markets and services
We elevate the game by contributing to our clients’ needs through smart design solutions. We intend to change what architects are for our clients and communities by measuring success in their terms: - Intentional Experiences: people feel the spaces we create. Your customers will feel what it means to do business with you, how it is to live or work in your buildings, learn in your schools, and innovate in your space. - Improved Outcomes: measured by whatever terms your customers seek in you. - Increased Performance: from reduced footprint, to high through-put, we want to see your bottom line improve. Our clients want a greater value for the investments they make in their facilities. Elevar delivers just that. We create beautiful spaces that take user experience to a higher level.
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.
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Our Story | 5
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. 6 | Elevar Design Group
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Executive Team | 7
firm culture We are specialized leaders in our respective fields. We have years of experience. Our relationships with our clients are unprecedented. But our relationships with one another are what set us apart from the others.
We know that we are only as good as our people. Our staff is a collection of accomplished architects, engineers, planners, interior designers, and support that truly enjoy working with one another. Many on our staff have been here for decades or more. Elevar is a group who thrives not just on what we do, but who we work with to get it done.
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Starting from humble beginnings and growing into the firm it is today, many of the original members of the firm still come in everyday with enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity. The longevity of our team members is rare in an ever-changing market.
Firm Culture | 9
markets
Learn We know that learning occurs both in and outside of the classroom. Each space within a school has the potential to engage students in a thoughtful dialogue with their environment. We provide school design that represents the unique qualities of a school or campus, specifically suited to the needs of its students, staff, and alumni. We work as an advocate for Districts and Universities to provide facilities to enrich the learners of tomorrow. select clients: K-12 Education West Clermont Local School District, Batavia Local School District, East Clinton Local School District, Three Rivers Local School District, Cincinnati Public School District,
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Columbus City School District, Dayton Public School District, Streetsboro City Schools, Mariemont City School District, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City Schools, Accelerate Great Schools, Notre Dame Academy, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Archbishop Moeller High School, Roger Bacon High School, St. Ursula Academy Higher Education Miami University, The Ohio State University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, University of Dayton, Xavier University, Cuyahoga Community College, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Southern State Community College, Sinclair Community College, National College of Business and Technology, Columbus State Community College, Stark State College of Technology
Learn | 13
Work Companies need spaces that are flexible to market need, adaptable to rapidly changing technologies, and responsive to executive operating strategies. Our design team uses a versatile response to business evolution. This acumen is demonstrated through calculated planning, optimized space, and increased efficiency. We combine knowledge and vision while blending technical and creative solutions within a corporate environment. Space planning solutions, while functional, must also enhance the quality of work life for those who occupy the space - increasing their efficiency and motivation to do the job at hand.
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select clients: United States General Services Administration, United States Environmental Protection Agency, CVS Health/ Omnicare, Kenton County, Trustaff, Pilot Chemical, Projects Unlimited, Inc., American Modern Insurance Group, AE Door and Window, Cincinnati Financial Corporation, LCNB National Bank, First Financial Bank, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Corporex, Megen Construction, Triversity Construction
Work | 15
Heal Our healthcare design team is trained to appreciate both the experiential qualities of a caring atmosphere and the practical issues of servicing patients with a variety of needs. We work closely with medical professionals to address the programmatic and tactile needs of staff, patients, and families. Through insightful programming and thoughtful practice, we design compassionate spaces for progress and healing.
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select clients: Premier Health, TriHealth, UC Health, Mercy Health, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Five Rivers Health Center, Ohio Department of Mental Health, CVS Health/Omnicare, UK HealthCare, Shriners International, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Mercy Health, The Christ Hospital, Interact for Health
Heal | 17
Live We strive to design modern living spaces that nurture and support the people that call these spaces home. Our design team realizes that a successful residential project is one that reflects the vision and spirit of the resident. We work closely with our clients to understand their lifestyles, movements and interests, habits and needs.
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select clients: Towne Properties, Flaherty and Collins, Casto, Al Neyer, Urban Sites, Ashley Commercial Group, NewBrook Partners, The Fortus Group, Miller Valentine, Anderson Birkla, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, Episcopal Retirement Services, Sisters of Charity, North American Properties, Life Enriching Communities
Live | 19
Gather There is power in the collective, and every group needs a dedicated spot in which to gather. Gathering spaces are essential to establishing relationships and cultivating interests. Whether it’s a church, a community building, theater, or stadium, our team designs spaces for groups to congregate, collaborate, and celebrate.
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select clients: FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati Reds, St. Ursula Academy, Roger Bacon High School, Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati, Paul Brown Stadium, Garfield Park Conservatory, Krohn Conservatory, Love and Faith Youth Center, City of Cincinnati Parks, City of Wyoming, Saint Veronica, St. Columban, St. John the Baptist, St. Antoninus, The Ohio State University, Cincinnati Park Board Commission, Cincinnati Art Museum
Gather | 21
Compete 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.
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select clients: FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati Reds, Roger Bacon High School, Paul Brown Stadium, West Clermont High School, Batavia Local Schools, Miami University
Gather | 23
Stay Our team works to develop brand-appropriate design solutions that welcome visitors and maintain a high level of comfort throughout the duration of a stay. We strive to recreate a home-like atmosphere through thoughtful design practices, understanding how textures and colors evoke all of the feelings of the comforts of home.
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select clients: Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Marriott, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Springhill Suites
Stay | 25
Shop A well-designed space encourages consumers to make purchases. Retail spaces should reflect the character of the intended buyer. Our design team works with clients to identify their design vision and develops an atmosphere that celebrates both the brand and the consumer. Through choice of colors, textures, focal elements and lighting, we aid our clients in the realization of their personalized market image which drives consumer behavior.
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select clients: Kroger, Newport Pavilion, Rookwood Commons, Tire Discounters, Joseph Auto Group, Columbia Chevrolet, Infiniti of Cincinnati, Camargo Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, Gem City Market, Matress Firm, REI, Village Green, Gem City Market
Shop | 27
Research The realms of science and technology are forever expanding and evolving. Facilities devoted to these pursuits must balance the highly technical requirements of operation with the flexibility of practical adaptation. In the planning of such complex spaces, our team works together to achieve optimum efficiency and facility integration. Having completed the design and renovation of more than 500 labs, we understand the complex requirements of these spaces. Whether a client wishes to attract researchers, encourage innovation, perform sophisticated procedures or develop new products, we have the unique knowledge-base to design the most advanced scientific facilities.
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select clients:
US Environmental Protection Agency, US General Services Administration, The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), Miami University, University of Cincinnati, TriHealth, CVS Health/Omnicare, Allegheny Health Network, Pilot Chemical, Community Blood Center, Premier Health
Research | 29
services
Architecture Our multi-disciplined staff of architects and designers encompasses the full spectrum of client needs. From project inception to completion, we give our clients a single source of responsibility for their facility design needs. We use several advanced graphic computer programs while designing each building. Numerous building design iterations are 3-dimensionally modeled to better understand and visualize each design and its potential issues. The software we use also improves productivity due to easy retrieval of information, increased coordination of construction documents, location of details and quantities required for estimation and tendering, increased speed of delivery, and reduced costs. The software we use also improves productivity due to easy retrieval of information, increased coordination of construction
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documents, location of details and quantities required for estimation and tendering, increased speed of delivery, and reduced costs. select clients: American Modern Insurance Group, CVS Health/Omnicare, Pilot Chemical, Cincinnati Financial Corporation, US Environmental Protection Agency, US General Services Administration, Warren County, Kenton County, Premier Health, TriHealth, The Christ Hospital, Miami University, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Kroger, FC Cincinnati, West Clermont Local School District, Batavia Local School District, East Clinton Local School District, Goshen Local School District, Cincinnati Public Schools
Architecture | 33
Engineering With a foothold in multiple industries, Elevar offers engineering and design services for manufacturing, educational, residential, government, corporate, hospitality, retail, and commercial clients. Elevar offers a wide variety of engineering services to include design, fire suppression, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, lighting, technology, process piping, packaging, building automation, instrumentation, and controls. Additional services include project management, procurement, and estimating. Our in-house engineering design team works hand in hand with our architects, resulting in better coordinated documents and fewer change orders.
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select clients: US Environmental Protection Agency, US General Services Administration, Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Hamilton County, Boone County Public Library, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Daikin, Kentucky Utilities, Dorn Fire Protection, Toyota, Ohio Department for Mental Health, Premier Health, Five Rivers Health Center, CVS Health/ Omnicare, FC Cincinnati, West Clermont Local School District, Cincinnati Public Schools, Batavia Local School District, Notre Dame Academy, Miami University, Cuyahoga Community College, University of Cincinnati, Moeller High School, Advarra, Kroger
Engineering | 35
Interior Design Design solutions must be functional and also enhance the quality of life for those who occupy the space. In coordination with the building shell, design of the interior space must acknowledge the social context of the project and adhere to building codes and regulatory requirements. Our team immerses into the physical, social, and functional needs of our clients to deliver aesthetically pleasing, yet practical design solutions for end-users. Elevar provides space planning, selection of interior finishes, environmental graphic design, furniture procurement, and FF&E management.
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select clients: Premier Health, Five Rivers Health Center, TriHealth, UC Health, The Christ Hospital, FC Cincinnati, West Clermont Local School District, Cincinnati Public Schools, Batavia Local School District, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place City School District, Notre Dame Academy, Miami University, Moeller High School, Elder High School, Advarra, Pilot Chemical, American Modern Insurance Group, Kenton County
Interior Design | 37
Building Enclosure Our unique blend of project experience and expert personnel allows us to offer a wide range of services and solutions for roofing and building enclosure issues. Our project management skills and roof typology experience stands out in the industry. Our solutions are based on our understanding of building dynamics and combining traditional detailing with current technology. Our extensive experience of working with all types of buildings provides us with to skills needed to offer effective and appropriate solutions for building enclosures.
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select clients: Miami University, The Ohio State University, Columbus State University, University of Cincinnati, Ohio University, West Clermont Local School District, Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools, Cincinnati Art Museum, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The City of Cincinnati, The City of West Chester, Ohio Department of Mental Health, US Environmenal Protection Agency, US Air Force, Related Affordable, Cincinnati Commercial Contracting, SSRG, Flaherty and Collins, Towne Properties
Building Enclosure | 39
Sustainability We believe it is our obligation to incorporate sustainability and context into all of our designs. Elevar understands the importance of responsible environmental designs. In each project, we address such issues as building siting, natural lighting, sun angles, soils, best management practices, native plantings, energy efficiency, resource and material conservation, and indoor environmental quality. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, our LEED accredited professionals have developed an interactive design process to maximize environmental, economic and health benefits within our projects.
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select clients: West Clermont Local School District, Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati, North College Hill City School District, Melink, US Environmental Protection Agency, Three Rivers Local School District, Streetsboro Local School District, Keystone Parke, NewPage, Cincinnati Public Schools, Towne Properties, Batavia Local School District
Sustainability | 41
Community Engagement Our team has worked with numerous clients to guide them through a highly productive public engagement processes. Elevar manages community engagement and provides assistance to help school clients garner public support and funding for projects. We inform, consult, collaborate, and empower our clients to create a mutual sense of ownership in the their projects. By working together, we arrive at a unique solution for our clients’ needs.
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select clients: Mariemont City School District, Three Rivers Local School District, North College Hill City School District, St. BernardElmwood Place City Schools, West Clermont Local School District, Batavia Local School District, Goshen Local School District, Notre Dame Academy, Williamsburg Local Schools, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, The Art Academy of Cincinnati
Community Engagement | 43
Planning Our master plans provide a comprehensive look at the current state of client facilities and present solutions that will not only accommodate the current needs but also guarantee flexibility for the unforeseen potential that the future holds. Our process is intensely collaborative, involving experts from a variety of disciplines—from planners, designers, engineers and community representatives. The innovative ideas that result from this process create a driving energy that is crucial for success and outlines a comprehensive framework for our clients’ sustainable development and growth.
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select clients: Premier Health, Five Rivers Health Center, Mariemont City School District, North College Hill City School District, Three Rivers Local School District, West Clermont Local School District, St. Bernard-Elmwood Place School District, New Richmond Exempted Village School District, Goshen Local School District, Batavia Local School District, Notre Dame Academy, Roger Bacon High School, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Kenton County, US General Services Administration, US Environmental Protection Agency, The Art Academy of Cincinnati
Planning| 45
Alternative Funding Solutions Elevar has worked with various clients to introduce options of non-traditional funding. Our team is able to introduce clients to grant and funding opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. We believe that even the most aspirational goals can be achieved with the right combination of experience, knowledge, partnerships, and dedication. Alternative Funding Solutions may include alternative financing lease back programs, partnerships with developers or non-profits, new revenue opportunities, local funding opportunities, shared resource options, or commercializing existing sites.
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select clients: Three Rivers Local School District, West Clermont Local School District, Mercy Health, Flaherty & Collins, Delhi Township
Alternative Funding | 47
“The word ‘partnership’ embodies our experience with Elevar Design Group. Their teamwork, integrity, and commitment to ensuring a satisfied client with top-of-class results sets them apart. Most importantly, they are cognizant and respectful of the project schedule and cost constraints and work collaboratively with our construction team to develop solutions quickly.” - Vice President and General Manager Turner Construction Company
elevating the game