Architects AND Interior Designers offering innovative design and exceptional service

For 32 years, we've specialized in design, master planning, sustainable design, and construction management.

NEW IDENTITY

SAME DEDICATION

In 2024, we underwent a complete re-naming and branding, marking a shift from the familiar Van Auken Akins Architects LLC of over three decades to our new identity, DVA Architecture LLC. However, amidst the change in name and brand, the essence and core values of our company remain unchanged.

MISSION

At DVA Architecture, we are driven by our passion for design excellence and our unwavering dedication to our clients. Our mission is to provide superior architectural services that enhance the built environment, prioritize client needs, and contribute positively to the communities we serve. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness, we aim to be your preferred architectural firm, building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and exceptional results.


VISION
We strive to make the world a more sustainable, functional, and beautiful place to live, work, learn, and play through honest collaboration with clients, project partners, and the community, with an emphasis on great client experiences and design solutions that exceed expectations.

President, K-12 Education Studio Director

Christopher Dewey AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

As President at DVA, Christopher Dewey seamlessly guides projects from start to finish. With over 25 years of professional design experience under his belt, Chris manages projects and oversees teams to align their efforts with client objectives across various sectors. Serving as the primary liaison between clients and project teams, he ensures smooth transitions from architectural planning to construction completion. As the owner, Chris oversees all architectural and interior design efforts. Chris is a Registered Architect in Ohio, New York, South Carolina and Utah.

Melissa fliegel RA

associate principal, healthcare studio director

Associate Principal Melissa Fliegel, who has been with VAA her entire career, is a Registered Architect with over 25 years of project design experience. Melissa has served on a variety of project types, including higher education facilities, K-12 schools, healthcare facilities, recreation, commercial offices and public spaces. Melissa has proven her ability to work through complex problems as they arise, effectively lead the architectural design efforts of the team, review work, incorporate feedback and remain committed to our client’s mission. Melissa is a graduate of Kent State University and the former Chair of the Cleveland Heights Architectural Board of Review. Melissa is certified in Infection Control Risk Assessment for Healthcare Construction and a USGBC and USGBC NEO Chapter Member.

justin fliegel AIA, LEED AP

associate principal, higher education studio director

Associate Principal Justin Fliegel is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 25 years of project design experience. Justin is responsible for managing projects from conception through completion, including coordination with staff and integration of client goals. Justin will work collaboratively with contractors and subcontractors on-site to ensure the design intents are met and to resolve any issues that may arise. He is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Institute of Architects, and is a graduate of Kent State University. Justin is a National Trust for Historic Preservation Member and USGBC and USGBC NEO Chapter Member.

john kaminski aia, leed ap BD+C

associate principal, sports and recreation studio director

Associate Principal John Kaminski is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 20 years of experience. John has vast experience working on a variety of complex project types, including sports and recreation facilities, hospitality and casinos, civic projects, commercial offices and K-12 schools. John is committed to creating successful and environmentally conscious projects by working collaboratively with all project team members to ensure the client’s goals are met. He takes pride in specializing in 3D rendering programs that bring the client’s vision to life before their project is built. He is a graduate of Kent State University and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

holly grambort ra, ncarb, leed ap

senior project manager, zoological studio director

Zoological Studio Director Holly Grambort is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 25 years of project design experience. Her wide-ranging portfolio includes zoological exhibits, camp and nature projects, higher education facilities, K-12 schools, civic projects, healthcare facilities, and commercial offices. Holly works collaboratively with clients, consultants, and contractors to facilitate successful and sustainable outcomes. She is focused on ensuring our clients are listened to and their unique needs are met. Holly is a Registered Architect in Ohio and Michigan and is a graduate of Tulane University. Holly is National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certified, and a USGBC and USGBC NEO Chapter Member.

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