Local Architecture Firm CDH Partners Names Heli Shah Project Director in Savannah
Friday, April 24th, 2026
CDH Partners has announced the addition of Heli Shah as Project Director in the firm’s Savannah office. In this role, Shah will oversee project teams, manage client relationships, and help expand the firm’s presence throughout the Southeast, with a particular focus on Savannah and surrounding communities.
Shah brings extensive experience in education-focused architecture and project design, along with a strong commitment to community-centered planning and placemaking. As Project Director, she will manage projects from concept through completion, serve as a primary point of contact for clients and community stakeholders, and collaborate with team members in both the Savannah and Atlanta offices on projects across multiple sectors.
“CDH Partners has nearly 50 years of experience and a strong reputation for thoughtful, community-focused design,” said Shah. “I believe architecture can be transformative—it has the power to influence lives. That philosophy aligns closely with CDH’s mission of improving lives through design. I’m especially excited to grow our presence in the Southeast, particularly in Savannah, a city with a vibrant cultural and social landscape where thoughtful design can truly enhance daily life.”
“Heli brings exceptional talent, leadership and a deep understanding of how thoughtful design can strengthen communities,” said Melissa, CEO & President of CDH Partners. “Her passion for education projects and community engagement aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are thrilled to have her leading efforts in Savannah and across the Southeast.”
Shah holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University and a Master of Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She is also a Fitwel Ambassador, supporting the global certification system focused on improving health outcomes through building design.
She has worked in the industry for almost a decade and one of the projects she is most proud of is McNair Middle School in DeKalb County, Georgia, a Future-Ready facility designed to support modern teaching methods and collaborative learning environments. The project provided valuable experience in educational pedagogy, design innovation, and construction management.
In addition to her professional work, Shah is actively involved in various roles within the architectural profession. She currently serves as the Associate Representative to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Strategic Council and is slated to transition to the AIA National Board of Directors next year. She has previously served on the Equity in Architecture (EQiA) Board, Chair of the Young Architects Forum of Atlanta, AIA Atlanta Board and the National Associates Committee, supporting mentoring, design advocacy and equity in the built environment.
Shah has received several honors recognizing her contributions to the profession, including the AIA National Associate Award and the AIA Atlanta John A. Busby Emerging Professional Award. She was also named to the “30 Under 30” list by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta and received the Alumni Emerging Professional Award from the American Institute of Architecture Students for her contributions to the profession.
Shah is also the Founder of Her|Story (her.story.aec), an initiative focused on elevating and celebrating women in architecture as well as Founder and Co-Host of The Tell Me More Podcast (thetellmemorepodd) which aims to share the stories of the people that define our communities and inspire change in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry.
Born in Mumbai, India, Shah moved to the United States at the age of 10 and grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. After spending nearly a decade in Atlanta, she recently relocated to Savannah and now works from CDH Partners’ Savannah office.
