The CDI Team

AIA, LEED AP; Principal

David Esau graduated from Kansas State University in 1985. His professional career includes two design awards for an addition to a historic church in Kansas, and over three years working in Washington, DC with Arthur Cotton Moore/Associates, one of the country’s most widely published design firms. Areas of special expertise include barrier free and universal design for residential and commercial facilities.

In addition to his position with Cornerstone Design, David also worked with the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living’s ADA IN ACTION service, where he performed accessibility evaluations of over 200 commercial and government facilities. David served as a corresponding member of the Accessible Routes subcommittee working on revisions to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, and was for four years a member of the Michigan ADA Steering Committee, in addition to extensive writing and speaking about accessibility issues.

David has been active in the Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and in 2002 was named that organization’s Young Architect of the Year. Other community involvements include the Ann Arbor-Ypsi Regional Chamber, Arts Alliance, and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

David is a LEED Accredited Profession (for green design), is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a licensed Architect in Michigan.

AIA, Founding Principal

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1972, Rich’s widely varied work experience led him to found Cornerstone Design in 1989 in response to a perceived need of the construction community for a “construction smart” architect. Richard retired from CDI on December 31st, 2016.