How Michael Hochadel's passion for architecture, mentorship, and technical excellence helps shape APD's future.
By the time Michael Hochadel was 12 years old, he already knew he wanted to become an architect. Drawn to the challenge of solving complex design problems and inspired by the idea of creating spaces that withstand the test of time, he discovered a passion that would shape the course of his career. Today, after more than 13 years at APD Engineering & Architecture, he continues to approach every project with the same curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to continuous improvement that first inspired him as a young designer.
For Michael, architecture has always been about much more than designing buildings. At its core, he believes architecture is about bringing people together to solve problems.
“It’s coordinating and communicating,” he explains. “People often think architects just design buildings, but we’re bringing together engineers, owners, contractors, consultants, and countless moving pieces to keep projects aligned and moving forward.”
That collaborative mindset shapes how he works with clients every day. Michael believes what clients value most is responsiveness, dependable communication, and delivering projects on schedule. By anticipating challenges early and maintaining strong coordination throughout the project, his goal is to give clients confidence that their project is in capable hands.
One of the defining moments in Michael’s career came early in his time at APD while leading the ALDI retrofit project in Addison, Illinois. This experience reinforced an important lesson that continues to shape his work today: successful projects are won long before construction begins. By coordinating early, asking the right questions, and understanding how every discipline works together, Michael believes the strongest projects are built on thoughtful planning rather than last-minute problem solving. Those lessons continue to guide how he approaches every client and every project.
As Vice President, one of Michael’s greatest passions is mentoring the next generation of architects, empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of leaders at APD.
Michael believes great mentorship goes beyond just providing the answers. It begins with listening, understanding where someone wants to grow, and helping them build confidence through experience. He hopes that when his career is over, people will remember not only the projects he completed, but the knowledge he shared and the opportunities he created for others to succeed.
That same philosophy extends to leadership. Michael believes the role of a leader is to provide direction, communicate a clear vision, and help people understand how their work contributes to the firm’s future. Combined with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to continuous learning, these values continue to shape the collaborative culture that defines APD today.
Outside the office, Michael’s passion for learning extends beyond architecture. Fascinated by culture and design, one of the highlights of his career was traveling to Tokyo, Japan to support APD’s work with an international retailer, combining a lifelong interest in architecture with a destination he had always hoped to experience. He and his wife continue to enjoy traveling together and discovering new places around the world.
