Michael Hochadel, NCARB

In high-volume environments, the biggest risks are rarely obvious. They are the issues no one solves early enough. That belief drives Michael Hochadel. He turns complexity into clarity, thinking ahead and removing friction before it slows progress. In fast-paced, multi-site work, he keeps projects moving by aligning teams early, making intentional decisions, and staying accountable to timelines. What drives him most is progress, not just in results, but in the people behind them. His philosophy is simple. If you aren’t mentoring someone to take your place and do it better, you aren’t truly leading.

Since joining APD in 2012, Michael has grown into his role as Executive Vice President, helping shape how the firm delivers for clients operating at scale. His experience spans multi-site retail, residential, commercial, and outpatient healthcare projects. Drawn to architecture by a fascination with how things are built, he now leads complex programs where speed and coordination are critical. He brings structure, clarity, and repeatability that help clients scale with confidence.

Michael leads with accountability, hard work, and respect for the profession. He builds leaders from within and invests in teaching others how projects truly work, beyond design. He helps them understand how coordination, communication, and execution drive real success. Outside of work, he enjoys playing sports games, golfing, and traveling, including a long-awaited trip to Tokyo.