Healthy, happier places to live through thoughtful modern design and client-led narratives
CDFA Architecture is a Tampa-based architectural practice serving clients throughout Florida and beyond. Focused on custom homes, major renovations, and multifamily residential development, the studio brings broad experience from high-end modern residential work on Martha’s Vineyard to innovative housing projects in Montana.
Our approach is rooted in listening, collaboration, and a belief that successful projects come from healthy relationships and balanced decision-making. We design around the way people live, paying close attention to each client’s needs, routines, values, and long-term goals. We also believe every project should respond carefully to its sit, its light, views, climate, landscape, and sense of place.
Good design does not need to be complicated. Through the thoughtful use of natural light, proportion, materiality, durability, and clear organization, architecture can support daily life, improve wellbeing, and create lasting value. In Florida, this also means designing for energy efficiency, resilience, moisture, heat, storms, and long-term performance.
From early concept design through construction, CDFA helps clients navigate the process with clarity, honesty, and care. Services include full architectural design, site and feasibility review, contractor selection support, and owner’s representation when needed.
Christopher Flass, AIA
Founding Principal
Christopher Flass is a Florida-licensed architect, Florida native, and founder of CDFA Architecture. With over 15 years of experience, his work has spanned a wide range of project types, including high-end residential, multifamily, civic, theatrical, K-12, and institutional projects. He is also currently an active Principal at Peter Rose + Partners, an award-winning Boston-based architecture firm known for thoughtful, highly crafted design work.
Chris brings experience in both design and delivery, having led large consultant teams, managed complex project schedules and budgets, and worked closely with clients, builders, fabricators, and consultants from early concept through construction. His background includes both intimate residential work and large-scale, technically complex projects, giving him a broad perspective on how good design is developed, coordinated, and built.
A Florida native, Chris studied architecture at the University of Florida before earning his Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia. After nearly a decade working in Boston, he eventually relocated back to Florida and now lives in Tampa with his wife and two daughters.
Most recently, Chris helped lead the first large-scale modular mass timber project in the United States, a 120-module workforce housing project in Montana. His role included helping develop and implement the modular system for use in the U.S., while managing the design, coordination, fabrication, and delivery process. The project reflects the range of his experience across architecture, construction, fabrication, technical coordination, and project leadership.
Chris founded CDFA Architecture to bring the same level of design quality, care, and execution to clients in Florida, with a focus on Tampa and the surrounding region. His goal is to create thoughtful homes and residential projects that are beautiful, functional, durable, and deeply connected to the people and places they serve.
Tropical Trail
Indian River Flats