Who is CDL anyway?

Chuck Daniel LeJeune  is a seasoned project manager for both Architecture and Construction projects.  A 2007 graduate of the Louisiana Tech University (LaTech) Architecture Program (SOD), Chuck is passionate about design + build.  This is no accident, as the  LaTech SOD (School of Design) is a program that excels in producing graduates who've been exposed to both Design in the Studio as well as Construction in the Field.  Chuck's 4th year Studio Instructor, Mike McSwain, Architect ( www.mikemcswainarchitect.com) , recruited him as an intern in 2006.  Lucky for Chuck, McSwain was designing  a 10,000 square-foot contemporary waterfront home during the time of this internship ; the 'Sanctuary' -  https://design-milk.com/sanctuary-louisiana-by-mike-mcswain/ .  Chuck absorbed whatever he could from the master mind that is Mike McSwain.  He was also lucky enough to be given a desk right next to his project manager, Jeff Spikes, Architect.  This wasn't the last time Chuck and Jeff would work together.

Stepping back a little, between Chuck's 2nd & 3rd year LaTech SOD Studios, he was invited to house-sit for a family friend in South Louisiana.  That summer, Chuck was introduced to the work of A. Hays Town, Architect.  The home he would be house-sitting, was one of Mr. Town's designs and the family friend, Dr. Smith, was the original owner.  Chuck would live there the entire summer to help manage the vast and beautiful grounds, including the most amazing gardens Chuck had, and to this day has, ever seen for a personal home.  Chuck spent that summer working hard, of course, as he was saving up to buy a fancy new laptop for Studio, but he spent as much time sketching and photographing the house, out houses, details, and landscaping.  However, the best part and greatest lessons come from listening to Dr. Smith's stories of his interactions with Mr. Town during the design, construction, and post construction of his house.  That summer was a treasure Chuck holds dear and 'till this day maintains an influence over his design sensibilities!  

Upon graduating from Architecture School, Chuck's life took an unexpected turn.  A turn this small town South Louisiana boy couldn't have planned for.  He moved to the Caribbean Island of Sint Marteen, where he lived for 2yrs.  I know you're thinking, "WHAT"?  Well, Chuck and his new bride were young, in-love, and dumb, the perfect combination for the adventurous couple.  While reviewing medical school options with his wife, they came across the idea of Caribbean Medical Schools and well, the rest is history.  Who could pass that up?  It was the most amazing 2yrs for the both of them and they left with friendships and memories which will last a lifetime.  So his wife was in Med. School, but what the heck was Chuck up to?  - A little work, a little study, and a lot of play!  Chuck did some remote work for McSwain during this time and he also studied online for a Master's of Interior Architecture & Design w/ the Academy of Arts University (AAU) - Chuck mastered over 60hrs of course study, making it all the way to his Final Thesis Semester, but had a major priority shift and 'til this day has not re-enrolled to complete the program; it remains on his to-do-list!  But, what about the important stuff, the PLAY!  Well, Chuck became Open Water Scuba Certified and was addicted.  He then became an Advanced Scuba Diver and worked as a Diving Intern (someone on track to become an instructor) for Octopus Diving for many months prior to moving back to the States.  Sometimes, Chuck'll go out back in his courtyard, lay in his hammock, close his eyes and be taken back to his happy place, 80ft below the warm blue waters of the Caribbean.  Know this though, as much as Chuck enjoyed the 'Island Life', one of the things he enjoyed most was the French, Dutch, and Spanish influenced Architecture he found there and the neighboring islands.  It reminded him of things he'd seen in Louisiana, and alerted him to elements of design that he'd like to see more of in Louisiana.  This West Indies' influence will forever impact his designs.  

Moving back to the States, Chuck lived and worked in Baton Rouge, LA.  He joined the team of David Mougeot, Architect (www.mougeotarchitecture.com).  Chuck rapidly rose to the level of Project Manager where he worked predominately on public projects like Schools and Government Buildings.  David was a great boss and taught Chuck how important networking was to the business of Architecture.  In this fast paced 'sink or swim' environment,  Chuck swam laps and grew by miles!  The time Chuck spent in this office was a huge confidence builder.  That confidence is what has allowed Chuck to take the risk he's taken in his career, leading to where he is today.

After some time in Baton Rouge, Chuck moved to Shreveport where Chuck and Jeff reunited.  Jeff was just in the process of creating his own firm (www.iarchitecture.net) , when Chuck moved to town and bumped into him.  Chuck spent the next 3.5yrs working under Jeff's leadership and witnessed first hand what it really takes to build a thriving Architecture Firm from the ground up.  The answer, HARD WORK and a lot of it!  During this time, Chuck worked on a couple of Custom Home designs, several Multi-Family designs, and a couple of Church Building projects.  But just as iArchitecture was really becoming a force to reckon with, moving into its brand new and really cool office space, Chuck's life was taking him back to South Louisiana, back to where he was born and raised.  After considering the opportunity to bring iArchitecture down south with him by way of satellite office, Chuck instead decided to join forces with an old Architecture School buddy of his, David Beverly, Architect.

From July 2014 until January of 2020, David and Chuck built a formidable design + build co-operation between the two companies of db Architecture of Acadiana & db Construction of Acadiana.  Together, they designed and most times built several notable Custom Homes in an effort to experiment and test ideas of a design style Chuck liked to call "New Louisiana".  They also spent a lot of time trying to perfect the stand alone 'Out Patient Medical Clinic' type; designing six clinics and building four during Chuck's time with db.  It was during this time when Chuck was able to hone in on his abilities to manage Construction Projects.  This is also when Chuck made up his mind that managing a project from the first Architectural Client meeting until you're handing that same Client the keys to their new building is one of the most rewarding feats he's had the honor of doing so many times now.  After 5.5yrs of working with his old Architecture Schoolmate, Chuck, in January of 2020, decided to leave db in order to create his own company.  Much of Chuck's past work can be viewed on db's website (www.dbarchitectureofacadiana.com)      

So, here we are.  Chuck created CDL Properties, Planning, & Design, LLC.  With this company, Chuck endeavors to continue his efforts of learning in and contributing to the design + build world.  The story will only get better... to be continued!