David Alder Joins HDR as Education and Science Principal

David Alder, AIA, LEED AP, has joined HDR as an education and science principal based in the Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina, architecture studios. In this position, Alder will leverage his passion for science and technology to establish and guide the overall direction of the education and science sector in the local region.

As education and science principal, Alder will maintain existing client relationships, develop new opportunities, mentor a growing team, and elevate brand awareness for HDR in the southeast. In addition, Alder will also be responsible for direct project leadership and advancing the quality of HDR’s design practice.

“HDR provides me the opportunity to work with and share ideas with a global team,” Alder said. “I am excited by the potential to experience design and planning leadership at a global scale.”

Before joining HDR, Alder worked as a principal for CPL Architecture, Engineering, and Planning. He led the firm’s new Raleigh office, established its national science and technology practice, and expanded its higher education portfolio. Alder has experience working on various education and science projects, including K-12 classroom buildings, vocational schools, interdisciplinary research buildings, and high-containment facilities. He also operated his architecture firm, Element, for over 15 years.

“We had the pleasure of teaming with David on pursuits while he was with his previous employer and always thought he would be a great fit for HDR,” said HDR East Region Education and Science Director Kevin Jelinek. “As we expand our footprint and team in the southeast, David will be instrumental in growing our Education and Science practice and reinforcing the spirit of collaboration throughout the region.”

“We are excited to welcome David to HDR as an education and science principal,” said HDR Managing Principal Richard Alsop. “David will divide his time between project teams in the southeast. His many years of education and science experience will complement other sector leadership already in place in the region. I am confident that having David at HDR means we will continue to reinforce our position as unrivalled.”

Alder earned his Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Arts in architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is an active member of The American Institute of Architects, Society for College and University Planning, and North Carolina Leadership in Educational Facilities.