President
As President at VAA, Christopher P. Dewey is responsible for managing projects from conception through completion, including coordination of staff and integration of client goals. Chris brings over 20 years of professional design experience to the team and has extensive experience providing project management and oversight on projects in almost every sector. Chris functions as the day-to-day contact to the owner and project team, and oversees all architectural and engineering efforts through construction administration. He is a Registered Architect in both Ohio and New York, is a member of the Cleveland Restoration Society, and is a graduate of Kent State University.
President
K-12 Education Studio Director
As President at VAA, Christopher P. Dewey is responsible for managing projects from conception through completion, including coordination of staff and integration of client goals. Chris brings over 20 years of professional design experience to the team and has extensive experience providing project management and oversight on projects in almost every sector. Chris functions as the day-to-day contact to the owner and project team, and oversees all architectural and engineering efforts through construction administration. He is a Registered Architect in Ohio, New York and Utah, is a member of the Cleveland Restoration Society, and is a graduate of Kent State University.
Associate Principal - Healthcare Studio Director
Associate Principal Melissa A. Fliegel, who has been with VAA her entire career, is a Registered Architect with over 20 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.
Associate Principal - Higher Education Studio Director
Associate Principal Justin G. Fliegel is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 20 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.
Associate Principal - Sports and Recreation Studio Director
Associate Principal John P. 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.
Senior Project Manager - Zoological Studio Director
Zoological Studio Director Holly A. Grambort is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 20 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.
Founder
Jill Van Auken AIA is the Founder of VAA. With over 35 years of professional experience, Jill has facilitated projects in nearly every sector. Jill was recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners as a Top Ten Business Owner, is a member of Smart Business’ Smart 50 Class of 2019, and was recently regarded as one of Greater Cleveland’s Most Influential Women by Cleveland.com. Jill is a member of the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Air Service Demand Task Force, the former Treasurer of American Institute of Architects Cleveland, a current Cuyahoga County Harvest For Hunger Campaign Cabinet Member, the former Vice-Chair of Beaumont School’s Board of Directors, and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.
Associate Principal
Healthcare Studio Director
Associate Principal Melissa A. Fliegel, who has been with VAA her entire career, is a Registered Architect with over 20 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.
Associate Principal
Higher Education Studio Director
Associate Principal Justin G. Fliegel is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 20 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.
Associate Principal
Sports and Recreation Studio Director
Associate Principal John P. 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.
Senior Project Manager
Zoological Studio Director
Zoological Studio Director Holly A. Grambort is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 20 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.New Paragraph
Founder
Jill Van Auken AIA is the Founder of VAA. With over 35 years of professional experience, Jill has facilitated projects in nearly every sector. Jill was recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners as a Top Ten Business Owner, is a member of Smart Business’ Smart 50 Class of 2019, and was recently regarded as one of Greater Cleveland’s Most Influential Women by Cleveland.com. Jill is a member of the Greater Cleveland Partnership’s Air Service Demand Task Force, the former Treasurer of American Institute of Architects Cleveland, a current Cuyahoga County Harvest For Hunger Campaign Cabinet Member, the former Vice-Chair of Beaumont School’s Board of Directors, and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame.