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Introduction

At Van Auken Akins Architects LLC (VAA), we design solutions that spark innovation, cultivate collaboration and embrace sustainability. We transform spaces into unique and responsive environments for the next generation of students, teachers, athletes, scientists, community leaders, healthcare providers and business professionals. We design with intention and purpose — to make the world around us a better place.

Featured Projects

Committed to Our Clients

As VAA continues to excel in its 31st year in 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.

Services

Kent State University | Williams Hall Multi-Discipline Lab Renovation

"It is with great enthusiasm that I write to discuss my incredibly positive experience with Van Auken Akins (VAA) Architects LLC….  The staff at VAA was not only quick to assimilate my needs and ideas into the plan, but also provided highly innovative design concepts to maximize functionality, workflow, and aesthetics, while at the same time producing an open space conducive for a collaborative work environment... I am immensely pleased with this outcome of this project, and would highly recommend VAA to any institution."


- Christopher M. Malcuit Ph.D, Assistant Professor of BioEngineering


Ursuline College | New Athletic Center

"The Sr. Diana Stano Athletic Center is an unbelievable building, it has character yet very functional for athletics and the entire campus. People walk in the building and just say ‘Wow!’...People use words like, ‘You should be so proud,’ this building is unbelievable,’ ‘I can’t believe how nice this is.’ All of this is a direct result of the outstanding work by Van Auken Akins Architects. I would recommend you and your team without hesitation if you want a building you can and will be proud of for years. I will be forever grateful to you for giving me the opportunity to show off and work in this incredible facility." 


-Cindy McKnight, Athletic Director


The Ohio State University | New Oardc Paar Facility

"For the past 18 years Jill Van Auken and her firm Van Auken Akins Architects LLC have been involved in several building renovation and construction projects on our campus. These include New Poultry Research Facility ($2,500,000), Thorne and Gourley Halls Renovation ($3,500,000), and currently Plant and Animal Agro-Security Research Laboratory ($20,000,000). The first two projects were completed on time and in budget.  The PAAR facility is currently under construction and is 75% complete without any problems at this time.  Jill Van Auken prides herself on meeting all deadlines and schedule milestones. She and her staff do an excellent job of developing plans, specifications, and accurate cost estimates.  I would highly recommend Van Auken Akins Architects."


- George C. Mullet PE & PS, OARDC Health Facilities Planner


Hiram College | New Residence Hall and Various Campus Renovations

"Hiram College has worked with Van Auken Akins Architects on several projects the last five years. They included design services for a new 102 bed, suite-style residence hall, assisting with major renovations of our executive offices, and other projects that included coordinating paint and room colors, replacing floors, and assisting us with furniture selection...The College has been very pleased with the quality of service and cost estimating. Van Auken Akins understands the importance of meeting the budget and was great to work with when we faced those challenges. We believe this is a great firm. Their work has enhanced the look of our campus, which ultimately helps us attract more students."

 

- Stephen W. Jones, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business and Finance


Playhouse Square Headquarters

"I have worked with VAA for almost a decade on numerous tenant renovations and relocation projects throughout Playhouse Square including the 450,000 SF Hanna Building, the 214,000 SF Idea Center, and the 157,000 SF Bulkley Building. When it was time for the renovation of our own 32,000 SF office – the first renovation in over 20 years – we knew we wanted VAA to facilitate our design needs and vision."


- Tom Einhouse, V.P. Facilities & Capital

Shaker Heights Schools

“Throughout the years, the VAA architectural team has met or exceeded expectations. This team of experts consistently proved the ability to stay on scope, schedule, and budget. Most of all, the VAA team did so while maintaining open and responsive lines of communications – the best I have seen in decades of project management. I highly recommend Van Auken Akins Architects LLC.” 


- Stephen Wilkins, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Shaker Heights Schools


The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland | Temple Corps and East Cleveland Corps

”Our relationship with VAA was a superb one. Jill is a consummate professional who demands the best from her team and for her clients... I would work with them again in a New York minute! This award-winning firm will listen to your thoughts and bring you the best possible design plan and options available... they are well aware of Salvation Army policies, procedures, and expectations.” 


- Major Brian Glasco, The Salvation Army Corps Officer


Cuyahoga County Board of Health | Renovation

“Van Auken Akins Architects LLC's leadership and commitment are a few of the key reasons that they stand out in their field.  Their attention to detail and project management approach encourages open communication and builds a trusting and collaborative environment. Their responsiveness and approach to challenging situations has produced outstanding results. I personally appreciate the efforts of Van Auken Akins Architects LLC and would look forward to the opportunity to work with them again."


- Rebecca Burke, Owner Representative and Project Lead

Bon Appétit Management Company

"VAA has partnered with Bon Appetit for close to a decade in Cleveland and Columbus on many renovation and new construction projects. All have proven to be very successful. The team at VAA is attentive and listens to our needs and outcomes for each project – offering insight and creative design solutions. They are always on time with great follow through and they communicate to all in a clear and concise manner. VAA creates designs that are not trendy, but classic and long lasting. Both business and college dining segments require renovations to last many years – VAA has achieved such in style. I’m very pleased to recommend Van Auken Akins Architects LLC."


- Dan Farrell, Bon Appétit Management Company District Manager


Cleveland State University | Tennis Pavilion and Dome

"The $3.4MM Medical Mutual Tennis Dome and Pavilion... was a transformative project on our campus, turning a set of six exterior, underutilized tennis courts, into a flexible, year-round venue for our Athletic Department, developing the only interior tennis facility in the City of Cleveland. The project not only created space for our Tennis Team to play, but also created a revenue stream for the University for club teams and events... I would highly recommend Van Auken Akins Architects for your next project."


- Jack L. Baumann AIA, LEED AP, former Executive Director of CSU Facilities


Cleveland Metropolitan School District | Wilbur Wright Elementary School

“[I recently discussed the] extraordinary challenges of completing close to $51 million in construction work last year. This is about five times what we normally do during a summer work period. The critical task that was key to our success was meeting the deadline on the Wilbur Wright School project. Everything had to happen as planned in order for the “Wright” project to be successful and the key was having the “right” design team in Van Auken Akins The plan that [they] set forth helped in organizing the work and gave a practical vision in service to the ennobling goal of providing modern learning and teaching spaces for our students and teachers.” 


- Patrick M. Zohn, Esq, Chief Operating Officer


Beaumont School | Stem Building Addition

“This addition of 25,000 SF is the largest addition in the history of our school. From the very beginning of our planning, Jill Van Auken has been involved. She and her firm are our choice architects for this project. We made the decision based on her contributions to our planning, on her personal integrity, and on the reliability of her staff. I found Jill to be an outstanding human being, sensitive to our needs, a good listener, and a person who follows through on every initiative. The references we check reaffirmed our initial decision. It is with great confidence that I recommend VAA for your consideration.”


- Sister Gretchen Rodenfels, President


Cuyahoga County Board of Health | Renovation

“We appreciate your thoughtful and collaborative approach to design and implement a phase building renovation.  The phasing plan, though challenging at times, allowed CCBH to remain open to the public and provide critical services to our community, mitigate employee displacement and minimized disruption to employees on site as much as possible.  The VAA team was professional and responsive throughout the entire project and worked attentively to ensure successful completion of this project."


- Rebecca Burke, Owner Representative and Project Lead

Cuyahoga Community College | The Advanced Technology Training Center Expansion

“Their level of creativity, attention to technical detail, and project management has helped to keep our projects on track, and on budget. [Cuyahoga Community College] looks forward to the opportunity to work with Van Auken Akin Architects again.” 


-Cynthia Leitson, Vice President

Cleveland Heights University Heights City School District

Time and time again, VAA has proven its ability to work through complex problems as they arise, effectively lead the team, review work, incorporate feedback, and remain committed to the District's mission.


-George Petkac, Director of Business and Operations

Shaker Heights City School District

I have had the opportunity to work with the Van Auken Akins LLC team for several years and have been impressed with their design expertise, communications, and attention to detail.


-Jeffrey A Grosse, Chief Operations Officer

What Our Clients Say

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