Business Details
14 Years
experience
Community-Based Architecture & Design in Hamilton, OH
Founded in 2012 by Mike and Cindy Dingeldein, Community Design Alliance (CDA) is a community-focused architecture, interior design, and planning firm based in downtown Hamilton, Ohio. Our team brings over 42 years of combined experience in K-12 education design and community economic development, leveraging creative, cost-conscious solutions for clients of all sizes. We operate through a small-firm model that prioritizes selectivity and quality control while forming strategic alliances with other small businesses to deliver large-firm credentials. Our LEED Silver-certified office serves as a hub for revitalizing Hamilton and regional communities through partnerships with public and private entities.Mike Dingeldein, an accredited member of the Congress for New Urbanism, specializes in community planning and founded the Hamilton CORE Fund, while Cindy Dingeldein leads interior design initiatives with a focus on mentorship and collaboration. We emphasize personal connections, volunteerism, and a deep understanding of local needs to create spaces that inspire living, working, and community engagement. Our approach combines decades of professional expertise with a commitment to ethical design, transparency, and measurable outcomes that benefit both clients and the broader community.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Urban Planning
Construction Administration
Historic Tax Credit Review
Community Engagement
Space Planning
Furniture Selection
Master Planning
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We combine 28+ years of K-12 education design experience with urban revitalization expertise.
- Our LEED Silver-certified office demonstrates commitment to sustainable practices.
- We specialize in community-driven projects that strengthen local economies.
- Strategic alliances allow us to deliver large-firm capabilities with personalized service.
- Founders actively lead local initiatives like the Hamilton CORE Fund.
Associations and certifications
- Congress for New Urbanism
- LEED Silver
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions for new constructions and renovations. Our process includes programming, schematic design, and construction documentation tailored to client needs. With expertise in K-12 education facilities and community spaces, we deliver functional, sustainable designs that meet budget and timeline requirements while enhancing community value.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating inspiring environments through space planning, color selection, and furniture specification. We specialize in educational and commercial spaces, combining aesthetics with functionality. The team emphasizes collaborative design processes to ensure spaces reflect client identity while meeting practical needs for daily operations.
Urban Planning
We provide comprehensive urban revitalization and master planning services that address community development needs. Our approach includes feasibility studies, site evaluations, and historic tax credit reviews. By engaging stakeholders and leveraging local knowledge, we create plans that promote economic growth and sustainable community transformation.
Construction Administration
Our team manages construction projects from documentation to completion. Services include cost estimating, scheduling, and on-site coordination. We ensure designs are implemented accurately while maintaining budget constraints. Post-occupancy reviews help verify that completed spaces meet original design goals and client expectations.
Community Engagement
We facilitate community participation in design processes through workshops and collaborative sessions. This approach ensures projects reflect local needs and values. By building partnerships between public and private entities, we create solutions that have broad support and contribute to long-term community success.
People
Mike Dingeldein
Director of Architecture, Owner
A Miami University graduate and fourth-generation Hamiltonian, Mike specializes in community planning and architectural design. He leads client engagements while directing the Hamilton CORE Fund to advance local revitalization efforts through strategic partnerships and volunteerism.
Cindy Dingeldein
Director of Interior Design, Owner
Cindy, a University of Cincinnati DAAP graduate, mentors interior designers and leads collaborative design processes. Her expertise in color theory, finishes, and furniture selection creates functional spaces that reflect client identities and community values.
Tony Rawe
Senior Project Architect
With extensive experience in educational facility design, Tony manages complex architectural projects from concept to completion. He ensures technical precision in construction documents while maintaining alignment with client goals and budget parameters.
Mary Knapp
Project Manager, Interior Design
Mary coordinates interior design projects, focusing on space planning and client communication. She bridges design concepts with practical implementation, ensuring seamless transitions from design to finished spaces that meet functional requirements.
Steven Gebhart
Architectural Project Designer
Steven contributes to architectural design and digital modeling, creating visualizations that help clients understand proposed spaces. His technical skills support the development of innovative solutions that balance creativity with constructability.
Questions
What types of projects does Community Design Alliance specialize in?
We focus on K-12 education facilities, urban revitalization projects, and community economic development initiatives through architecture, interior design, and planning services.
How does CDA approach community-driven design?
We engage stakeholders through workshops and collaborative sessions, ensuring designs reflect local needs while forming strategic partnerships to deliver sustainable, impactful solutions.
What makes CDA's team uniquely qualified?
Our founders have 42+ combined years in education design, with accreditations like Congress for New Urbanism membership and LEED Silver certification demonstrating technical expertise and community commitment.
Can CDA handle both small and large-scale projects?
Yes, our small-firm model allows selective project management while partnering with regional firms to provide large-scale capabilities without compromising personalized service.
How does CDA support Hamilton's revitalization efforts?
Through the Hamilton CORE Fund and volunteer initiatives, we actively participate in local economic development projects that strengthen community infrastructure and business partnerships.
What design software and tools does CDA use?
We utilize digital imaging, 3D modeling, and BIM technologies to create accurate visualizations and construction documents that streamline the design and building process.
