In early 2009 and in the shadow of the housing collapse, Spencer Cordtsen McCombe launched Cordtsen Design Architecture from the attic of his small apartment. He and his wife Michelle were expecting their first child, and their sights were set squarely on the future. With twelve years of architectural design experience under his belt, he moved forward by staying involved in ongoing projects under construction while allowing for word of his independence to spread. Within a few months, Spencer received proposals for several large projects, and he found himself creating a strong network with other area professionals to fulfill their new clients’ needs. Early 2012, with a second baby on the way and colleagues who wanted to work from “a real office,” Spencer moved his family to a new larger home in Newport with plenty of extra third-floor space. As renovations continued below, two full-time employees and Spence started working from their new headquarters. During the day the house functioned as the office, and at night the toddlers took over the lower levels. As the firm’s incoming business grew, so did the team, whose perch filled the top floor with seven architects and one office manager. Although slightly unconventional, the nature of the evolution of CDA proved to be a blessing and an opportunity to foster the collaborative environment that continues today. In 2017, as Spencer tried to squeeze one more designer into the space, the team sketched drew a line in the sand to demand an upgrade with more elbow room. The search for a suitable new home for CDA was challenging, as prices for commercial space were well beyond the budget and renting wouldn’t allow for creatively renovating a space. The first property that was considered was just a few blocks from their current spot and held the right potential. With a low bid and lots of prayer, CDA purchased 42 West Main Road in Middletown, RI, and with the tremendous blessing came a boost to morale. Renovations began in earnest and lasted for two months, transforming the retail shop on the first floor to a spacious new office. Family and friends pitched in around the clock so CDA could move in officially on July 4th of 2017. As the new headquarters continued to welcome new staff, the rear storage room was renovated to accommodate four more desks in 2020. In 2022, CDA saw even greater expansion to the Tampa, FL, region, where one of the team’s project architects desired to relocate. The Brandon office is now home to three architects supporting the firm’s projects throughout the US – beyond New England to include Hawaii, Wisconsin, Virgina, South Carolina – and the Caribbean. Designing exciting projects centered in resort towns like Newport has opened the doors to filling our portfolio with luxury homes, boutique hospitality, medical offices, and more. We are proud to organize the firm implementing the principles found in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and the guidance of our C12 community. CDA’s growing team is passionate about the work we get to do with our trusting clients, and we look forward to the design adventure that each new project brings.