Celebrating 50 Years

1972: Firm is Founded

Named for the four founders, Gosnell, Essinger, Rettstatt, Weithman Architects, Inc. (GERW) was formed, the first step in the five-decade journey of DesignGroup.

1979: Name Change to DesignGroup Inc.

Following the retirement of co-founders Clyde Gosnell and Jim Essinger in 1979, the firm renamed itself to the more inclusive DesignGroup Inc., Architects & Planners (DGI).

1983: Iconic Project, Whetstone Library

Design for the Columbus Metropolitan Library's Whetstone Branch was the first to incorporate DG's energy-conservation design ideas. This branch remains on of the most energy-efficient projects in the CML system.

1996: Iconic Project, Ohio Stadium

To satisfy the need for a more inclusive game-day experience, Ohio State entrusted DesignGroup to increase spectator capacity by nearly 10% and make other critical updates, without sacrificing the original details that give "The Shoe" so much character.

1998: Bob Named CEO

Bob Vennemeyer was named CEO and served in this role until 2008.

2000: Move to East Main Office

The firm moved to its current location at 515 East Main, designed in-house by Lead Designer Jack Hedge.

2000: Breakthrough Revit Use

DesignGroup used the nascent computer platform to design the Sawmill Orthopedic facility, which at the time was the largest Revit building in the world.

2003: AIA Firm Gold Medal Award

DesignGroup received the AIA Firm Gold Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in the architecture world, for its lasting influence as a firm on the theory and practice of architecture

2006: All in on LEED

Continuing DG's strong commitment to sustainability, the firm mandated that all technical staff become LEED Accredited Professionals.

2017: Opening of Pittsburgh Office

Situated in the heart of the city's North Shore neighborhood, it's central location provides convenience and connections to clients.

Managing Principal, Practice Group Leader

Tom Chidlow

Jennifer Horvath

Managing Principal, Board President

Sherm Moreland

Chief Executive Officer

Alana Haslow

Principal, Senior Interior Designer

Clyde Gosnell

Co-Founder

Shelby Mutual Insurance Company

At a time when DesignGroup's work was largely focused on healthcare, this was an early, and significant, contribution to the firm's diversifying project portfolio.

Columbus Metropolitan Library, Northern Lights Branch

The Northern Lights branch illustrates the community-building potential for public places that offer an expanding scope of resources and responsibilities for the neighborhoods they serve.

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Inpatient Hospital

Innovative medical treatments require unprecedented facilities - and a planning and design team that understands healthcare needs at scale.

Grant Medical Center

This early project cemented DesignGroup's credibility in healthcare design.

City of Columbus, Michael B. Coleman Government Center

To nurture a deeper connection with the community without compromising the cohesion of surrounding Municipal buildings, DesignGroup incorporated a large and vibrant Campus Green with numerous pathways, ample lighting, and a beautiful rain garden.

UPMC Mercy Hopsital Inpatient Floor

Driven by the need for flexibility and acuity adaptability, DesignGroup renovated the eighth floor of the building to add bed capacity and swing space for the building as a whole.

National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors

The firm's first AIA award-winner. Like many projects that followed, it won on the merits of sustainable design.

Columbus Museum of Art Margaret M. Walter Wing

Widely praised and heavily awarded, the CMoA expansion project embodied DesignGroup's defining theme of "design that elevates."

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Heritage Hall

The three pillars of holistic health—mind, body, and spirit—are fundamental to the building design, expressed beautifully through the college's openness, infusion of light, and focus on wellness that encourages more physical activity.

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park Nature Center

Conscious of this project's unique and fragile setting along the boundaries of the Darby Creek watershed, DesignGroup worked hard to reduce the building's impact physically, visually, and environmentally.