Meet the Mind of Emily Hall, CVG’s Dynamic President
Meet Emily Hall, the President of CVG, whose leadership bridges the dynamic energy of Detroit, MI, and the charm of Tiverton, RI. With a career that spans over two decades, Emily’s passion for fostering small and mid-sized architecture firms reflects her deep appreciation for firm culture and the unique bonds that develop in close-knit teams. Whether working from her Detroit office with views of historic architecture or guiding firms through the challenges of growth, Emily brings a thoughtful and authentic approach to her role.
What do you find most unique about your firm and services?
CVG’s focus on small and mid-sized firms has interested me since I first heard about the company. I spent 17 years working in-house at small architecture firms, ranging from staff sizes of nine people to 35 people. Something special happens in small firms when you have the right firm culture. You get this fun dynamic where the studio develops its own unique sense of humor, and there’s a shared pride in where you work. CVG has this ourselves, and we also nurture this in firms we work with – and we understand how to fix a firm’s challenges without making firms more corporate or removing the fun. In my experience, this is a nuance that larger A/E/C consulting firms don’t always get.
We often hear, “We didn’t know a firm like CVG existed! We found a unicorn!”
Can you give us a glimpse into your workspace? What items or decorations make it uniquely yours?
I split my time between Detroit and Rhode Island, but downtown Detroit is my home base. I love my view because I can see so many layers of historic Detroit architecture. I can look to my right and see Ford Field (go Lions!), look left and see Canada, or look down and see if any of my friends are hanging out in Capitol Park.
A video still of Don Knotts hangs to the left of my desk. It was one of the first pieces of art I bought when I moved to New York City in my 20s.
Share a moment of pride or accomplishment from your professional journey.
I earned my MBA at night school in my 40s. It took me almost four years while working full-time. Brushing up on my math skills so I could tackle Statistics, Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, etc., was humbling but also incredibly satisfying. I was an art major in college and studied industrial design in grad school, so complex computation wasn’t necessarily an interest. I hadn’t multiplied fractions with exponents since high school!
Completing an MBA program helped me understand how strategy, finance, management, accounting, law, marketing, leadership, and marketing all work together. Mostly, it de-mystified these fields and gave me a broader understanding of what I don’t know so I could better appreciate the need for building a team with complementary skills, which is one of the things I love about my colleagues at CVG. It also convinced me that I’ll never be a statistician.
What's your go-to morning routine to kickstart a productive day at work?
New York Times word games. Doing the Spelling Bee while having my coffee warms up my brain. Since I also rename firms as part of my role in CVG’s branding work, it helps expand my vocabulary and gets me thinking creatively about compound words and alternative spellings. I can think of one firm (name soon to be revealed) whose new name is a direct result of a morning Spelling Bee. Can I bill for that? :)
Can you share a hobby or talent that people might be surprised to learn about you?
After grad school, I designed a plush toy and had 10,000 of them manufactured overseas. They came in a container truck! I tried to sell them at museum stores without much success. The silver lining is that I owe my career in architecture to this crazy idea. While devoting my time to designing and marketing the “Flodie” (yes, that’s what it was called), I needed a day job to pay the bills. So, I got a job as a receptionist at an architecture firm. I soon realized that Flodie would not make me a millionaire but that I really enjoyed the business side of working in a small architecture firm. That was 23 years ago, and I’ve been in this field ever since.
Flodie was an amorphous shape that came with a packet of felt eyes so you could design your own creature
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done, and would you do it again?
When CVG hired me, I realized, “I can live anywhere” since it was the first all-virtual company I’ve ever worked for. This was in 2017, when remote work was still somewhat of a novelty. I picked up and moved to Detroit without knowing anyone here. I have always been fascinated by this city’s history, resilience, and revitalization. Still, I have to admit, on one of my first nights in Detroit, my building was evacuated, and I went out the wrong door, so I was standing in a dark alley alone in the pouring rain at 2 am thinking, “What have I done?!”
Fast-forward seven years, and I would make the same choice in a heartbeat! I had an instinct, and I trusted it. I’ve met the most interesting people and fallen in love with Detroit’s vibe. I’m one of Detroit’s most passionate ambassadors.
Emily’s journey is defined by a blend of creativity, strategic insight, and a love for meaningful connections. From her early days in small architecture firms to earning an MBA while balancing a full-time career, she exemplifies the value of perseverance and a curious mind. Emily’s belief in the importance of building strong, collaborative teams shines through in her leadership at CVG. Follow along as Emily continues to shape the future of small firms with the same passion that has driven her remarkable career.