ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

arris finkbeiner  |  aia, ncarb, ncidq, well ap, leed ap bd+c, fitwell amb. 

Wheaton, IL 60189

t: 312.898.5997  e: arris.finkbeiner@gmail.com

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professional summary

Licensed architect with experience leading complex commercial workplace, hospitality and institutional projects. Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, guide clients through evolving project goals, and deliver high-quality design solutions from concept through construction. Expertise in workplace design with a focus on sustainability, and occupant wellness, with a strong focus on client relationships, team leadership, and project execution.

 

professional experience 

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Senior Associate | Project Manager/Project Architect, HLW International LLP., Chicago, IL - May 2021 to Present

• Lead internal design teams and external consultant teams across all phases of commercial workplace projects, from concept through construction and closeout - Manage client relationships while adapting to evolving project requirements - Work with project teams to maintain schedule and budget - Coordinate consultants and contractors to streamline documentation and reduce construction conflicts - Direct construction administration efforts, improving responsiveness to field conditions and issue resolution - Oversee project staffing, scheduling, and financial performance to ensure successful project delivery - Business development lead for HLW Chicago Office.

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Project Architect, Legat Architects, Oak Brook, IL - December  2020 to May 2021

• Managed project delivery for commercial office and K-12 education projects across all design phases - Coordinated internal teams and external consultants to maintain design quality and technical accuracy - Supported client engagement and project execution under tight timelines.

 

Associate | Project Manager/Project Architect, Valerio Dewalt Train Associates, Inc., Chicago, IL - June  2019 to September 2020

• Led diverse project teams across commercial office, hospitality, higher education, laboratory, and light industrial sectors - Managed proposals, budgeting, staffing, and client presentations to support business development and project execution - Oversaw full project lifecycle, ensuring alignment between design intent, documentation, and construction outcomes - Facilitated collaboration between clients, consultants, and contractors to drive project success.

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Project Manager, Eric Charles Designs, Birmingham, MI - March 2012 to November 2013

• Managed high-end residential interior architecture projects from concept through construction - Supervised technical staff and coordinated with lighting designers and contractors - Produced client presentations, renderings, and managed project schedules and deliverables.

 

Project Manager, Grund & Riesterer Architects, Inc., Chicago, IL - August 2006 to March 2012

• Delivered projects across commercial, institutional, residential, and historic preservation sectors - Managed design development, construction documentation, and construction administration - Coordinated with engineers, consultants, and contractors to ensure project quality and compliance - Supported City of Chicago self-cert. permit process - Maintained company website, computer, email, & server policy along with Autodesk contracts for the firm.

 

See LinkedIn for Previous Experience

 

education
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, Michigan; Bachelor of Science in Architecture; August 2006.

 

relevant computer & software experience

Autodesk Revit 2025                                                 Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver                         Graphisoft ArchiCAD 24                          Autodesk AutoCAD 2025                                         Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel & Powerpoint)          SketchUp                                      Bluebeam Revu                                                         Procore (Architect Certified)                                                             PlanGrid

 

professional accreditations

NCARB Certified - Certificate Number: 99660

Licensed Architect – State of Illinois, License Number: 025375

Licensed Architect – State of Wisconsin, License Number: 12401-5 

Registered Interior Designer - State of Illinois, License Number: 003643 

Registered Interior Designer - State of Wisconsin, License Number: 666-109 

NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer - Credential Number: 34846

LEED Accredited Professional - LEED® AP BD+C; Credential Number: 10430852

WELL Accredited Professional - WELL AP; Credential Number: 69964

Fitwel Ambassador - Center for Active Design: Directory                                                            

 

professional memberships, publications & volunteering

American Institute of Architects: Architect  Member 

ACE Mentor Program - Chicago: Mentor (ACE = Architecture Construction Engineering) 2015-Present

Contract Magazine Designers Select Feature: Education Solutions

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