Who We Are
Who We Are
Endlessly curious. Highly creative. And deeply connected through a shared sense of purpose.
When you hire talented people and build trusting relationships with clients, good things happen. We’re proud to have elevated the experiences of, literally, millions of students, workers, physicians, educators, leaders, patients, and patrons.
Core tenets drive our success.
Despite the trends and transitions that continually influence architecture, these deep-seated ideas continue to define and drive our mission and influence how our work impacts clients and their communities.
Design that Elevates
We strive to design buildings that provide inspirational spaces in which to work, live, learn, and heal. And contribute to the long-term sustainability of their contexts. It’s the ultimate measure for everything we do.
Sustainable Architecture
DesignGroup's legacy of sustainable design, which prioritizes the conservation of energy and natural resources, dates back to DesignGroup’s earliest projects. We’ve been recognized with many AIA sustainability awards, as well as public and private recognition for green design and energy efficiency.
Life-Long Learning
Curiosity and professional growth are simply a way of life here. Our unique DesignGroup University (DGU) educates both staff and clients. Annual design trips take us to new places where we examine, contemplate, discuss, and grow.
Healthy Communities
Design plays an essential role in enhancing human experiences and supporting better outcomes. Modern, sunlit, carefully considered spaces benefit everyone – patients, guests, and employees alike.
Civic Responsibility
Our leadership extends far beyond client work. We volunteer untold hours (and sweat equity) to professional, civic, and human services organizations. Our associates are deeply involved in the regions we serve, advocating for creative communities and those that support beautiful, sustainable neighborhood growth and preservation.
Being Valued and Heard
Our workplace is inclusive, progressive, and full of possibilities. We work hard to maintain a sense of belonging for our associates at every level, so they feel supported and listened to. Every contribution adds value.
Continuous Improvement
Our leadership is never satisfied – systems and practices can always be refined, sharpened, and adjusted. Our curiosity isn’t limited to client engagement; we’re always seek ways to work with more efficiency, urgency, and effectiveness. We measure our experiences and build on what we learn.
Creativity
While our work is often defined by budgets and deadlines and stakeholders, the baseline idea of creativity is always at the center of what we do. Creativity is more than aesthetic; we’re just as interested in creative problem solving.
Collaboration
This comes in many forms. Collaboration starts with our clients - we work hard to establish trusting, productive relationships. But it’s equally essential internally, among our associates and with the many contractors and specialists we bring into projects. Great work simply can’t happen without it.
A legacy of architectural excellence.
Innovative design, commitment to quality, and collegial, collaborative relationships set DesignGroup apart. We remain the passion-driven firm our founders envisioned five decades ago.
We love what we do.
Our leadership team sets the tone for the entire firm. You’ll sense it when you meet us.
Tom Chidlow
AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C
Managing Principal, Project Manager
We aren’t in this for the awards.
(But we’re proud our work almost always results in them.)
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The American Institute of Architects
Ohio Honor Award
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The American Institute of Architects
Columbus Design Award
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The American Institute of Architects
Justice Award
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The American Institute of Architects
Ohio Merit Award
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Columbus Landmarks Foundation
Henry L. Hunker Urban Legacy Award
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The American Institute of Architects
Columbus Design Award
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The American Institute of Architects
Ohio Gold Medal Firm of the Year Award
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American School and University
Outstanding Design
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Office of the Governor of Ohio
Ohio Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy
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James B. Recchie Design Award Honoring Excellence in Columbus
Columbus Landmarks Foundation
James B. Recchie Design Award Honoring Excellence in Columbus Urban Design
Columbus Landmarks Foundation
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The Best Architecture of 2015
Wall Street Journal
2016 North American Copper in Architecture Award
Copper Development Association, Inc.
Craftsmanship Award
Builders Exchange
Columbus Honor Award
American Institute of Architects
Architectural Showcase Outstanding Design
American School and University
Cincinnati Chapter Sustainability Award
The American Institute of Architects
Columbus Design Award
The American Institute of Architects
Columbus Sustainability Award
The American Institute of Architects
First LEED Gold Certified Healthcare Facility in Ohio
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED Gold Certified
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED Silver Certified
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED Platinum Certified
U.S. Green Building Council
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BIM Experience Award
Autodesk
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The Lighting Control Innovation Award
The International Illuminating Engineering Society
Award of Excellence
ASLA
Design Award
International Illumination
Minneapolis/St. Paul Section Award
The Illuminating Engineering Society of America
Ohio Valley Chapter Architect’s Award
Associated Builders & Contractors Association
Ohio Valley Chapter Award of Excellence
Associated Builders and Contractors Association
Record Best Government Project in the Midwest
Engineering News
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Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency
IBD CID
Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency
Office of the Governor of Ohio
Award for Urban Impacting Project
Harrison Smith
Award of Excellence
Michiana Area Construction Industry Advancement Fund (MACIAF)
Design Award
Society of American Registered Architects
Excellence in Design Award
City of Gahanna, Ohio
Health Care Award of Merit and BKD Build Indiana Award, Best Renovation Project
Health Care and BKD Build Indiana
Honorable Mention
Modern Healthcare
Multifamily Architectural Design Award
Grandview Chamber of Commerce
Saturn Ring Award for Excellence in Urban Design
Plan-It Columbus
Scenic Ohio Award 2011
Scenic Ohio