Last year marked the thirtieth year of my professional practice in architecture. When you reach a certain point in this profession-one shaped by long hours, shared wins, setbacks, deadlines, clients, communities, and friendships you naturally begin to reflect not just on projects completed, but on the people who made them possible. As I look back on 2025 and reflect on the work of MSA Design, the word that rises above all others especially in a time of social, cultural, and political uncertainty is gratitude. Gratitude for our clients who trust us with meaningful work. Gratitude for our communities who invite us into their stories. And most importantly, gratitude for our people whose talent, character, and commitment define who we are. Our firm’s vision statement, “Exceptional People. Inspired Experiences. Enduring Impact.”, has never felt more relevant. It provides a fitting lens through which to reflect and to look ahead with optimism toward 2026.

At its core, architecture is a people business. Ideas matter. Design matters. But ultimately, professional services live and die by the character, creativity, and collaboration of the people doing the work. Last year, we were proud to celebrate the growth, leadership, and contributions of many outstanding team members whose promotions and new roles reflect both professional excellence and deep commitment to our culture. As we move into the year ahead, we look forward to building on this momentum and supporting even more growth across our firm.

Columbus Studio

• Katie Freeland – Vice President and Director of Operations, Columbus Studio; Principal

• Maria Carpenter – Senior Interior Designer / Architect; Associate

Cincinnati Studio

• Allen Williams – Senior Architect; Associate

• Charley Wayman – Director of Marketing; Associate

• Hannah Parrish – Interior Designer; Associate

• Jessica Scholl – Project Architect; Associate

These individuals exemplify what is best about MSA Design: curiosity, integrity, leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to our clients and each other. Their growth strengthens our firm today and ensures its future tomorrow.

We were also fortunate this past year to welcome several new professionals into the MSA Design community each bringing unique skills, perspectives, and energy that strengthen our firm:

• Macy Roberto – Interior Designer
• Brady Rudisill – Graphic Designer
• Trinity Hamm – Administrative Assistant
• Paige Benson – Marketing Assistant

From design studios to marketing, graphics, and operations, these new team members have already made meaningful contributions and reflect the collaborative, people-first culture that defines MSA Design.

As we reflect on the year behind us, no look back at Exceptional People would be complete without recognizing Nick Berberich, who once again stepped up as the fearless pilot of MSA Design’s Red Bull Flugtag team. Nick once again launched himself via a human-powered aircraft 30 feet into the air, before landing spectacularly in the mighty Ohio River, all in the name of creativity, courage, and firm culture. His willingness to literally put himself “out there” embodies the spirit of fun, teamwork, and boldness that makes MSA Design such a special place to work.

The year behind us marked continued growth in the geographic and typological breadth of our work. From the heart of Manhattan to the West Coast, from the Midwest to the Florida Keys, and all the way to the Dominican Republic, our teams were privileged to shape spaces that matter.A few highlights of notable projects in design or nearing completion include:

• City of Columbus – New Northeast Aquatic Center This project will become a Midwestern destination for competitive and recreational aquatics, reflecting the City’s commitment to health, equity, and community-centered design.

• University of Toledo – Athletics Champions Center A $20+ million investment in Rocket student-athlete wellness, this facility will serve as a standard bearer across #MACtion and NCAA Division I athletics.

• City of Huber Heights – Thomas A. Cloud Park A new “community heart” celebrating the legacy and future of Huber Heights, one of Dayton’s most dynamic suburbs.

• Xavier University – College of Osteopathic Medicine In partnership with SLAM Collaborative, we are delivering the first Jesuit-based School of Osteopathic Medicine in the country, rooted in cura personalis-care of the whole person.

• Hyde Park Square – Cincinnati, Ohio Planning is underway for a reinvestment and rejuvenation of one of Cincinnati’s most beloved neighborhood business districts, with construction beginning in 2026.

• Great Oaks Career Campuses – Live Oaks The completion of our latest campus transformation represents another critical investment in career technical education and workforce development in Greater Cincinnati.

• City of Daytona Beach – Jackie Robinson Ballpark Nearing completion of Phase 1 of a $40+ million redevelopment, this project honors the powerful legacy of Jackie Robinson while delivering a modern player development facility at “The Jack.”

• Blue Line Foundation – Cincinnati, Ohio Construction began on this transformational facility focused on wellness, leadership development, and community building for first responders nationwide.

• City of Gahanna – Municipal Center Completion is imminent on this adaptive reuse project, serving as a model for transforming underutilized suburban office buildings into vibrant civic anchors.

• Columbus City Schools – Athletic Campus Transformations Our MSA Sport team continues to transform athletic campuses across the district, providing safe, high-quality environments where students can train, compete, and succeed.

• University of Cincinnati – Sheakley Indoor Practice Facility & Athlete Performance Center Widely regarded as the finest football training facility in collegiate sports, this project gives the Bearcats a competitive edge. We are grateful to our partners at Gensler and Messer Construction.

• Rex Weech Field – Key West, Florida In partnership with Keystar Construction and William Horn Architects, we are developing a state-of-the-art baseball training facility at the southernmost high school athletic venue in the continental United States.

As 2026 unfolds, we look forward to announcing several new inspired experiences that will continue to expand our reach and impact.

December 1, 2025 marked the 40th anniversary of MSA Design, founded in Cincinnati by our President and my partner, Mike Schuster.

At a recent celebration of this milestone, Mayor Aftab Pureval arrived-between daycare pickup and drop-off-with his young son and issued a City of Cincinnati proclamation honoring the firm. It was a deeply meaningful moment that reflected four decades of design leadership, civic commitment, and community impact.

City of Cincinnati Proclamation “MSA Design 40th Anniversary Day” (Proclamation text preserved in full)

Whereas, MSA Design was founded in Cincinnati on December 1, 1985, by Mike Schuster, with a vision and commitment to design excellence that grew a one-person practice into a nationally recognized architecture and design firm; and,

Whereas, over four decades, MSA Design has expanded from its Cincinnati roots to nearly 80 employees, with offices and a presence in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Atlanta, completing hundreds of landmark projects across Greater Cincinnati, thousands more in over 40 states and internationally; and,

Whereas, the firm has earned more than 100 awards for design excellence, including the AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award in 2011—the state’s highest honor, awarded only once every 25 years—and has become one of the most prominent sports architecture practices in North America, elevating Cincinnati’s profile as a center of design and innovation; and,

Whereas, MSA Design’s mission, “We design exceptional experiences and spaces,” and vision, “Exceptional People. Inspired Experiences. Enduring Impact,” reflect its dedication to creating enduring places that enrich communities and inspire future generations; and,

Whereas, the firm is led by its owners—Mike Schuster, Bill Baker, and Keith Hall—together with Principals Steve Langenkamp, Amy Benetti, Chris Patek, Chris Wiethe, Chris Bujnak, Sarah Eingle, Nestor Melnyk, Dwayne Boso, and Katie Freeland, and a talented staff representing the disciplines of architecture, interior design, graphic design, and historic preservation, who together have fostered a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and civic engagement, strengthening Cincinnati’s neighborhoods and institutions; and,

Whereas, MSA Design has consistently invested in the Greater Cincinnati community, with a special focus on education, youth development, and cancer research and support, including Adopt A Class, Cincinnati Public Schools, DePaul Cristo Rey High School, Catholic Inner-City Schools Education Foundation (CISE), Big Brothers Big Sisters, ProKids, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Southwestern Ohio, Pelotonia, the March of Dimes, and the Dragonfly Foundation, as well as civic and cultural organizations such as ArtsWave, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Reds Community Fund, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, and many others; and,

Whereas, on December 4, 2025, MSA Design will host its 40th Anniversary Celebration at its Cincinnati headquarters, marking four decades of design leadership, civic commitment, and community impact;

Now, Therefore, I, Aftab Pureval, Mayor of the City of Cincinnati do hereby proclaim Thursday, December 4, 2025, as “MSA Design 40th Anniversary Day” in Cincinnati.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused this seal of the City of Cincinnati to be affixed this fourth day of December in the year Two Thousand and Twenty-Five.

On behalf of my partners Mike Schuster and Keith Hall, our senior leadership team, and our staff in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Atlanta, we wish you a year filled with optimism, momentum, and good fortune as we move into 2026 together.

Here’s to gratitude. Here’s to partnership. Here’s to the future and a wonderful 2026.