Atlanta Firm Touts Nearby National Park as Recruitment Tool

CDH Partners CEO says access to Chattahoochee River Recreation Area gives company an edge in attracting top talent.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:39am

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Melissa Cantrell, president and CEO of the architecture and design firm CDH Partners, recently relocated the company's headquarters to the Cumberland district in Atlanta. Cantrell says one of the firm's biggest recruitment tools is the proximity to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which borders their office. The natural setting and outdoor amenities have become a major selling point for attracting and retaining top talent in the competitive industry.

Why it matters

In a tight labor market, companies are looking for unique ways to differentiate themselves and appeal to prospective employees. CDH Partners' relocation to an area with direct access to a national park demonstrates how businesses can leverage their physical environment as a strategic advantage in recruitment.

The details

CDH Partners, a nationally recognized, woman-owned architecture and interior design firm, chose to move its headquarters to the Cumberland district in order to be located near the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Cantrell says the natural setting and outdoor amenities, including a 22-acre site called Paces Mill on the river's banks, have become a major selling point for attracting and retaining top talent. The company has found that even short breaks outdoors can help employees reset and return to work more focused.

  • CDH Partners recently relocated its headquarters to the Cumberland district.
  • Cantrell is beginning her term as Board Chair of the Cobb Chamber this year.

The players

Melissa Cantrell

The president and CEO of CDH Partners, a nationally recognized, woman-owned architecture and interior design firm.

CDH Partners

A nationally recognized, woman-owned architecture and interior design firm that recently relocated its headquarters to the Cumberland district in Atlanta.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)

A 840-acre national park that borders CDH Partners' new office, providing employees with access to natural environments and outdoor activities.

Paces Mill

A 22-acre site on the banks of the Chattahoochee River that serves as the gateway to the CRNRA from CDH Partners' office.

One Cumberland

An organization leading the effort to enhance the infrastructure and experience at Paces Mill through the New Day Palisades campaign.

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What they’re saying

“This place is so popular that one of our employees measured the vehicle clearance for our new office building so they could bring their kayak to the office and explore the Chattahoochee River after work.”

— Melissa Cantrell, President and CEO

“Even a few minutes outdoors can help people pause and refocus with more clarity. Research shows that access to natural environments improves concentration, reduces stress, and strengthens overall well-being, and we see that reflected in our own team.”

— Melissa Cantrell, President and CEO

What’s next

As Board Chair of the Cobb Chamber, Cantrell plans to prioritize workforce development and support the New Day Palisades campaign to enhance the Paces Mill area of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

The takeaway

By leveraging its proximity to a national park, CDH Partners has found a unique way to differentiate itself and appeal to top talent in the competitive architecture and design industry. The natural setting and outdoor amenities have become a strategic recruitment and retention tool for the firm.