Leadership

Mr. Salas and Mr. Cohen are co-founders of CSR Group, which consists of CSR Associates, PA , an Architectural and Engineering Design firm and CSR Construction Corp. a general construction company. These firms were created to provide clients with the option of having design services and construction services within the same management structure streamlining the construction delivery process. They share common core values which have led them to the success they have enjoyed since the founding of the firm in 1982. Those values influence the way business is conducted with their clients every single day and that methodology in practiced by each and every employee. The staff communicates, creates and then constructs. Whether the project is a complex design-build assignment, a design only program, a construction contract or services such as consulting, project management or supervision the firm is on the same track as the client. Client goals and objectives form a dynamic synergy. We are always in touch which creates results, not surprises.

Francisco J. Salas, A.I.A.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Salas is a graduate of Cooper Union where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture and Columbia University where he received a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design. He is a registered Architect in New Jersey and New York. Born in Cuba, he is fluent in both English and Spanish. As CEO, Mr. Salas provides overall corporate management and is responsible for the coordination of strategic operations. His background in the areas of commercial, industrial, institutional and utility construction is extensive and accordingly he often acts as the principal in charge of CSR Group’s design/build fast- track projects. He is an accomplished artist and photographer who has been featured in several juried exhibitions and has been the recipient of na- tional recognition for his artistic work.

PUBLICATIONS/EXHIBITIONS

American Institute of Aesthetics “The Highway As A Matrix For A Transformation Of Suburbia”, 1977
Columbia University Architectural Journal Battery Park City Urban Design Proposal, 1979
“Les Halles” Design Competition Paris, France, 1981
The Designer, March 1986 “Designer’s Spotlight” Manhattan Duplex
The Designer, February 1986 “Reflective Design” Stanley Blacker Showroom & Offices
Bloomfield Studios, Bloomfield, New Jersey Studio Tour 2006 and 2007
Enviro-Challege VII: “dysfunctional” (Featured Exhibit) Educational Event at the Wood Turning Center, Philadelpia, PA October, 2008
24th International Juried Show, Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, January through March 2010

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Enviro-Vision Competition, New York State First Prize “Transmag” Conceptual MAG-LEV Transportation System
Canvas Products Associates International Awards of Excellence “Things For Fun” Toy Store
Hispanic Business Magazine 100 Fastest Growing Companies
Business Community Partner Award, Central Jersey Community Development Corporation

Leon Cohen, A.I.A., P.P.

Principal and Executive Vice President

Mr. Cohen is a graduate of Pratt Institute of Technology, Brooklyn, NY where he earned a Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering as well as a BS Architecture. He is a Registered Architect in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Ohio, Texas, Florida and Maryland.. He is a Professional Planner registered in New Jersey. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, his family migrated to the United States in 1961. Mr. Cohen is fluent in both English and French. As Executive Vice President, Mr. Cohen is responsible for the marketing and client liaison for the firm’s design and construction operations. Under his stewardship the CSR Group has completed over $500 million of design and construction work since the firm’s founding nearly 30 years ago.. He has also expanded base design and construction operations to include equity positions and joint ventures in industrial and residential development projects. He is responsible for seeking out new opportunities for CSR Group by marketing the firm’s design and build delivery method, which has been the company’s formula for success.

PUBLICATIONS/LECTURES

The Designer, March 1986 “Designer’s Spotlight” Manhattan Duplex
The Designer, February 1986 “Reflective Design” Stanley Blacker Showroom & Offices
New York Society of Architects, March 1992 “The Architect, Construction Management and Design/Build Issues”
Sunday Star Ledger, January 1999 “Buildings Designed To Open Minds”
Sunday Star Ledger, February 2001 “Designs On The Right Architect”
The New York Times, June 2001 “Building Diversity” Merrill Lynch Day-Care Site
Builder/Architect, September 2001 “The CSR Group” Building Relationships – Cover Story
NJPA Real Estate Journal, May 13-26, 2005 Annual Spotlight “Industrial Distribution Centers: Changing Paradigms and Unique Challenges”
NJPA Real Estate Journal, June 10-23, 2005 Professional Services Mid-Year Review “Relationship Building Through Design and Build Project Delivery”
NJBIA, New Jersey Business Magazine, August 2006, “Strong Core Values Build A Strong Organization”
Real Estate New Jersey, Construction and Design Roundtable, ”The Impact Of LEED On Planning”.

TEACHING

The Institute of Design and Construction, Brooklyn, New York