Business Details
36 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design & Historic Preservation Services
Founded in 1990 by Charissa W. Durst, AIA, LEED AP, Hardlines Design Company is a woman- and minority-owned architecture, planning, and historic preservation firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Our multidisciplinary team includes architects, designers, planners, construction specialists, architectural historians, and researchers who collaborate closely with clients and consultants throughout every project phase. We balance innovative ideas with practical considerations, delivering functional, cost-effective, and memorable solutions that adhere to the highest professional standards and leverage cutting-edge technology. With expertise in architectural design, historic preservation, and cultural resources management, we specialize in new construction, renovations, adaptive reuse, and LEED-certified sustainable design.Our firm holds certifications as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Female Business Enterprise (FBE), and Womens Business Enterprise (WBE) through national and state programs. Over three decades, we have completed award-winning projects featured in prominent industry publications, serving clients across federal, state, and local governments, higher education institutions, and private organizations.
Services
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Residential Architecture
Theatre Architecture
Higher Education Projects
Construction Administration
Cultural Resources Management
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in architecture and historic preservation.
- Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals and certified experts.
- Certified as MBE, DBE, FBE, and WBE for government contracting eligibility.
- Collaborative approach ensures client needs drive every project decision.
- Award-winning work featured in Progressive Architecture and AIA Architect.
Associations and certifications
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
- State of Ohio EDGE Program
Services
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historic building restoration, adaptive reuse, and rehabilitation, we preserve architectural heritage while integrating modern functionality. Our services include historic structure reports, tax credit applications, and construction administration for landmark buildings.
Sustainable Design
We deliver LEED-certified sustainable design solutions that balance environmental responsibility with practical needs. Our team includes two LEED Accredited Professionals who implement energy-efficient systems and materials in new and historic projects.
Residential Architecture
Offering historic residence renovations, additions, and new construction compatible with historic neighborhoods. We conduct condition assessments, design board-compliant projects, and manage construction for private and public-use residential properties.
Theatre Architecture
Designing and renovating theatres with expertise in sightline studies, seating plans, and historic restoration. Our portfolio includes feasibility studies, acoustical improvements, and LEED-certified upgrades for venues like the Lincoln Theatre in Columbus.
Higher Education Projects
Providing master planning, facility assessments, and historic restoration for universities and colleges. Weve completed projects at Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, and Hocking College, focusing on functional modernization within historic contexts.
People
Charissa W. Durst
President and Principal Architect
Charissa founded Hardlines Design in 1990 with over 30 years of experience in architecture and cultural resources management. She specializes in historic building rehabilitation and sustainable design, holding LEED accreditation and NCARB certification.
Vivian Majtenyi
Project Manager
Vivian leads project coordination with 14 years of experience at HDC, managing historic theatre renovations and facility assessments. She earned her architecture license in 2011 after degrees from the University of Georgia and University of Virginia.
Jennifer McAdam
Project Manager
Jennifer brings 25 years of experience in multi-family housing and healthcare projects. She joined HDC in 2025, contributing to construction documentation and administration for rehabilitation projects like Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Questions
What architectural services does Hardlines Design offer?
We provide historic preservation, sustainable design, residential architecture, theatre projects, and higher education facility planning from programming through construction administration.
Are your architects LEED-certified?
Yes, we have two LEED Accredited Professionals on staff specializing in energy-efficient design and green building certifications.
Does the firm have government contracting certifications?
We are certified as MBE, DBE, FBE, and WBE through federal, state, and WBENC programs for government project eligibility.
What historic preservation expertise do you provide?
Our services include historic structure reports, tax credit applications, building documentation, and rehabilitation of landmarks nationwide.
Can you work on residential historic buildings?
Yes, we specialize in renovating historic homes, designing compatible additions, and new residences for historic neighborhoods.
