CHRIS CARR

SENIOR EXECUTIVE | DESIGN & PLANNING STRATEGY

Architect | Corporate Real Estate Leader | Design Innovator
Norwalk, CT | 630-207-1110 | chris@chriscarr.studio | www.chriscarr.studio

Visionary corporate real estate design leader with 15+ years of experience creating innovative, scalable, and functional solutions for global organizations. Expert at aligning design strategies with business objectives, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and developing high-performing teams. Proven track record managing complex portfolios and leading transformative projects with a focus on operational efficiency, sustainability, and exceptional user experience. Licensed architect skilled at translating strategic vision into tangible results that drive business value.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT -
HEAD OF DESIGN STRATEGY

HBC Properties & Investments | Streetworks Development, New York, NY
April 2019 – February 2025

  • Portfolio Leadership: Directed design strategy for a 40-million-square-foot real estate portfolio, leading over 4 million square feet of entitlement and redevelopment across premium properties in Beverly Hills CA, Vancouver BC, Montreal QC, and Westfield NJ

  • Strategic Development: Spearheaded visioning, feasibility studies, site evaluation, and strategic programming for complex mixed-use developments, reporting directly to the President

  • Innovation Pipeline: Developed and implemented scalable prototypes for office, residential, hospitality, and medical sectors, enhancing operational efficiency while aligning with evolving market demands

  • Project Oversight: Managed base building design and tenant-driven repositioning projects, ensuring alignment with operational goals and future-proofing initiatives

  • Executive Collaboration: Partnered with C-suite executives, facilities teams, and external stakeholders to align design initiatives with organizational growth objectives

  • Stakeholder Management: Led consultant teams and orchestrated public and private presentations to secure stakeholder buy-in and enhance project visibility

DIRECTOR -
DESIGN & PLANNING

Street-Works Development, LLC, New York, NY
August 2018 – April 2019

  • Strategic Design: Directed design and planning efforts for client projects and internal initiatives, focusing on maximizing land value through strategic concepts

  • Project Leadership: Oversaw the design evolution for a $1.2B transit-oriented redevelopment in White Plains, NY, and a $450M mixed-use project in Port Chester, NY

  • Site Analysis: Conducted comprehensive zoning analysis, feasibility studies, and planning concepts for high-value projects across the Northeast

  • Organizational Transformation: Played a pivotal role in transitioning Street-Works into HBC's in-house development arm, leveraging design expertise to align with corporate goals

SENIOR ARCHITECT

Valerio DeWalt Train Associates, Chicago, IL | Denver, CO
February 2014 – August 2018

  • Project Delivery: Delivered comprehensive architectural services across all project phases for large-scale residential and mixed-use developments

  • Development Expertise: Led signature projects including The Edison at RiNo ($52M, 310-unit residential) and Park 17 ($48M, 190-unit residential) in Denver, CO

  • Office Establishment: Founded the firm's Denver office and developed prototypes for urban infill residential projects, streamlining design workflows

  • Stakeholder Coordination: Orchestrated communication between clients and consultants to deliver permit-ready documents on time and within budget

  • Sustainability Integration: Incorporated wellness and sustainability standards into project designs, optimizing long-term operational efficiency

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Strategic Portfolio Management - Optimizing multi-million square foot portfolios across diverse markets

  • Mixed-Use Development Leadership - Directing complex projects from concept through implementation

  • Design Innovation & Prototyping - Creating scalable solutions for multiple real estate sectors

  • Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment - Building consensus among executive teams and external partners

  • Sustainability Integration - Implementing future-proofed design strategies for long-term operational efficiency

  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership - Managing diverse teams of architects, planners, and consultants

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Portfolio Optimization: Directed design strategy for a 40-million-square-foot real estate portfolio across multiple major markets

  • Development Impact: Led over 4 million square feet of entitlement and redevelopment across premium properties.

  • Design Innovation: Developed scalable prototypes for multiple sectors, enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing real estate value through accretive programming.

  • Executive Partnership: Collaborated with C-suite executives to align design initiatives with organizational growth objectives across properties of all types.

  • Sustainable Design Leadership: Successfully implemented wellness and sustainability standards across multiple large-scale projects

EDUCATION

Master of Architecture
Taliesin: The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture
Graduated Cum Laude, August 2012

Bachelor of Arts & Science - Architectural Studies
University of Illinois at Chicago

CREDENTIALS

  • Licensed Architect: Connecticut (#0015157), New York (#042355)

  • NCARB Certified: Record Number 130500