van auken akins architects llc

FIRM HISTORY

Van Auken Akins Architects LLC was established in May 1992 by Jill V. Akins, AIA with a vision to create inspiring environments while providing exceptional communication and service to clients in both the public and private sectors. Since its inception with a single employee, we have successfully handled architectural, planning, interior design and construction management services.

Eighteen years later, our design projects have exceeded $500 million in construction. Van Auken Akins’ projects include specialized types of construction such as science and research facilities, health care centers, correctional institutions and airports. Our designs for educational institutions include lecture halls, classroom and administrative buildings, an arts and technology center, auditorium, student union, a field house and numerous residence halls.

Joining the lead Architect, today the Van Auken Akins Architects’ staff totals 22, including five Registered Architects, three intern architects, two construction managers, two designers, three interior designers, a marketing assistant, a CADD manager, a labor compliance clerk, three administrators and three interns. Our clients benefit from our diversified project background and wide-ranging areas of expertise.

Van Auken Akins Architects LLC is committed to sustainable design and welcomes the opportunity to provide a model in the community. Five key staff members are LEED Accredited Professionals and several more are currently studying for the exam. Our membership in the NEO Chapter of the USGBC gives our firm the opportunity to learn new techniques to specify products and methods safer for the environment, creating a better, more sustainable environment for all within the scope of our projects.

Organized as a Limited Liability Company, the firm is certified as a Female Business Enterprise with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services EDGE program, the Unified Certification Program (UCP) which incorporates the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Ohio Department of Transportation, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Department of Port Control, City of Dayton, and Columbus Regional Airport Authority; the Cleveland Municipal School District, City of Cleveland, County of Cuyahoga, Central Ohio Transit Authority, The Ohio Turnpike Commission, Ohio Department of Purchasing, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and the Columbus Public Schools. We currently hold GSA’s Professional Engineering Services (PES) Schedule for Construction Management. In addition, we have submitted our qualifications for the Comprehensive Furniture Management Services (CFMS) Schedule.

We meet design schedules and operate within prescribed budgets. As our client, we ask you to be a part of our design team. We firmly believe your active participation in the design process is vital not only to the success of the project, but ensures we are all working with your vision in mind.

We believe our solid business ethics, our emphasis on quality, and our total commitment to personal service have been the key factors to our remarkable growth and extensive capabilities. We look forward to the opportunity to provide our architectural, design and management excellence to you.