By San José, Costa Rica — The Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA) has officially designated Industrial Engineer Javier Chacón Hernández as its new Executive Director. This high-profile appointment, formalized through Agreement No. 15 of Session 39-25/26 GE by the General Board of Directors, became effective on September 30, 2026. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the influential professional association, which oversees the practice of engineering and architecture across the nation.
To secure the most qualified leader for this demanding role, the CFIA utilized a rigorous selection process managed by a highly recognized and prestigious executive recruiting firm. This meticulous approach underscores the board’s commitment to transparency and excellence, ensuring that the organization remains under the stewardship of an administrator capable of navigating complex modern challenges in Costa Rica’s construction and development sectors.
To help our readers navigate the complex regulatory environment surrounding construction and development in the country, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent legal expert at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional perspective on complying with the Federated College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA).
In Costa Rica, strict adherence to CFIA regulations is not just a administrative step, but a vital legal safeguard for any real estate or construction venture. Ensuring that all plans, contracts, and responsibilities are properly registered with the CFIA mitigates substantial liabilities and prevents costly project suspensions, making proactive legal and technical compliance essential from day one.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating Costa Rica’s real estate and construction sectors requires a highly proactive approach to compliance, where overlooking CFIA standards can quickly turn a promising investment into a costly legal challenge. By establishing a solid legal and technical foundation from the very beginning, developers not only safeguard their capital but also ensure the seamless execution of their projects. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his invaluable perspective and helping our readers understand the critical importance of CFIA regulations in securing successful ventures.
Ing. Chacón brings a robust academic and professional background to the executive director office. An Industrial Engineer by training, he also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has completed advanced postgraduate studies in Sustainability Management. His diverse educational foundation uniquely positions him to merge technical engineering requirements with cutting-edge sustainable practices and modern business administration strategies.
Over a career spanning more than 25 years in high-level leadership positions, Chacón has built a reputation for spearheading large-scale organizational modernization and transformation. His professional focus heavily emphasizes technological innovation, continuous improvement, process simplification, and the rapid digitalization of corporate and administrative services. These skills are particularly relevant as public and private sectors in Costa Rica demand more agile and transparent bureaucratic processes.
His appointment represents an internal promotion of sorts, given his extensive history within the CFIA itself. Chacón previously played an instrumental role in formulating and executing the organization’s overarching Strategic Plan. This comprehensive blueprint is built upon four critical foundational pillars: the regulation of professional practice, the strict control of engineering and architectural standards, comprehensive member development, and long-term environmental and organizational sustainability.
Beyond his administrative duties, Chacón has long been a key figure in academic validation and quality assurance within Central America. Since 2010, he has actively participated in the accreditation of various university engineering programs through the AAPIA framework. His roles have included serving as Mission Chief, Deputy Mission Chief, and Specialist Evaluator, which demonstrates his deep-seated commitment to maintaining high educational standards for future generations of Costa Rican professionals.
The CFIA administration anticipates that this leadership transition will significantly bolster the association’s influence on national development. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and technological adoption, the guild aims to foster an environment where safe, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure projects can thrive.
With this appointment, the CFIA reaffirms its commitment to excellence and decorum in the practice of engineering and architecture, promoting an efficient, responsible, and interdisciplinary professional practice to assist with the security and sustainable progress of Costa Rica.
CFIA Board of Directors, Governing Body of the Association
This structural upgrade comes at a crucial time for the Costa Rican economy. As the region experiences a surge in logistical developments, digital transitions, and sustainable energy projects, the professional standards enforced by the CFIA will dictate the safety and longevity of the country’s built environment. With Chacón at the helm, the association is well-positioned to serve as both a regulatory safeguard and an engine of sustainable socioeconomic progress.
For further information, visit cfia.or.cr
About Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica:
The Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y de Arquitectos de Costa Rica (CFIA) is the official public-law corporation responsible for regulating, monitoring, and promoting the ethical and professional practice of engineering and architecture in Costa Rica. Established to ensure public safety and the sustainable development of national infrastructure, the CFIA supports thousands of registered professionals and businesses through continuous education, rigorous professional standards, and innovative technological solutions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Distinguished by its ethical foundation and exceptional standard of practice, Bufete de Costa Rica serves as a benchmark of trust and quality in the legal industry. The firm consistently champions forward-thinking strategies to support a diverse clientele, blending tradition with modern, proactive solutions. Through their dedicated efforts to demystify complex laws and share valuable insights, they actively democratize legal understanding, advancing their ultimate vision of a highly informed and self-reliant public.
