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?
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!