Roam

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FIRM BIO

We explore the terrain of possibility —

crafting thoughtful plans rooted in place, purpose, and discovery.
Driven by a passion for placemaking and a belief in the transformative power of design to elevate the built environment and strengthen communities, Chris brings more than 25 years of experience to his role as Founder of ROAM. Throughout his career, he has worked alongside a multidisciplinary team of planners, designers, architects, and project managers, to guide projects from early visioning and entitlement through realization—shaping environments that respond to both human experience and long-term regional goals across the Western United States.
Chris believes that meaningful places emerge from collaboration, clarity of vision, and a deep understanding of the built environment. His work centers on community design, integrating planning, architecture, and landscape architecture into a cohesive framework that elevates everyday life.
At the core of his approach is storytelling—crafting a compelling vision and carrying it through every phase of the design process. His portfolio spans master-planned communities, urban infill, site-specific neighborhood design, and mixed-use multifamily development, each unified by a commitment to design excellence, contextual responsiveness, and places that endure beyond their moment.

How We Work

We believe the best places emerge through collaboration —

when diverse perspectives are invited early, ideas are tested openly, and the process remains rooted in purpose and place. Our approach is not linear; it’s a shared journey of exploration, alignment, and discovery.

Land-Informed Design

Everything begins with place

We listen to the land first—its contours, history, and constraints. Every plan is shaped with context and clarity.
Intentional Planning

Purpose in every line

Our work balances creativity with discipline, ensuring each decision supports the long-term vision of the site.
Collaborative Process

Solutions shaped together

From first sketches to final approvals, we work alongside clients, consultants, and communities to build alignment and momentum.
Elevated Simplicity

Design that feels effortless

Good design doesn’t compete with its surroundings. It is carefully crafted to reveal and elevate them.

The Process

Great places are shaped through collaboration. Our process is rooted in listening, exploration, and shared ownership—bringing together diverse perspectives to transform ideas into meaningful, lasting environments.
We begin by understanding the terrain—context, culture, and community—aligning around a clear vision before design begins. From there, we frame the challenge, explore possibilities together, and refine ideas through open dialogue and iteration.
As concepts take shape, we integrate feedback, balance ambition with feasibility, and guide projects toward clarity and commitment. We stay engaged through delivery, stewarding the original vision while adapting thoughtfully as conditions evolve.

Design, for us, is not a handoff — it's a shared journey from possibility to place.

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Begin with the Terrain

We align around vision, values, and constraints—setting a clear direction before drawing a single line.

Before moving forward, we confirm alignment. Designs are tested against goals, values, and constraints, ensuring they are both visionary and executable. Decisions are documented, approvals secured, and momentum established.

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SERVICES

VISIONING

Before a line is put to paper, we research and develop a story to help bring definition to new destinations.
  • - brand creation
  • - storytelling
  • - visual communication

SITE PLANNING

From single family homes to retail destinations, our designers not only have intimate knowledge of local zoning and codes but also understand the way people want to live. We ensure each site resonates with the needs of the client and community.
  • - brand creation
  • - storytelling
  • - visual communication

MASTER PLANNING

Our expertise lies in balancing the needs of interwoven uses, guiding the way to an effortless circulation, establishing quiet neighborhoods and engaged retail environments. Master plans set the framework for the destinations of the future.
  • - brand creation
  • - storytelling
  • - visual communication

URBAN DESIGN

With a focus on the aesthetic and experiential qualities of cities and how their components – from buildings and open space, to sidewalks and signs – interact, our urban designers craft destinations that transform people’s experiences.
  • - brand creation
  • - storytelling
  • - visual communication

Why ROAM

Great places are shaped through collaboration. Our process is rooted in listening, exploration, and shared ownership—bringing together diverse perspectives to transform ideas into meaningful, lasting environments.
We begin by understanding the terrain—context, culture, and community—aligning around a clear vision before design begins. From there, we frame the challenge, explore possibilities together, and refine ideas through open dialogue and iteration.
As concepts take shape, we integrate feedback, balance ambition with feasibility, and guide projects toward clarity and commitment. We stay engaged through delivery, stewarding the original vision while adapting thoughtfully as conditions evolve.

FEATURED WORK

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project-detail-2-ZLVG9VAk
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INDIGO

Richmond, TX
Meristem Communities
At the intersection of People, Plants and Place, Indigo is a new community with a foundational connection to agriculture, built around a human-scale working farm and pasture.
The master plan for this agrihood mixed-use development is a collaboration of a multifaceted team: Meristem Communities, Rochester Development, DAHLIN, Segments LLC, CultivateLAND, and Hearth Agency.

• The Barn featuring café and market operations will be a multipurpose space

• Numerous community parks with multi-levels of play and interactive spaces

• Extensive system of hiking, biking, and nature trails

Project In collaboration with SWA, Cultivate Land
Services:
Visioning | Master Planning | Site Planning | Design Guidelines | Residential & Commercial Typologies
– work completed during employment at DAHLIN
Project Summary
Site Area:
233 acres
Number of Units:
800
Density/FAR:
3.4 du/ac
Other Notes:
42 acres

This will close in 0 seconds

project-4-D5qhO2sT
project-detail-2-ZLVG9VAk
project-5-D7dUKceq

INDIGO

Richmond, TX
Meristem Communities
At the intersection of People, Plants and Place, Indigo is a new community with a foundational connection to agriculture, built around a human-scale working farm and pasture.
The master plan for this agrihood mixed-use development is a collaboration of a multifaceted team: Meristem Communities, Rochester Development, DAHLIN, Segments LLC, CultivateLAND, and Hearth Agency.

• The Barn featuring café and market operations will be a multipurpose space

• Numerous community parks with multi-levels of play and interactive spaces

• Extensive system of hiking, biking, and nature trails

Project In collaboration with SWA, Cultivate Land
Services:
Visioning | Master Planning | Site Planning | Design Guidelines | Residential & Commercial Typologies
– work completed during employment at DAHLIN
Project Summary
Site Area:
233 acres
Number of Units:
800
Density/FAR:
3.4 du/ac
Other Notes:
42 acres
← Back to all projects

This will close in 0 seconds

project-4-D5qhO2sT
project-detail-2-ZLVG9VAk
project-5-D7dUKceq

INDIGO

Richmond, TX
Meristem Communities
At the intersection of People, Plants and Place, Indigo is a new community with a foundational connection to agriculture, built around a human-scale working farm and pasture.
The master plan for this agrihood mixed-use development is a collaboration of a multifaceted team: Meristem Communities, Rochester Development, DAHLIN, Segments LLC, CultivateLAND, and Hearth Agency.

• The Barn featuring café and market operations will be a multipurpose space

• Numerous community parks with multi-levels of play and interactive spaces

• Extensive system of hiking, biking, and nature trails

Project In collaboration with SWA, Cultivate Land
Services:
Visioning | Master Planning | Site Planning | Design Guidelines | Residential & Commercial Typologies
– work completed during employment at DAHLIN
Project Summary
Site Area:
233 acres
Number of Units:
800
Density/FAR:
3.4 du/ac
Other Notes:
42 acres
← Back to all projects

This will close in 0 seconds

project-4-D5qhO2sT
project-detail-2-ZLVG9VAk
project-5-D7dUKceq

INDIGO

Richmond, TX
Meristem Communities
At the intersection of People, Plants and Place, Indigo is a new community with a foundational connection to agriculture, built around a human-scale working farm and pasture.
The master plan for this agrihood mixed-use development is a collaboration of a multifaceted team: Meristem Communities, Rochester Development, DAHLIN, Segments LLC, CultivateLAND, and Hearth Agency.

• The Barn featuring café and market operations will be a multipurpose space

• Numerous community parks with multi-levels of play and interactive spaces

• Extensive system of hiking, biking, and nature trails

Project In collaboration with SWA, Cultivate Land
Services:
Visioning | Master Planning | Site Planning | Design Guidelines | Residential & Commercial Typologies
– work completed during employment at DAHLIN
Project Summary
Site Area:
233 acres
Number of Units:
800
Density/FAR:
3.4 du/ac
Other Notes:
42 acres
← Back to all projects

This will close in 0 seconds