Who We Are
Originally established in 1969 by Chet Helt, the firm has grown from its Charlotte roots to become a leading national architecture and design presence. In 2012 Tim Johnston took the reins of the firm with like minded goals of customer service, design excellence and project diversification.
Our core capabilities encompass modern commercial, industrial, prototype maintenance/ rollout, hospitality and modern minimalist residential design. Our clients represent a wide variety of industries, locations, and projects – of every scope and scale. Our work is our passion, founded on expert design, creative solutions, and versatile expertise. We have the diverse ability and talent to offer not only exceptional architecture but also interior design, programming, master planning, space planning, feasibility studies, and code compliance.
Currently licensed in 46 states, we offer a powerful knowledge base of code requirements state to state – a significant consideration for developers, retailers, and franchisers designing in new locations.
Licensed in 46 States
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Full- Service Architecture and Interior Design
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Commercial and Residential
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Retail Prototype Roll-Out
Our Approach
First, we listen. We continuously evaluate and refine our processes to ensure the best possible design experience. Listening gives us keen insight into meeting critical objectives and bringing ideas to life. We always put our clients first, continuously evaluating and refining our processes to ensure the best possible design experience.
Whether we’re designing a home, new retail concepts, or re-purposing an outdated existing structure, we focus on creative concepts and processes that solve problems, impeccable project execution and expert compliance to ensure optimal results for every client and project.
Our National Capabilities
With licensure in 46 states, our national reach enables consistent service and expertise across the U.S. – an essential benefit for developers, retailers, franchisors and companies with multi-state presence.
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 is Your Team
Our talented team is dedicated to providing topnotch client service. We give our utmost attention to big ideas and precise details alike. At C.L. Helt, Architects transforming your vision into a tangible, usable space that achieves your unique goals is paramount.
Click images below to view bios
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Tim JohnstonAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal -
Ryan BatanganProject Coordinator
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James ZinkSenior Project Manager
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Don FerrySenior Project Manager
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Elaine EllisAccounts Manager
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Toni FinchAssociate
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Diana MyersSenior Associate
We are always searching for the right team members to join us.
“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 Johnston 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 CL Helt as President and Principal in 2012.
Don Ferry is a graduate of 
Elaine Ellis joined CL Helt Architect in July 2017, as the Office Account Manager. I have over 20 years of experience within the Construction Industry, specializing in Construction Accounting / Administration.
Toni Finch is proficient in all aspects of developing the built environment, from schematic design to construction administration.