Our Firm
C.L. Helt is a full-service, modern architectural and interiors firm with core capabilities throughout modern commercial, industrial, retail prototype development, modern minimalist residential design, adaptive reuse, and hospitality.
Founded in 1969, we’ve displayed a long track record of sustained success, and are licensed in 46 states to best serve our clients where they need us most.
Functional and modern architecture is our collective passion and is grounded in expert design, creative solutions, and versatile expertise. We proudly represent clients across a wide variety of industries, projects, and scale.
We have the diverse ability and talent to offer exceptional architecture as well as interior design, programming, master planning, space planning, feasibility studies and code compliance.
Commercial/Industrial • Adaptive Reuse • Residential/Multi-Family • Restaurant/Hospitality • Retail Prototype Development • Community/Services
Our Approach
Our ultimate goal is to bring each client’s vision to life. We listen, ask questions, and truly understand the client’s ideas to provide keen insights and clear objectives within each project.
We understand this process can be a lot to handle. That’s where we excel. Whether it’s a new home, retail concept or repurposing an existing structure, we help guide and support our clients through the journey to create optimal solutions, outcomes and experiences.
Our Capabilities
With licensure in 46 states our national reach enables consistent service and expertise throughout the US. This is an essential benefit for developers, retailers, franchisors, and organizations with presence across multiple state lines.
In each state we provide:
- Code Requirement Expertise
- Project Management
- Prototype Plan Development & Execution
- Field Verification Services (if required)
- Permit Research & Tracking
- Zoning Design Criteria Research
- Construction Administration
- Sustainable Design
- 3D Design Modeling
Our Team
Our Team is the greater sum of many individual personalities, talents, and perspectives. We collectively thrive on the challenges of big ideas and specific details alike. At C.L. Helt, transforming your vision into a tangible, usable space is paramount.
Click images below to view bios
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Tim JohnstonAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal -
Diana MyersSenior Associate
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Sharon JohnstonAdministrative Support / Market Research -
James ZinkSenior Project Manager
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Don FerrySenior Project Manager
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Ben WoodsProject Manager -
Selvyn GrandisonProject Manager
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John Lee
“CL Helt’s contribution to this project has been incredible, your fees have been fair… You have exceeded our expectations.”
“Tim and his team helped us navigate the complex process of design choices…Looking forward to future projects with Tim.”
“We highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional partner who will maintain a client focused perspective.”
“Tim Johnston and (the team of CLH) have been a pleasure to deal with… We would and already have recommended Tim to other builders in the area.”
“I recently engaged (CL Helt) for design work… I have no hesitation to recommend (CL Helt) for a home or business building /renovation project.”
“We knew what we wanted in a custom home and CL Helt Architecture was able to create a design that incorporated our needs on balance with our budget…”
“We would not hesitate to use their services again in the future and plan to recommend them to friends and family.”
Tim lives and breathes design. If he is not actively designing at his desk or on weekends, he is imagining new ideas for development or design. Architecture has been his passion for 25 years during which time he has worked at multiple firms around the country before realizing his long-held dream of firm ownership when he joined C.L. Helt as President and Principal in 2012.
Sharon believes that change fosters growth and she is always looking for opportunities to enhance and improve all that we do. Originally from South Africa she generally brings a different perspective to problem solving and solutions that are outside the box (which Architects’ happen to like!). In addition to providing general support for administrative and billing functions she is also responsible for market research, marketing and process improvement initiatives. Sharon has a degree in Communication Science and has over 20 years’ experience in continuous improvement initiatives and organizational change in various industries as well as her own businesses.
Don Ferry is a graduate of 
Every day Ben Woods witnesses how architecture and design has an impact on his life. Even though most do not perceive it or are unaware, it does occur. After all buildings and spaces are made for people to inhabit, so why not provide an efficient building or space based on the audience in which intends to utilize it. Ben Woods embraces every opportunity to provide solutions that transcend expectations and client’s goals on projects. Becoming involved in the intricate process of design, construction, and collaboration with owners, builders, and other designers is of the utmost satisfaction in my opinion, says Ben. Proper understanding and execution of the end goal is my primary focus and reassurance I’m providing a quality product from start to finish on any project.
Selvyn Grandison believes Architecture is an intricate set of designs which lies at the intersection of art and science that tries to unify its surroundings. Selvyn is most excited when he is able to collaborate with others to bring a design to fruition and to know he has pleased the client. Selvyn is committed to doing what it takes (creating, exploring, listening, asking etc.) to get the project completed in a timely manner.
John Lee is passionate about helping to craft the client’s dream vision of architecture that inspires. With years of 3D design and construction drawing experience John enjoys finding unique and collaborative ways to solve design problems to the client’s complete satisfaction.