Martin R. Simon, AIA, Architect, the Studio of Martin R. Simon. “Coaching, mentoring, and training the next generation of design professionals [is what I love most].”

Victor Smith, Associate AIA, Project Designer at SHP. “I like the idea that in a couple of years, somebody will be in that space that was designed and it will be the backdrop for some memory that lives with them forever. A first job, meeting a new romantic partner, the best chicken wing they ever had, something will make an indelible mark and a space I designed will be the backdrop for it.”

Allison Beer McKenzie, AIA; Principal, Director of Sustainability at SHP. “I tend to think of AIA membership as a layer cake of diverse benefits that all work together to make you a more well-rounded architect. Just a few of these for me include: strong connections to layers of networks at local, state and national levels, diverse continuing education opportunities, and advocacy opportunities to help me find my own voice as an architect and as a human.”

Reading Rock, Inc. / RockCast. “ We are an AIA Continuing Education Provider and education is critical to this relationship because we have such a diverse product offering of masonry products that can be utilized on all aspects of the building envelope.”

Doug Richards, FAIA, Associate, GBBN. “For the last ten years, I have been able to meet and learn with the best young architects in the region [through the AIA Vision program]. I have watched some of these folks go on to lead in their firms and communities while also expanding my personal acumen from countless national experts that we have brought here to share their knowledge.”

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.”

Sheri Scott, AIA, NCARB, Springboro Historic Downtown Architectural Review Board, and Founder & Principal Architect at Springhouse Architects and Springhouse Structures. “As an architect, I can contribute in a unique way to the preservation of our downtown environment. Bringing to light alternate design solutions and construction processes leads the conversation in a productive way.”

Steven Gress, Sales Specialist & Architectural Wall Project Manager, Hansen Distribution Agency (Manufacturers Rep Group). “HDA regularly partners with some of the largest firms throughout the state of Ohio. I pride myself on doing whatever I can to make specifying our products as effortless as possible.”

Carl Sterner, AIA, Board Member of NEST (Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation) & Member of the Cincinnati 2030 District Advisory Committee; and Director of Design & Sustainability at Sol Design + Consulting. “Architects have unique expertise about the forces that shape the built environment, from codes and policy to cost and buildability.”

Doug Gallow, AIA, City of Cincinnati AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, Advisory Council Member, and Co-founder and Principal of Lifespan Design Studio. “Architects bring a unique perspective to the table which can benefit the organization greatly. Additionally, it might provide an opportunity to educate others within the organization on the architecture profession and the benefit of working with architects on their current & future building needs.”

Craig Gossman, AIA, Board of Directors, Heritage Ohio, and Owner of GOSSMANgroup. “Architects bring a unique perspective to the table which can benefit the organization greatly. Additionally, it might provide an opportunity to educate others within the organization on the architecture profession and the benefit of working with architects on their current & future building needs.”