The permanent hire, made to hold.
When you have the headcount and need it filled right, CFA places architecture and design professionals vetted to stay: professionally referenced, matched by matchmakers who read drawings, with client-driven CFAeX assessments available at the client’s request.
Who it’s for.
A firm with confirmed, budgeted headcount making a long-term hire, for a role you intend to keep filled for years, where the cost of getting it wrong is a search you have to run twice. This is the considered match, not the fast fill.
How we de-risk a permanent hire.
CFAeX certification
Revit, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Architecture proficiency assessed against real project work — not a résumé line. Free and optional for our candidates, and available whenever you request it.
Professionally referenced
We check references the way a partner would, on the work and the working relationship, so the person who shows up is the person we placed.
Design-native matchmakers
People who read portfolios and match by sensibility, not keywords. Forty years of judgment about who holds up on which kind of work.
CFA Match Intelligence
Used on every opening, after our matchmakers’ review: it surfaces candidates whose project types, phases and responsibilities match yours, and our matchmakers review every recommendation. How it works →
Four layers of vetting, one shortlist. You meet finalists, not a stack of applications.
How it works.
Brief
Tell us the role, level, software, and the kind of work. We calibrate to your studio, not a generic spec.
Vetted shortlist
A short list of finalists, each referenced, with a CFAeX assessment available at the client’s request. You interview people worth your time.
Place
You make the offer; we help close it and stay available after the start date.
Engagement.
Permanent placement is a one-time, direct-hire fee — invoiced when you and the candidate agree to terms, and payable within 30 days of their start date. It’s backed by our Permanent Placement Guarantee: if the hire leaves or doesn’t work out, you’re refunded in full within the first 30 days, two-thirds through day 60, and one-third through day 90. We stand behind the match, not just the introduction — tell us the role and we’ll walk you through the fee up front, in writing.
Not sure which model fits? Compare all three placement types — or read about the other two: Project-to-Perm · Project. Client-driven CAD assessments are available for every referral, and our Salary Guide shows the market rate.
Common questions
What is permanent placement?
Permanent (direct-hire) placement is a full-time hire that CFA refers, vets, and presents for a long-term role on your team. You make the offer and the hire is yours.
How does CFA de-risk a permanent hire?
Every candidate is professionally referenced and matched by matchmakers who read drawings — and most carry CFAeX certification on real project work, which is free and optional for them. You interview finalists rather than applications.
What does permanent placement cost?
Permanent placements are a direct-hire engagement with a standard fee and guarantee period. We confirm the terms in writing before a search begins.