mentorship program

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
JILL V. AKINS, AIA
Principal, Van Auken Akins Architects
Jill V Akins, AIA, a University of Notre Dame alumna, is a Registered Architect
with over 30 years of experience in architectural design, programming, project
management, interior design, and construction management. As Principal and
sole owner of Van Auken Akins Architects LLC (VAA) since its inception in 1992,
Jill has managed the firm’s design efforts on numerous projects spanning the
public and private sectors. VAA was established with a vision to design inspiring
environments while providing exceptional communication and service to clients in
both the public and private sectors. As VAA continues to excel in its twenty third
year of business, we remain committed to providing quality work and exceptional
service to our clients. To do this, we consistently explore new projects to diversify
our expertise and embrace new, innovative technology to help us work better,
smarter and faster. Most importantly, we will remain true to the solid business
ethics on which VAA was founded; professionalism, integrity and commitment
to excellence. Outside of VAA, Jill’s focus in community and civic involvement
includes children, education, hunger and women’s advancement. She is an alumna
and past board member for Beaumont School and has served as a member of the
Cuyahoga County Harvest for Hunger Campaign Cabinet since 2004.
JACK ALAN BIALOSKY, JR., AIA LEED AP
Senior and Managing Principal, Bialosky + Partners Architects
Jack Alan Bialosky Jr., AIA, leads one of the Midwest’s most successful Architectural
and Planning design firms. Mr. Bialosky was educated at The University of
Pennsylvania, The Yale School of Architecture and also taught at the Boston
Architectural Center and The Graduate School of Design at Harvard. The son of
one of Cleveland’s first modern architects, Mr. Bialosky assumed leadership of
the firm in the late 80s. In the 20+ years of his stewardship the small, local firm
has been transformed into a nimble medium sized firm known for the quality of
its designs, the diversity of its clients, the longevity of its staff, and the range of
geographic expansion of its portfolio of work. Bialosky + Partners Architects has
been recognized by the American Institute of Architects Ohio Chapter as an AIA
Ohio Gold Medal Firm, the highest honor awarded by its peers, in recognition of
great depth and breadth, a collaborative environment, and having a cumulative
effect on the profession over a substantial period of time.
MIKE CRISLIP, AIA
President, Herschman Architects
Mike Crislip has been actively involved in the retail architecture industry for more
than 30 years. Since receiving his degree in architecture from Kent State University,
Mike holds architecture licenses in 33 states and is a member of several professional
organizations. Corporate strategic planning, business development, and financial
and budgetary oversight on all Herschman projects are only a portion of Mike’s
responsibilities. He also serves as the lead liaison with commercial developers and
retail clients for shopping center planning, renovation, and construction projects.
Herschman Architects has been awarded numerous business and design awards
and Mike has received an award from SME (Sales and Marketing Executives) and a
Pillar Award for community service.
His community interests include serving as an Eagle Scout Sponsor since 2008;
and, serving since 2005 as the Board Chair of Crossroads (Lake County) and New
Directions (Cuyahoga County) agencies dedicated to the special needs of children
and adolescents facing emotional, behavorial, and substance abuse challenges.
Mike’s daughter, Michaila, is an architecture student at Kent State University.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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ERICA DROGAN, AIA, LEED AP BD +C
Project Architect, Vocon
Erica Drogan, AIA is currently a Project Architect at Vocon. She has a five-year
Bachelor in Architecture degree from the Pennsylvania State University along
with seven years of professional experience in the architectural industry. She
is both a registered architect as well as a LEED AP BD+C. Her work experience
includes a variety of building types and project scopes, through all phases
of architectural services. She has advanced technical and computer skills in
Revit (BIM), Auto CAD, Sketch-up, Adobe, and other graphic communication
programs. Her specific interests are in new technologies, sustainable practices
and innovative design solutions.
DAVID ELLISON, AIA
Sole Practitioner, The D.H. Ellison Co.
David Ellison is a sole practitioner whose practice includes around five fulltime employees and independent contractors depending upon the amount of
work in the office. The firm is usually hired to do residential work and has been
characterized as “neo-traditionalist”. He has collaborated on several projects with
Bunny Williams, who the New York Times named the “Grande Dame of Interior
Design”. Mr. Ellison received his BArch in 1983 from The Cooper Union in New York
City and has studied with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art in NYC and
abroad, and attended the Attingham Trust Summer School Program in England, an
intensive course on Country Houses and their collections. He serves as President
of the Regional Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art and as
interim co-chair of AIA Cleveland’s Historic Resource Committee. He is currently
working on research for an exhibition and publication of a collection of historic
photographs of Ohio City taken during the 1970’s and early 1980’s. Mr. Ellison
frequently takes an active role in the issues effecting the community. He was
involved in efforts to stop the demolition of “The 9” and has played an important
role several times to prevent the mis-use of public resources and authority.
LAWRENCE E. FISCHER, AIA, ACHA
Managing Principal, Perspectus Architecture
Larry Fischer is a founder and managing principal of Perspectus Architecture
located at Shaker Square in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 2001, Perspectus is a
nationally recognized design firm with 44 staff and 23 registered professionals.
Current work includes building types related to healthcare, laboratories,
senior living, higher education, governmental and commercial. Larry’s career
as an Architect for more than 36 years has focused predominantly on major
healthcare and educational projects, providing leadership for master planning to
implementation. As a national leader in long term care design, Larry has served as
Principal in Charge for a wide variety of senior living projects for Brookdale Senior
Living Solutions. Larry is board certified by the American College of Healthcare
Architects and an advisor and trustee for the Kent State College of Architecture
and Environment Design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kent
State University, is NCARB Certified and a registered Architect in the State of Ohio
and more than 20 other states. In addition, Larry resides in Cleveland Heights,
has three daughters, enjoys sports of all types, fast cars and has been active with
numerous community design and planning initiatives.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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MONICA GREEN, FAIA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP
Principal, Westlake Reed Leskosky
Monica Green is an architect who has over 30 years of experience in new
construction and renovation projects for a variety of clients, including government
agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Monica is well
versed in the application of green building techniques, sustainable resources
and energy conservation and she works closely with the firm’s architects and
engineers, to ensure that best practices in energy conservation and green building
practices are employed to the benefit of the environment and future occupants of
the facility.
KATIE HAUSER, IIDA
Account Executive, Interface
Katie Hauser, IIDA, LEED AP is a member of the Interface team as an Account
Executive, partnering to cover the Northeast Ohio market. Katie is an NCIDQ
certified Interior Designer and LEED AP, having earned her Bachelor degree
in Interior Design from the CIDA accredited Kent State University. Hauser has
been and continues to be entrenched in IIDA (International Interior Design
Association) community, having served on the Cleveland Akron City Center
Board for several years and most recently as President of the Ohio Kentucky
Chapter Board. Her IIDA commitments include event committees for the AIA
IIDA Golf Outing, Product Runway, Akron and Cleveland Zerolandfill programs,
and founder of the OH KY Chapter Visioning Committee with focus on strategic
planning for the organization. Hauser’s career has provided a well-rounded
perspective of the design process from schematic design to installation and
well beyond, having worked in a commercial furniture dealership, design firm,
corporate facilities and currently as a commercial sales representative. Her
passion for professional advocacy and career development continues to be at
the forefront of her daily efforts in the local A&D community.
AARON HILL, AIA
Principal, Richard Fleischman + Partners Architects
Aaron Hill, AIA is a Partner with Richard Fleischman + Partners Architects,
an AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm, of which he has been with for the past twelve
years. His work mainly focuses on all facets of institutional projects. Since the
firms founding in 1961, recognition has included 58 AIA Design Awards and nine
AIA 25-Year Awards. Aaron has served on the AIA Cleveland Design Awards
committee the past five years and currently serves as the AIA Cleveland Chapter
President. He has been a regular guest critic at Kent State University, for both
the Architecture and Interior Design programs, over the past ten years. Aaron
received his Bachelor of Design degree from The University of Florida and Master
of Architecture degree from Georgia Tech.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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TIMOTHY S. HUNSICKER, AIA, EDAC
Architect, ABWE International
Mr. Hunsicker was a Principal at CBLH Design. In this role he was responsible
for the design of the firm’s projects and management of the design staff. With
over 20 years of experience, Mr. Hunsicker’s expertise includes the planning and
design of new and expanded institutional facilities and urban planning, as well as
renovation and adaptive reuse of existing facilities.
BETH A. KALAPOS, AIA
Senior Project Manager, AECOM
Ms. Kalapos brings more than 25 years of architectural experience to the URS
team. Ms. Kalapos is the Federal Market Leader for the AECOM Cleveland
office, and Project Manager for the DHS A/E Services IDIQ managed by the
USCG. The USCG work has provided her with extensive experience in managing
multi-disciplined project teams that include planning, architecture, landscape
architecture, civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical and environmental. Other
clients of hers include the GCRTA, National Park Service, GSA, Boeing and US
Secret Service.
Before coming to AECOM in 2005, Beth had her own firm of Kalapos Architects
for nine years. Additionally, Beth was the AIA Cleveland President in 2004-2005,
and in 2007 she received a Masters of Architecture with a focus in Real Estate
Development from KSU. Since this time she has taught a class in Real Estate and
Development. Class is held at the Urban Design Center through KSU College of
Architecture and Environmental Design.
JUDSON A. KLINE, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
President, CIVITAD Services, LLC
Judson A. Kline, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP retired as Sr. Director and Partner of
Herschman Architects, Inc., a retail and shopping center, design firm, where
practiced from 1976 to 2013. With an extensive list of retail and developer clients,
he has had experience in concept design, production, development, renovation,
re-positioning and tenant coordination for shopping centers. In March of 2013,
he established CIVITAD Services, LLC, a consultancy supporting the work of
Community Economic Directors. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the
Kent State University College of Architecture. He has NCARB certification, is a
licensed architect in multiple states and a LEED AP. His prior experience as an
Intern Architect include: Richard L. Bowen Associates (1975-1976); William Dorsky
Associates (1974-1975), Ballard Ht. Kirk Associates (1973-1974), Wilson Associates
(part-time 1972-1973), Bialosky and Manders (part time 1971), The Austin Company
(part time 1969 and 1970). He is a member of the American Institute of Architects
(AIA) and served as Ohio 2012 President, Cleveland 2001 President, AIA 150
Cleveland Champion and the AIA’s National Diversity Council (DivCo), Center for
Civic Leadership, Deputy Regional Fellows Representative, member of the “Culture
Collective” and Chairs the AIA’s TEACH Schools community.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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STEVEN KORDALSKI, AIA
President, Kordalski Architects Inc.
Steven Kordalski, AIA received a Bachelor of Architecture and Environmental
Design from Kent State University, School of Architecture in 1976. He became
a registered architect in 1980. Since 1984, he has acted as president and lead
designer of Kordalski Architects Inc., a boutique type architectural/interior firm
specializing in quality design projects. The firm has received numerous AIA
design awards, and in 2014 was awarded the AIA Ohio Gold Medal. In 2012,
Steven received the prestigious Cleveland Arts Prize for Design.
Steven’s design philosophy is based upon the following:
It is a paradox that making a space needlessly complicated takes less effort than
designing a space that is simple and straightforward. Simple solutions, however,
create the nicest spaces. They are worth the effort. All spaces should have a clear
design concept and aesthetic evident in the completed work – strictly functional
space is not enough. Most importantly, people should enjoy visiting, living or
working in the spaces we create.
MARY ANN LASCH, FASLA, LEED AP
Program Manager, Planning and Landscape Architecture, URS
Mary Ann Lasch is both an accomplished landscape architect with experience
in design, planning, project management, and environmental advocacy; and
an organization development consultant with process facilitation, change
management, and strategic planning expertise. Her landscape architecture and
planning career includes work for architecture firms, real estate developers,
national planning agencies, and major corporations. With this broad experience
she understands and addresses planning issues from all sides. Mary Ann establishes
clear, realistic, and actionable strategies for planning and real estate development
projects worldwide. She then creates land use plans and regulations, master
plans, site designs, guidebooks, and implementation programs to ensure that
development and conservation strategies can be implemented. She has more
than twenty years of experience in building group consensus and facilitating
large groups for a broad range of public and private sector clients.
MARY ANN LASCH, AIA, LEED AP BD + C
Principal, Levine Architecture & Design Ltd.
Sally L. Levine is an architect, artist and educator. As principal of Levine
Architecture & Design, Ltd., she encourages an atmosphere of experimentation
in the multi-disciplinary studio. Her artwork has been shown in solo and group
exhibits from San Francisco to Milan, including exhibitions that have focused
on the place of women in architecture. She has been teaching the architectural
design studios offered at Case Western Reserve University since 2004. Previously
she has taught at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the University of
Illinois, Chicago, the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, the Massachusetts
College of Art, and she chaired the Visual Studies department at the Boston
Architectural College. She is a nationally recognized expert on Universal
Design who speaks on universal/accessible architecture at universities, national
professional conferences and to community groups. She currently serves on the
board of directors for the Institute for Human Centered Design in Boston and has
served on the Access to Design Professions National Task Force and the Chicago
Mayor’s Committee on Education for Northerly Island.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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PEGGY LIPSCOMB, AIA, CSI
Associate, Bialosky + Partners Architects
When Peggy left college with a degree in fine arts and a determination to make
things with her hands, she found a job as a carpenter. Piecing together buildings,
stick by stick, she discovered complex puzzles inside each project’s walls - wires
and ducts snaking through every structure - that began her career in architecture.
More than twenty years after earning a professional degree, MArch, Peggy is
still enthralled with the details of construction and complexity of building. She’s
experienced all phases of the design process from programming to Construction
Administration, and has contributed to equally varied building types, everything
from elementary schools and university buildings to retail and healthcare. Her
interest in precise solutions to complex problems has focused her career and lead
to specializing in building code compliance and architectural specifications. That’s
her passion, working with other architects, solving the puzzles that are buildings;
tens of thousands of pieces awaiting a solution.
ROBERT MASCHKE, FAIA
Principal, Robert Maschke Architects
Robert Maschke, FAIA creates an Architecture of complex spatial effects
within modest means. Maschke approaches each commission with a highly
refined design sensibility while advocating for a heightened public awareness
of Architecture. Robert Maschke Architects, established in 1997, is a widely
published regional practice with national and international recognition.
Maschke is committed to advancing Architecture beyond his community
while contributing dynamic and noteworthy designs to the built environment.
Maschke has been the recipient of many awards including the elevation to the
AIA College of Fellows, the Cleveland Arts Prize, the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm
Award, and several national, regional, and local honors from the American Institute
of Architects. Robert Maschke Architects’ work, featured in many international
publications from Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, challenges the
cliché that Architecture must be expensive and exclusive. Instead, proposing that
a contemporary architectural practice must embrace resourcefulness to maintain
relevance.
VLADIMIR NOVAKOVIC, AIA, NCARB
Principal, Perspectus Architecture
Vladimir Novakovic, AIA, NCARB has more than 18 years of experience in design
team leadership for major healthcare and institutional clients including Cleveland
Clinic, University Hospitals, and Ohio University. As a Principal of Perspectus
Architecture, Vlad’s design focus is centered on the firms Laboratory and
Healthcare practices in addition to providing design mentorship to the younger
staff in the office. Vlad led the design team which was awarded an AIA Cleveland
Design Merit Award for the Robert J Tomsich Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Vlad’s most recent projects include designing
the Clinical Lab Relocation and Modernization project for Health Network
Laboratories (Lehigh Valley Health Network) in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as
well as collaborating on the Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic
Medicine new Cleveland campus. He previously served as an Adjunct Professor
teaching design studios at Kent State University’s College of Architecture and
Environmental Design for over 10 years.
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AMANDA ROMEO, AIA
Project Manager, Herschman Architects
At Kent State University and after graduation, I was fortunate to have the
opportunity to work with a custom home builder, architecture firms, a small
Design/Build General Contractor, and a large General Contractor. The residential
and commercial projects included all phases of the project including client contact,
programming, schematic design, construction administration, construction
documents, and renderings.
The mentoring process is important for everyone, not just someone starting their
career. Find a mentor that you feel comfortable with and can speak openly. I
appreciate the opportunity to be a mentor and hope to connect with a mentor as
well.
DAVE ROBAR, AIA
Director, Vocon
With 30 years of designing and directing projects, Dave knows that communication
is crucial to developing a relationship with a client that unleashes the best in the
team designing the new space and, in turn, those who will inhabit that new space.
His experience encompasses strategic planning, architectural and interior design,
project and budget management and new-business development. By listening
more than talking, Dave goes beyond being an architectural technician; he is a
consultant whose perspective has wide-ranging benefits for each organization. His
projects include sports facilities for the Cleveland Browns, offices for regional and
national corporations, legal offices, restaurants, and industrial and governmental
architecture. Clients appreciate his dedication, persistence, and commitment to
providing the highest level of quality design services.
BRIAN RUBENSTEIN, ASSOC. AIA
Intern Architect, Van Auken Akins Architects
Brian has a passion for learning as he received his Master of Architecture in
2009 from the Rhode Island School of Design, four years prior to that he studied
Architecture at the Boston Architectural College and graduated in 1996 with a
Bachelor of English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire. He moved
to Cleveland from Colorado where he served as the Project Architect/Intern
Architect on several custom residential projects ranging in size from 3,000 SF to
10,000 SF in the town of Aspen. Several of the projects had historical components
in which the preservation and restoration of a historic miner’s cabin was a top
priority, therefore the design of the addition required the Historic Preservation
Committee’s approval. Brian was also part of a major renovation to the Hotel
Jerome (Aspen’s “Crown Jewel”) in Aspen and several commercial projects there
as well. He began his Architectural career working on several custom residential
projects in the suburbs of Massachusetts, a brand new YMCA in rural Rhode Island,
and several institutional projects throughout New England. His strong design sense
has been developed over the years and began with writing and web design which
finally brought him to architecture. Brian now lives in Shaker Heights with his wife
and two children.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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PAUL SIEMBORSKI, AIA
Principal, Westlake Reed Leskosky
Architect and principal, Paul Siemborski, AIA, is a leader in Westlake Reed
Leskosky’s design practice with more than 30 years of experience working with
public entities, not-for-profit organizations and public-private partners to deliver a
broad range of successful designs from large-scale, multi-phased projects to smallscale restorations. Mr. Siemborski shares his expertise in design and restoration
through his involvement in several organizations, including participation as a
member of Cleveland Restoration Society, International Council of Fine Arts
Deans, University Heights Planning Commission and Theatre Historical Society of
America. He also serves on the Board of the League of Historic American Theatres
(LHAT) as an officer and the Board of the Cleveland Play House.
CHRISTOPHER A. T. TODDY, AIA
Principal, Christopher @ Architects LLC
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Texas at Austin
(Charles Moore Post-professional program), Chris has practiced architecture
for over 30 years across a variety of building types. His award-winning design
sensibilities are balanced with the practical side of building. For his clients, he
focuses on listening, innovative solutions and project organization. Chris utilizes
an additional background in real estate development and design theory. Before
starting his company 17 years ago, he was a lead designer for Richard Bowen, a
partner with Richard Fleischman, and a project manager for MKC. He was the
YAF regional director for ten years and an AIA Ohio board member for three
years. He has successfully mentored a number of young architects.
TRACY SCIANO VAJSKOP, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C
Senior Associate, Bialosky + Partners Architects
Tracy Sciano Vajskop, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED ID+C, is a Senior Associate and Senior
Interior Designer at Bialosky + Partners Architects, one of the Midwest’s most
successful design firms. Tracy has inspired both women and men at Bialosky +
Partners Architects through hard work, volunteerism, mentorship and attitude
of life-long learning. She believes that interior design is not an afterthought to
architecture, that the best design solutions integrate the two from the start. Her
project approach highly values collaboration, on projects of all types and sizes.
While Tracy’s project experience spans many sectors, her expertise lies in higher
education and office environments. For over a decade, Tracy has been the creative
force behind making innovative and relevant workplace and learning spaces in
the ever changing landscape of education and technology. Tracy has found the
balance between working on the business, and working in the business, which
has empowered her as a leader of the firm’s internal Action Planning Process
that has been recognized and celebrated through awards such as Northcoast 99.
Tracy received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The University of
Cincinnati and has been an active member of IIDA her entire career.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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JODI VAN DER WIEL AIA, NCARB, NCIDQ, LEED AP BD+C
Director, Senior Project Designer, Vocon
Jodi has a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and has been
practicing architecture for twenty years. She initially studied the Fine Arts and
believe that “Architecture is the Mother Art.” She feels fortunate that she uses
hand drawing as a tool on a daily basis. Although her career focus has been project
design, Jodi continually aspires to be a strong technical architect and studio leader.
Her design role at Vocon includes leading large design efforts, guiding projects and
client interaction. Within her studio, her responsibilities include staffing, business
development, mentoring and education. She feels fortunate that Architecture
has taught her so much about the world. Since she has a love of exploring new
building typologies, Jodi’s portfolio includes: Healthcare, Education, Wellness,
Cultural, Preservation/Re-Use, Workplace/Retail, Transportation and Residential.
A few of her local projects include: The Cleveland School of the Arts, Tri-C East
Wellness and Lobby Addition, & YMCA at the Galleria. Jodi believes in contextual
architecture that is sensitive to its surroundings. For many years now, Jodi has
been involved with design review for the City of Cleveland, sitting on both the
East Region and the Downtown/Flats design review committees. She is the 201516 Director of Programming for AIA Cleveland, designing/producing those events
(lectures, workshops, exhibits) which inspire to create.
ADAM YARACS, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Project Architect, Perspectus Architecture
Adam Yaracs is a registered architect in the State of Ohio and a LEED Accredited
Professional with the Building Design and Construction (BD+C) specialty. Adam
received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University in 2004 and
his Master of Architecture and Certificate in Urban Design from Kent State
University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative in 2006. With almost 10
years of professional experience, he has spent time working in firms throughout
Cleveland with a focus primarily on academic projects at several colleges and
universities as well as performing arts theatres and venues. With multiple LEED
certified projects on his resume, sustainable design and the implementation of
green building strategies into each project is a guiding principle of his work.
Adam worked for several years at Richard Fleischman + Partners Architects prior
to joining Perspectus Architecture as a Project Architect earlier this year. He is
actively involved in the AIA Cleveland Chapter and currently serves as the First
Vice President, and will serve as the AIA Cleveland President in 2017. Through
his involvement and dedication to the AIA, Adam has received two awards from
the AIA Cleveland Chapter including the 2011 Presidential Citation for service to
the chapter and the 2013 Activism Award. He is excited and looking forward to
working with recent graduates and/or associate members to help mentor them
within the architecture profession.
AIA CLEVELAND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM | BIOGRAPHICAL CATALOGUE
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Center for Architecture & Design
2059 E. 14th St.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216.626.5755
maryhelen@aiacleveland.com