Elevar Design Group - Compete

compete overview

Passion. Dedication.

Perseverance. Humility.

Spirit. These are a few qualities that make a great athlete. As former and current athletes and avid sports fans ourselves, Elevar believes each facility should evoke a sense of pride and provide a memorable experience while supporting students, athletes, parents, coaches, fans, and staff alike. Our experienced architects and engineers create exceptional and functional spaces elevating your athletics to the next level while preparing your organization for years to come.

our story

elevate (ˈeləˌvāt) verb

to raise or lift to a more important or impressive level.

At Elevar, we are elevating the game. Our growth is derived from diversity of thought, pragmatism and a keen business sense. We pride ourselves on seeing what others cannot. Our creativity is generated through an applied curiosity and a celebration of people. Our success is measured in our client’s terms: increased performance, improved outcomes and spaces that enliven the spirit.

We chose the name ‘elevar’, the Spanish word for elevate, because we believe it encompasses our core values of: Mastery, Experience, Teamwork, Creativity, Commitment, and Integrity.

These six values were born out of a 50+ year history of high-quality performance and service to our community. Elevar responds promptly and efficiently to client needs with quality services and innovative, practical design solutions.

We appreciate the folks with whom we work want a greater value for the investments they make – this spirit transcends market and client type. In response we continuously strive to deliver the best solutions: timeless design that is responsive to change with optimal performance for cost.

Elevar has grown from humble beginnings into a staff of more than 80 employees. This growth occurred organically as Elevar continued to design in new markets and build relationships with new clients. We attribute our continued success to our personal commitment and professional abilities.

key players

Elevar Design Group is one of the fastest growing firms in our region. Our staff is a blend of senior designers and technical leaders teamed with the best young talent in the market. In recognition of our architectural heritage, we pair ‘master’ and ‘apprentice’ together to expand shared knowledge and grow abilities. This organization fosters community and accountability.

Because our staff is dedicated to building relationships and championing one another’s success, our firm feels less like a corporation and more like a family. We have found that creatives who seek greater meaning in work find their way to Elevar and, perhaps because of this, we are proud to have very little staff turnover. The tenure of our staff members allows us to focus, learn, and innovate - generating tremendous value for our clients.

Our culture is grown from a fabric of relationships stitched by personal and professional experiences. By hiring the best and the brightest, we have fostered a talented and enthusiastic staff whose commitment to quality carries over into all client relationships.

design partners from the beginning.

Tom Fernandez CEO

As the CEO of Elevar Design Group, Tom Fernandez is responsible for the overall vision and innovation of the firm. He facilitates design direction and ensures that his staff is equipped to provide the best solutions to clients. Since assuming executive leadership of the firm in the late 1980s, Tom has been instrumental in growing the staff into the multi-disciplined team of specialized designers it is today.

Rob Grogan Sports Market Manager

Rob Grogan has worked on a variety of projects that cross several markets for clients such as the Cincinnati Reds, Elder High School, The US EPA, Tire Discounters, Best Buy, Pearl Vision, Lens Crafters, West Clermont Local School District, and Cincinnati Public Schools. An avid sports fan and athlete himself, Rob has lead the charge on developing clients in the athletic market.

Kim Patton President

Kim Patton serves as President of Elevar Design Group, guiding the design staff in daily operations and profitability. Kim’s energy and innovation have been the key to his successful career which has spanned nearly 30 years in many different markets. An Architect by trade, his vast experience has influenced his ability to grow Elevar’s staff and to provide clients with costeffective and creative solutions.

Tony Lozier

Senior Vice President, Engineering

Tony Lozier has more than 43 years of experience in MEP Engineering. As Principal of Elevar’s MEP team, he directs all engineering services and ensures the highest quality results for clients. His widespread experience has served as an asset to many of Elevar’s projects, as Tony has the ability to lead the engineering team toward the best solutions for all client projects.

John Rademacher Client Manager

With more than 30 years of experience, John Rademacher has served a long list of notable clients in various market sectors. John currently serves as the President of the Ohio Architects Board. He has a proven track record of leading diverse teams, designing and building highly complicated and coordinated projects. John stays actively engaged, working on behalf of his clients. By using his insights, talents, training and experience, John contributes meaningfully to clients and the community.

David Hester

Senior Architect

David Hester has a proven school design track record, having been entrusted to manage the six largest academic projects completed by Elevar in the past decade with a combined budget exceeding $300 million. David has managed several large scale athletic projects to include TQL Stadium, Stargel Stadium Relocation, and West Clermont High School Stadium.

Deanna Hazeley

Senior Interior Designer

Deanna has a great deal of experience with large scale facility planning. Her understanding of proximity, efficiencies and optimal space utilization position her to be well qualified to lead the interior programming efforts of any project. Deanna has been affiliated with the Cincinnati Bengals for 21 years, having served as a Ben-Gal for 10 years and a Ben-Gal Coach for 11 years.

Nick Mason

Graphics/Wayfinding

Nick is a skilled interdisciplinary designer and curator with a broad scope of professional experience across multiple industries - from product, package, graphic and experiential design - to marketing, branding, strategy, and curatorial roles. Nick works with clients to provide end users with an experience in their facilities, guiding them through the spaces by using graphic communication and establishing a clear and consistent visual message.

TQL Stadium

OH

Working with nationally renowned Populous, Elevar provided architectural and engineering services for one of the most exciting projects to develop in decades in the city of Cincinnati. The stadium is home to the Major League Soccer expansion team, FC Cincinnati, and is one of the largest soccer specific stadiums in all of the US. Located in the West End of the city on the former Stargel Stadium site, this transformative project holds 26,000 fans. Situated on 12.4 acres, the stadium

boasts design elements that include a Grand Staircase rising 30 feet from Central Parkway to serve as a regal entrance for the dedicated fans, 513 LED wave-like fins on the external structure, a 360-degree canopy covering all seats, a total of 53 suites, a two-floor club store, and two ribbon-style score boards. The closest spectator seat is 15 feet from the grass field. The Bailey, which covers the north end of the stadium, features 3,170 seats.

Wade Parking Garage Cincinnati, OH

In connection with the new FC Cincinnati TQL Stadium, Elevar worked with Hamilton County in the design of a new parking garage to support game-day traffic. The parking garage is an above-ground, 5-level structure with the capacity to house 830 cars. The garage features accessible spaces, bicycle parking, and electric car charging stations in addition to two stair towers and elevators for easy circulation.

Willard Stargel Stadium Relocation

Cincinnati, OH

In connection with the new TQL Stadium project which is located on the existing site of Taft High School’s Stargel Stadium, Elevar designed the new replacement stadium which is now located across the street from the school. The new stadium is larger and includes an all-purpose community room, a weight room, and LED stadium lighting. With a seating capacity of 3,000, the new facility also features an 8-lane track.

Three buildings punctuate the north and south sides of the stadium: Building A serves as a community room, offices, and concessions. Building B is the ticket office, locker room and training room. Building C has locker rooms and concessions. The project was completed on a on fast-track schedule and opened summer 2019.

Roger Bacon High School Stadium

Cincinnati, OH

Our team designed the improvement project for Roger Bacon High School’s Bon Bacevich Memorial Stadium. This phased renovation project was a much needed upgrade for the school’s athletic program. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2019 and includes new pedestrian and vehicle entrances, a new lower entrance and ticket window, two equipment storage buildings, and a paved parking lot for more than 100 cars.

The second phase, scheduled for completion in 2020, includes a renovated press box, locker rooms, bathrooms, and concessions, and two large upper deck patios in the grandstands complete with graphics designed for alumni recognition and undefeated seasons.

Elder High School Wrestling/Volleyball Gym Renovations

Cincinnati, OH

Elder High School is a Division 1 school that holds a strong athletic tradition in its history. The wrestling/volleyball gymnasium was opened in 1959, functioning at the time as dual-purpose gym and theater. Throughout the years, many minor updates had been made to the gym which fundamentally compromised the space for modern day use. The high school hired our team to bring the gym up to current-day standards. With a need for better storage, new seating, and better environmental graphics that would reflect the tradition of Panther pride, the refreshed space now serves the young men of Elder to continue the tradition of teamwork, determination and self-discipline.

Elevar provided a thoughtful environmental branding package to the space, incorporating cheering section photos and large super graphics which pay homage to the long-faithful Panther fans. The internal branding celebrates volleyball and wrestling with the use of a large stats board, mascot representation, and school colors intentionally placed throughout. The gymnasium also received state-of-the-art audio and visual components. A large video board is on display near the front of the gym for all spectators. Acoustically, the school required better balance which we provided by installing sound-deadening acoustic panels, ceiling mounted sound baffles, and wall mounted sound absorption panels, along with the installation of a new sound system. Ultimately, the refreshed gym is now poised to support the students of Elder into the next 50 years of athletic ardor.

Archbishop Moeller High School Renovations

Cincinnati, OH

Elevar is currently working with Moeller High School to implement multi-phase renovations included in their facilities master plan. Archbishop Moeller High School has been educating young men under the Marianist Tradition for 60 years. Their mission is to educate their students to be men of faith, men of academic excellence and men of character. The goal of these facility updates is to provide a state-of-the-art campus where learning and community can be nurtured to its fullest potential. The students of Moeller will enjoy new spaces that cultivate communication and collaboration. Elevar worked with Moeller to develop a strategic phased implementation of their main campus plan, to accommodate an efficient sequence of construction through key areas of the campus over summer breaks and while the campus is occupied.

Phase 1 of Elevar’s scope with the school includes relocating and renovating their primary athletic locker room and music instructional areas. The main campus athletics department has now been consolidated and enhanced at their new modern home in the main campus athletic center. The music instructional program has been consolidated and brought into the theater wing and better positioned for collaborative instrumental, vocal and performing arts. This phase was completed in the Fall of 2020.

Phase 2 involves the renovation and expansion of the Student Commons cafeteria and kitchen areas. The cafeteria will be increased in size and support multiple functions, serving as a gathering place for students throughout the day, as well as connecting to the future innovation hub addition. The kitchen will be completely replaced and modernized to meet the school’s leading-edge food service goals. This phase was completed in the Fall of 2021.

The first phases were implemented to prepare and set the stage for the Phase 3 addition of the Innovation Hub, a center dedicated to student problem solving. In this new 3-story space, students work together with staff and stakeholders to think about how they will serve tomorrow’s purpose. This dynamic and open space will foster innovative thinking, exploration of new ideas, and examination of art, engineering, and IT. Phase 3 is scheduled to be complete in 2022.

Phase 4 of this project involves an updated auditorium (the former gym of the school) with seating capacity for 500. The new performance space will be multi-functional, designed to serve as a theater, a meeting space, a worship space, and host other special events. In addition, a new secured entrance will be added to the building, inclusive of offices, restrooms, and conference spaces.

Batavia Field Improvements

Cincinnati,

In addition to completing a master plan for Batavia Local Schools and being hired for the design of a new middle school and high school and elementary school additions, Elevar worked with the District to make improvements to their athletic field and stadium. The project involved replacement of existing grass turf with synthetic turf at the football field, baseball field, and softball field, including grading, drainage, and athletic equipment. We provided an addition to the existing home field concession building to house expanded concessions, a ticket booth, and referee locker rooms.

A new two-story building on the visitor’s side of the football field was added to house concessions, with restrooms on the first floor with a pressbox on the second floor. The pressbox is dual-sided to enable use for all three fields. Also included in the scope was a new pole barn storage building for maintenance and athletic equipment. The entrance to the stadium was also improved to welcome visitors and provide a better fan entrance experience. We designed a new main entry with masonry columns and overhead steel signage, surrounded by decorative fencing.

Cincinnati Reds 1869 Pavilion Cincinnati, OH

In commemoration of the sesquicentennial anniversary of the team, this plaza is a part of the Reds Hall of Fame renewal that creates a memorial pavilion that celebrates the original 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings team, their accomplishments as a team and for the sport of baseball. The pavilion features bas-relief portrait likenesses of the players and key individuals who led the immensely successful 1869 team, sculpted by renowned sculptor Tom Tsuchiya.

The design and prominent location of the 1869 pavilion is a beacon for residents and visitors in the revitalized riverfront area. Adjacent to a new hotel and several restaurant developments, the plaza design revamps an underutilized area of the ballpark by creating open space that the public can enjoy as well as being a venue for formal events.

Paul Brown Stadium Interior Renovations Cincinnati, OH

Members of our team worked with the Cincinnati Bengals to add an 8,700 SF weight room in previously unoccupied space in Paul Brown Stadium. This enabled the construction of a new cafeteria in the former weight room. The project also included an aerobics area and a large open training gym with synthetic turf flooring. These larger work-out spaces are completely visible from the new training coaches’ offices. Locker rooms for coaches and staff were re-configured with new entrances. The Bengals television studio was also relocated and upgraded.

Our team worked closely with the client leadership to develop a design which will be used year-round. The coaches of the team oversaw all details including the selection of specialty floor finishes.

The weight room floor allows for impact from free-weights and supply of compressed-air to lifting equipment. The training area features field striping on the synthetic turf for game simulation, rehabilitation work-outs and team walk-throughs.

In order to provide enhanced food preparation, our team worked closely with a food service designer whom engineered a complete exhaust system. The interior design makes extensive use of custom designed LED lighting and HVLS fans to save energy while enhancing the large open character of the space with acoustical panels printed in team graphics.

The new coaches offices and mezzanine were also recently completed.

West Clermont High School Stadium and Natatorium Cincinnati, OH

This consolidated high school was completed under the design/build project delivery method. In 23 months, our team designed this new school for 2,400 students. The massive scale of the project includes a 1,000 seat auditorium, two gymnasiums, a stadium complex, 8-lane natatorium, a stateof-the-art academic wing, and adjoining Mercy Healthplex. A result of creative financing, this project was made possible by a public-private partnership with our team, the District, the OFCC and a private developer. Together, we were able to provide the District with a brand new school at no extra cost to the taxpayer.

The athletic component of the project entailed a new football stadium, turf field, tennis courts, and 8-lane track. The home stands in the stadium hold 3,000 spectators. Upon entry, fans are greeted through a main entrance which hold the ticket booth and a spirit store. A baseball and softball complex with dugouts and a pressbox were also designed and built.

Miami University Baseball Facility Study Oxford, OH

In support of development and fund raising efforts, Elevar was asked to develop a series of design renderings that would bring life to the idea of building a student athlete and athletic support facility for Miami’s baseball program. The program that was developed included coach’s offices, meeting rooms, locker rooms, training and equipment rooms, umpire

locker rooms and additional support facilities for the existing baseball stadium. The design was developed to represent a state of the art facility, competitive with any major university that would represent the tradition and architectural aesthetic of Miami University.

“FC Cincinnati’s new Major League Soccer stadium is situated within a residential community, therefore requiring an extensive planning and zoning process for the mixed-use development site. Elevar led the charge in preparing and presenting the submission to City Council and their committees to achieve approval for the team. Elevar’s teamwork, integrity, and commitment to ensuring a satisfied client with top-of-class results sets them apart.”

VP & General Manager Turner Construction Company

elevate the way you compete.