Meet the Team: Experts Behind CES Design Group

At CES Design Group, we believe that great design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating solutions that resonate with our clients and their audiences. Behind every successful project is a team of dedicated professionals who bring their unique skills and perspectives to the table. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the talented individuals who make up our team, highlighting their expertise and contributions to our mission.

A creative workspace showcasing design sketches and tools.

The Visionaries: Our Design Leaders

Karl F. Soby - Founder and Managing Partner

Karl F. Soby is the Founder and Managing Partner of CES Design Group, Inc., an Architecture and Engineering firm established in 2004. With a career spanning since 1983, he has designed over 30,000 multifamily units nationwide, along with high-end residential, commercial, and industrial projects such as medical centers, warehouses, and corporate offices.

A licensed General Contractor and Realtor in Florida, Karl oversees all firm operations, including design management, project budgeting, and client relations. Before founding CES, he held key roles for major national builders such as Pulte Homes, Lennar Multifamily, and DR Horton. Under his leadership, CES Design Group provides comprehensive planning, 3D rendering, and Revit/AutoCAD-based design and construction services.

Henry Franky, RA - Partner and Senior Architectural Designer

Henry Franky, RA, is a Partner and Senior Architectural Designer at CES Design Group with 35 years of expertise in high-end residential design. He has designed luxury custom homes in Florida’s most exclusive communities, including The Bears Club, Old Palm Golf Club, and St. Andrews Country Club, as well as prestigious international projects in South Carolina, the Bahamas, St. Martin, and New Zealand.

Early in his career, Henry’s collaboration with premier construction firms led to the development of major multi-family projects, such as a 175-unit townhouse community in Pembroke Pines. Today, he leads the design and implementation of construction documents for residential and commercial developments while continuing to drive the firm’s multi-family production.

Diane Barry - Partner and Senior Architectural Designer

Diane has over 34 years of experience in architectural design and urban redevelopment. Since joining the firm in 2015, she has overseen daily production, directing the in-house staff in Revit and CAD workflows, coordinating project consultants, and conducting on-site construction observations.

Throughout her career, Diane has contributed to the development of over 25,000 multifamily units, along with mixed-use buildings, commercial spaces, and medical facilities. She possesses specialized expertise in navigating complex regulatory requirements, including ADA, ANSI, FHA, and UFAS compliance, as well as HUD-financed projects and LEED sustainability standards.

Before joining CES, Diane spent four years operating her own architectural consulting firm, where she represented developers in the public and private sectors. Today, she collaborates with her partners on firm leadership, contract negotiations, and project design, with a dedicated focus on delivering high-quality, durable construction documents that ensure efficient and long-lasting builds for clients.

Michael Montgomery - Partner and Senior Project Manager

Michael brings over 25 years of comprehensive architecture and construction expertise to CES Design Group. He established a rigorous technical foundation early in his career as a draftsman and illustrator before advancing into the management of large-scale multifamily developments throughout Florida.

Prior to joining CES Design, Michael spent more than a decade as an Architectural Senior Project Manager, directing a diverse portfolio of commercial, medical, and residential projects. In January 2018, he transitioned to a premier Miami development firm as an Owner’s Representative, where he navigated the complexities of HUD-financed and LEED-accredited capital developments. While in this role, he also functioned as an in-field construction project manager, consistently driving efficiency through streamlined scheduling and rigorous cost control.

Our Collaborative Culture

At CES Design Group, your vision is our shared mission. We cultivate a collaborative ecosystem where open communication and diverse thinking lead to bespoke architectural outcomes that are as functional as they are visionary.

Team Workshops and Brainstorming Sessions

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our team members work closely together, sharing ideas and feedback to create the best possible outcomes for our clients. This collaborative spirit fosters innovation and creativity, allowing us to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives.

Celebrating Success Together

We believe in celebrating our successes, both big and small. Whether it’s completing a challenging project or receiving positive client feedback, we take the time to acknowledge our achievements as a team. This not only boosts morale but also strengthens our bond as colleagues.

Looking Ahead: Our Future Goals

As we move forward, CES Design Group is committed to continuous improvement and growth. We aim to expand our services and reach new markets while maintaining the high standards our clients have come to expect.

Embracing New Technologies

We are excited about the potential of emerging technologies in design. By staying updated on the latest trends and tools, we can enhance our offerings and provide even greater value to our clients.

Fostering Professional Development

Investing in our team’s professional development is a priority. We encourage our team members to pursue further education and training opportunities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

Final Thoughts

The experts behind CES Design Group are passionate about what they do, and their dedication shines through in every project. By leveraging their unique skills and collaborating effectively, we create designs that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations.

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to our mission of delivering exceptional design solutions. We invite you to connect with us and discover how our talented team can help bring your vision to life.

Whether you’re looking for branding, web design, or user experience solutions, CES Design Group is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s create something amazing together!