Jeff Raser, AIA, communication director for the Congress For The New Urbanism – Midwest and owner of CUDA Studio. “My experience in providing urban design and community planning services gives me an understanding of the many hurdles communities have when seeking to rebuild neighborhoods into pedestrian-friendly places with cherished gathering spaces.”

Rob Stewart, Sales, Harlan Graphics. “We produce wall murals, environmental graphics, ADA, wayfinding, framing and matting services, and small format printing. We even have a full metal shop, wood shop, and paint booth to produce prototypes, from concept to finished products.”

Wendy Klepcyk, AIA, NAWIC Board Director, Cincinnati Chapter and Principal at Envisage Architecture. “Envisage is interested in building mutually beneficial relationships in the local construction community. We are also passionate about mentoring women in the industry, specifically in architecture, but also in construction as a whole.”

Rick Meyer, AIA, President and Architect, Meyer Brothers and Sons. “[The CRANawards are] a unique program, with few other CRAN chapters hosting their own awards, and we are proud to continue the tradition.”

Jeff Samuelson, AIA, NCARB, CEO and Founder, JZ Companies and ChalkLine4D. “We wanted to give architects more control of a project instead of having what can or can’t be done dictated by contractors.”

Allison McKenzie, AIA, Cincinnati Historic Conservation Board, and Principal, Director of Sustainability at SHP. “Not only is it personally rewarding [to volunteer], but boards like historic boards or zoning boards are essential to protecting the health, safety and desirability of our communities, and architects can, and should, have strong voices on these boards.”

John Russell, AIA, Village of Newtown, Ohio, Planning Commission: 1975-present; Village Council: 1976-1980; Mayor: 1980-1988; and co-founder and CEO Cole + Russell Architects (ndba CR Architects). “We all have divergent talents and personalities, but we all have to deal with the environment and the people that occupy our designs. Being involved with your local organizations […] always gives you a broader perspective on your community and the people we design for!”

At Oswald we are advocates for the design industry, with an average tenure of 15 years in the business, our team not only keeps a pulse on the insurance market but also the legislative and trade issues.

Steve Kenat, AIA, Board Member, Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, LISC, ULI Cincinnati, and YWCA Cincinnati, and Director of Community Development at GBBN. “As designers, our goals are rooted in the goals of our clients and understanding the communities in which we practice. I’m definitely a better architect for the skills I’ve learned volunteering in these organizations.”

Laila Ammar, AIA, Board Member, NEST (Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation), and Project Architect at MSA Design. “If you have any interest in community advocacy, Architects are well positioned to be heard. Even if you don’t join an organization, go to your neighborhood council meetings or our city council meetings—and when anything has to do with our built environment, your opinion could carry weight and help amplify voices that aren’t being listened to.”