Christopher J. Panella

As an Associate Principal at Thriven Design, Chris contributes to firm governance and decision making, as well as the day-to-day operations of our multidisciplinary studios and teams.

Chris leads affordable housing projects that provide residences and resources for seniors, families, and those with special needs. He is uniquely adept at project management, construction administration and cultivating long-term client relationships, and he brings to his role as Associate Principal a rich multi-faceted professional perspective. His 35-year career includes hands-on carpentry work, drafting for a civil engineer, and working in the systems furniture industry, as well as 28 years of his career in building design and construction.

Chris arrived at Thriven Design with deep expertise in market-rate and multifamily housing for national and local development companies and has since expanded his focus to affordable housing, mixed-use buildings, adaptive reuse and asset preservation projects.

Since joining the firm in 2000, he has served as project manager for more than 5,000 units of affordable, multifamily residential housing spanning six states: New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Texas. The work of his project teams has been recognized on a state and regional level, with a NJ Governor’s Excellence in Housing & Economic Development Award in Leading Supportive Housing Development; an Outstanding Project: New Development award from The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, and multiple Project of the Year wins from the Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey (SHA-NJ).

Chris’ passion for design and architecture also influences his personal hobbies. He is well-versed in the home renovation process and is particularly skilled in finish carpentry, drywall/plaster work, and painting. Chris resides in Camden County, New Jersey.