? Why?

A 1961 Porsche 356B Convertible, Fire Engine Red. It’s stylish, fast, simple, and it looks really cool driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in the afternoon on a summer’s day!