Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture in Ohio
We are a 30-person architecture and design firm with over 55 years of experience specializing in education, corporate, and recreational design. Our mission centers on sustainable practices that create functional, beautiful buildings focused on occupant well-being. Our process begins with understanding client challenges through stakeholder meetings, followed by research, site analysis, and cost projections. We refine building efficiencies through structural, HVAC, and electrical system reviews while developing 3D computer models. Final technical details and specifications undergo rigorous review before permitting submissions.Our team remains fully engaged through construction completion, offering competitive bidding, scheduling, and project management services. Recognized with multiple AIA Akron Design Awards and Learning by Design honors, we maintain deep expertise in K-12, higher education, and community-focused projects across Ohio. Our collaborative approach ensures every project aligns with client priorities while meeting budgetary and sustainability goals.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainability
Construction Management
Project Planning
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- 55 years of specialized experience in educational architecture
- Integrated construction management services for project continuity
- Proven track record with 20+ AIA and Learning by Design awards
- Sustainability-focused approach meeting modern environmental standards
- Collaborative process emphasizing stakeholder engagement
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services combine creative vision with technical expertise to create functional spaces that enhance occupant well-being. We specialize in educational facilities, corporate offices, and recreational centers across Ohio. Our team delivers innovative solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with practical requirements while maintaining strict budget controls.
Interior Design
Our interior design team creates inspiring environments that optimize learning, working, and recreational experiences. We focus on material selection, spatial organization, and lighting solutions that align with client branding while meeting accessibility and safety standards. Our designs prioritize user comfort and operational efficiency.
Sustainability
Sustainability principles guide every project phase from initial concept to final construction. We implement energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and passive design strategies to minimize environmental impact. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with long-term cost savings for educational and public sector clients.
Construction Management
Our construction management services ensure seamless project execution through competitive bidding, scheduling coordination, and cost control. We maintain continuous field presence during construction to address technical questions and verify compliance with design specifications. This integrated approach reduces change orders and delivery delays.
Project Planning
We employ a structured five-phase planning process starting with stakeholder visioning sessions and progressing through technical documentation. Each phase includes detailed cost analysis and sustainability evaluations. Our methodology ensures clear communication between all parties while maintaining alignment with project goals and budget constraints.
People
Matt Sutter
Chief Executive Officer
Leading the firm's strategic direction with over 25 years of architectural experience specializing in educational facilities. Champion of sustainable design practices and community-focused architecture.
Domenic Ferrante
Chief Operating Officer
Managing day-to-day operations with expertise in project delivery systems and construction administration. Oversees quality control across all project phases from schematic design to construction completion.
Burt Marzley
Partner - Design Leader
Design principal with specialization in creating innovative learning environments. Brings creative vision to K-12 and higher education projects while maintaining functional practicality for educational institutions.
Melinda Scalfaro
Partner - Sustainability Leader
Sustainability expert integrating green building practices across all project types. Leads environmental impact assessments and implements energy-efficient solutions that meet LEED certification standards.
Jordan Lewis
Partner
Project leader with extensive experience in public sector architecture. Specializes in navigating municipal approval processes and delivering cost-effective solutions for community-focused projects.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in educational facilities, corporate offices, and recreational spaces with integrated interior design and construction management services.
How long have you been in business?
Our firm has been providing architectural services for over 55 years with many team members having decades of industry experience.
Do you work outside Ohio?
While based in North Canton, we primarily serve clients throughout Northeast Ohio including Stark, Summit, and Wayne counties.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We incorporate energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and passive design strategies to minimize environmental impact across all project phases.
How do you handle construction oversight?
Our team provides continuous field presence during construction, offering competitive bidding, scheduling coordination, and cost control services.
What awards have you received?
We've earned multiple AIA Akron Design Awards and Learning by Design recognitions for excellence in educational architecture.