State Architects of Ohio
Encyclopedia
The Office of the State Architect and Engineer, also known in recent years informally as the State Architect's Office (SAO), is created by Section 121.04 of the Ohio Revised Code. SAO has a time honored tradition of public service in the design and construction of public projects. The history of Ohio Public Works can be traced to shortly after the state was admitted to the Union in 1803, making it one of the older entities in state government. The manager of this office is generally an Ohio
registered architect
.
The official mission of the State Architect's Office is "to effectively and efficiently lead capital planning, design, and construction of public facilities through quality service, expertise, and knowledge sharing."
transportation system. Created in 1921, the Office of the State Architect and Engineer was originally established in the Department of Highways and Public Works, located in the Ohio-Hartman Building, formerly the Hartman Hotel, at 275 South Fourth Street. It was listed as the Division of Public Lands and Buildings in the 1923 Columbus City Directory. In 1927, the Department was split between Highways and Public Works. In 1930, the office was listed as the Division of Architects and Engineers in the Department of Public Works, and in 1933 moved to the new Departments of State Building, now the Ohio Judicial Center, at 65 South Front Street.
In 1974, Public Works was "demoted" to a Division when the departments of Finance, State Personnel, and Public Works were reorganized into the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Office of Budget and Management, and moved to the new State Office Tower, subsequently named for Governor James A. Rhodes, at 30 East Broad Street. It became an office in the General Services Division (GSD) of DAS in 1995, and the office moved to the General Services Center at 4200 Surface Road. After being located downtown since its inception, the office moved to the West side of Columbus just inside the I-270 outerbelt. For a short period of time in the late 1990s, it was known as the Office of Construction Management.
Prior to the establishment of the Office of the State Architect and Engineer in 1921, the individual state Boards engaged outside architects and contractors to serve their construction needs on an ad hoc basis. Consolidation of authority in one agency allowed for consistency of policy and procedure, as well as standardized contracts and conditions. The Administrative Act of 1921 provided an architectural expert employed by the state, which allowed centralized planning and administration. In 1921, the only agency exempt from central administration was the Adjutant General. Over the years, this authority has eroded significantly, and the institutions of higher education have had varying degrees of interaction with the office.
(1921–1923) and A. Victor Donahey
(1923–1929). Mr. Harsh was born on March 28, 1888 in Coshocton, Ohio, and graduated from South High School in Cleveland in June 1906. He was graduated from the Ohio State University in June 1911 with a Civil Engineering in Architecture Degree.
Robert Stemple Harsh was elected a member of the American Institute of Architects
and its Columbus Chapter
in 1942, and remained a member until 1948. Mr. Harsh was also a member of the American Legion, the Reserve Officers Association, and a 32nd Degree Mason. He died on November 24, 1952.
(1923–1929). Mr. Briggs was born at Sharon Center in Medina County, Ohio, and attended high school at Sharon High School and Buchtel Preparatory School in Akron, Ohio, graduating in June 1885. He was graduated from Buchtel College, now the University of Akron, with a Bachelor of Science in June 1889.
Herbert B. Briggs was elected a member of the American Institute of Architects
and its Cleveland Chapter in 1912, and remained a member until 1931. He served as president of the Cleveland Chapter, and as secretary and president of the Ohio State Association of Architects. Mr. Briggs died in November 1936.
Mr. Briggs designed a number of significant public buildings during his tenure as State Architect including the original BGSU Library Building dedicated on November 19, 1927, now known as McFall Hall, at Bowling Green State University
.
(1929–1931). He was born on September 2, 1883 at Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, England, and attended private school from 1895 through 1898. He attended Prince Albert Memorial College in Suffolk from September 4, 1899 to May 20, 1901. Afterward, he was the pupil of John S. Corder, Architect, at Ipswitch from August 1, 1902 through July 31, 1904, at which time he received his Articles of Qualification (to practice architecture). He also spent two years as a pupil in the Borough Surveyor's Office at Bury St. Edmonds on building inspection, sewage disposal, and road construction.
(1931–1935), Martin L. Davy (1935–1939), and John W. Bricker
(1939–1945). Mr. Schooley was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on May 28, 1899, and attended Lash High School and from September 1, 1914 to May 20, 1918, and graduated in June of that year. He attended the course in architecture at Kenyon College from January 1919 to June 1920. Mr. Schooley then attended Ohio State University from September 20, 1920 through June 15, 1923 and was graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.
John P. Schooley, Sr., was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1942 until his death on July 28, 1966. He was also a member of the Southern Ohio Engineering League.
(1939–1945). Mr. Shildknecht was born on April 8, 1906 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Hughes High School from September 13, 1920 through June 20, 1924, and graduated on June 13, 1924. He attended the Architecture program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from October 4, 1920 through June 10, 1930, and was graduated with a Bachelor of Science on June 10, 1930.
Robert Brainerd Shildknecht was a member of the American Institute of Architects
and its Cincinnati Chapter from 1941 to 1963. As State Architect, he designed the State Health Laboratory at The Ohio State University
in 1940. He died on March 24, 1977.
(1939–1945). Mr. Brand was born on January 13, 1895 in Portsmouth, Ohio, and attended Portsmouth High School from September 1908 through June 1912, when he graduated. He attended Ohio State University from February 9, 1915 through June 1918, and was graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture.
On October 29, 1923, he began service to the Office of the State Architect and Engineer as designer, field superintendent, estimator, and specification writer. After leaving state service, he was a partner with the father and son team of Charles L. Inscho and C. Curtiss Inscho at the frim of Inscho, Brand & Inscho in Columbus.
Thomas Earl Brand was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1942 until his death on December 17, 1950. He served as vice president of the Columbus Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
from 1944 to 1945.
(1947–1949).
Mr. Glass was born on June 24, 1892 in Flushing, Ohio, and graduated from Flushing High School in May 1911. He attended Ohio State University. Floyd Fellows Glass was a member of the American Institute of Architects
and its Columbus Chapter
from 1944 to 1960.
(1949–1957) and C. William O'Neill
(1957–1959).
Harry Gillium Allen was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1949 to 1959. In the 1956 American Architects Directory, he lists his present occupation as "Con. State Archt. & Eng., State of Ohio."
(1957–1959), Michael V. DiSalle
(1959–1963), James Rhodes
(1963–1971), John J. Gilligan
(1971–1975), and the second administration of James Rhodes
(1975–1983).
Mr. Bentz was born January 8, 1911 in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from West High School, Class of 1929. Attended Ohio State University School of Architecture with an additional major in fine arts; a recipient of Honorary in Tau Sigma Delta, Architecture and Allied Arts; second-place award Ryerson Scholarship; scholarship award to Columbia University of Masters Degree, which he refused. Upon graduation in 1935 he was awarded The American Institute of Architects Medal for Student Excellence.
During World War II, he became Associate Architect to the firm of Jennings and Lawrence Engineers on the design and construction of the Ravenna Ordinance Depot at Ravenna, Ohio, in 1940. He entered the Army Corps of Engineers as 1st Lieutenant and Port Engineer at Ravenna in 1942, then as Captain was reassigned to Erie Proving Ground
as Post Engineer until September 24, 1946, at which time he was awarded The Commendation Medal as a Major, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After the war, he returned to Columbus in 1946 to become a partner in the firm of Tibbals-Crumley-Musson, Architects.
Mr. Bentz was elected to membership in the American Institute of Architects
and its Columbus Chapter
on June 6, 1942. He was elevated to Fellowship in 1968 for Public Service. He became a Member Emeritus on May 11, 1978, and remained so until his death on May 6, 1997. He received the Cornerstone Award in 1971 from the Builder’s Exchange of Central Ohio and the AIA Ohio Gold Medal in 1978. He was also a 50-year member of West Gate Lodge 623 F&AM, member of Columbus Maennerchor, Alpha Rho Chi
Professional Fraternity, and Tau Sigma Delta -honorary in architecture and the allied arts.
Mr. Bentz designed and supervised the design of a number of significant public buildings during his 20-year tenure as State Architect including William T. Jerome Library at Bowling Green State University
; Library, Ohio University; the Ohio Historical Center, ODOT (now Department of Education) Building at 25 South Front Street, BES (now Department of Job & Family Services) Building at 145 South Front Street, and the State Underground Parking Garage beneath the lawn at the Statehouse, all in Columbus.
(1975–1983).
Arnold C. Kendall served as Acting State Architect and Engineer from April 11, 1981 to April 17, 1981 Ohio License ARC.5702690 was issued to Charles Arnold Kendall on January 21, 1957. This license expired in 1993.
(1975–1983).
George K. Hodge was a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1977.
Mr. Martin was elected president of AIA Columbus
for 1992 but did not complete his term.
Don Pitton, AIA, served as Acting State Architect from January 18, 1985 to April 22, 1985 Ohio License ARC.5302171 was issued to Donald A. Pitton on June 30, 1953. This license expired in 1989. Donald Albert Pitton was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1965 to 1974.
Ms. Olshavsky was president of AIA Ohio in 1985, and was elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects
in 1988. She served as chair of the AIA Public Architects Committee in 1989 and received the AIA Ohio Gold Medal in 1993. Her service to the AIA College of Fellows includes Bursar from 2005 to 2006, Vice-Chancellor in 2007, and Chancellor in 2008.
Tom Poulton, AIA, served as Acting State Architect from February 15, 1989 to June 15, 1989.
Fred W. Forbes, AIA, served as Acting State Architect while Deputy Director, Division of Public Works from March 1994 to October 1994.
Steve Lutz served as Acting State Architect from October 1994 to January 9, 1995.
Steve Lutz served as Acting State Architect from June 1997 to December 1998.
Howard W. Geisler, CDT, served as Acting State Architect from December 1998 to September 29, 2000.
(1999–2007).
Mr. Booker was chair of the AIA Public Architects Committee in 1995, served on the Board of Directors of AIA Columbus
from 2002 to 2003.
Tom Poulton, AIA, served as Acting State Architect from February 24, 2007 to September 30, 2007
(2007-2011).
He was president of the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America in 2006.
from 2003 to 2009 and was chapter president in 2008. He was elevated to fellowship in the Construction Specifications Institute in June 2009, and was founding vice chair of the Central Ohio Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
registered architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
.
The official mission of the State Architect's Office is "to effectively and efficiently lead capital planning, design, and construction of public facilities through quality service, expertise, and knowledge sharing."
History
Public Works was originally a Board formed for the purpose of building and maintaining Ohio's canalCanal
Canals are man-made channels for water. There are two types of canal:#Waterways: navigable transportation canals used for carrying ships and boats shipping goods and conveying people, further subdivided into two kinds:...
transportation system. Created in 1921, the Office of the State Architect and Engineer was originally established in the Department of Highways and Public Works, located in the Ohio-Hartman Building, formerly the Hartman Hotel, at 275 South Fourth Street. It was listed as the Division of Public Lands and Buildings in the 1923 Columbus City Directory. In 1927, the Department was split between Highways and Public Works. In 1930, the office was listed as the Division of Architects and Engineers in the Department of Public Works, and in 1933 moved to the new Departments of State Building, now the Ohio Judicial Center, at 65 South Front Street.
In 1974, Public Works was "demoted" to a Division when the departments of Finance, State Personnel, and Public Works were reorganized into the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Office of Budget and Management, and moved to the new State Office Tower, subsequently named for Governor James A. Rhodes, at 30 East Broad Street. It became an office in the General Services Division (GSD) of DAS in 1995, and the office moved to the General Services Center at 4200 Surface Road. After being located downtown since its inception, the office moved to the West side of Columbus just inside the I-270 outerbelt. For a short period of time in the late 1990s, it was known as the Office of Construction Management.
Prior to the establishment of the Office of the State Architect and Engineer in 1921, the individual state Boards engaged outside architects and contractors to serve their construction needs on an ad hoc basis. Consolidation of authority in one agency allowed for consistency of policy and procedure, as well as standardized contracts and conditions. The Administrative Act of 1921 provided an architectural expert employed by the state, which allowed centralized planning and administration. In 1921, the only agency exempt from central administration was the Adjutant General. Over the years, this authority has eroded significantly, and the institutions of higher education have had varying degrees of interaction with the office.
List of architects
This section lists the known State Architects for the State of Ohio since the office was established by the Administrative Act of 1921.Robert S. Harsh
Col. Robert Stemple Harsh, AIA, of Worthington, Ohio, served as State Architect and Engineer from July 1921 to January 1924 during the administration of Governors Harry L. DavisHarry L. Davis
Harry Lyman Davis was an American politician of the Republican Party. He served as the 38th and 44th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio and as the 49th Governor of Ohio....
(1921–1923) and A. Victor Donahey
A. Victor Donahey
Alvin Victor Donahey was a Democratic Party politician from Ohio. Donahey was the 50th Governor of Ohio and a United States Senator from Ohio.Donahey was born in Cadwallader, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. His parents were John C...
(1923–1929). Mr. Harsh was born on March 28, 1888 in Coshocton, Ohio, and graduated from South High School in Cleveland in June 1906. He was graduated from the Ohio State University in June 1911 with a Civil Engineering in Architecture Degree.
Robert Stemple Harsh was elected a member of the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
and its Columbus Chapter
AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
in 1942, and remained a member until 1948. Mr. Harsh was also a member of the American Legion, the Reserve Officers Association, and a 32nd Degree Mason. He died on November 24, 1952.
Herbert B. Briggs
Herbert Bruce Briggs, AIA, of Cleveland, Ohio, served as State Architect and Engineer from January 1, 1924 to July 10, 1929 during the administration of Governor A. Victor DonaheyA. Victor Donahey
Alvin Victor Donahey was a Democratic Party politician from Ohio. Donahey was the 50th Governor of Ohio and a United States Senator from Ohio.Donahey was born in Cadwallader, Tuscarawas County, Ohio. His parents were John C...
(1923–1929). Mr. Briggs was born at Sharon Center in Medina County, Ohio, and attended high school at Sharon High School and Buchtel Preparatory School in Akron, Ohio, graduating in June 1885. He was graduated from Buchtel College, now the University of Akron, with a Bachelor of Science in June 1889.
Herbert B. Briggs was elected a member of the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
and its Cleveland Chapter in 1912, and remained a member until 1931. He served as president of the Cleveland Chapter, and as secretary and president of the Ohio State Association of Architects. Mr. Briggs died in November 1936.
Mr. Briggs designed a number of significant public buildings during his tenure as State Architect including the original BGSU Library Building dedicated on November 19, 1927, now known as McFall Hall, at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University, often referred to as Bowling Green or BGSU, is a public, coeducational research university located in Bowling Green, Ohio, United States. The institution was granted a charter in 1910 by the State of Ohio as part of the Lowry Bill, which also established Kent State...
.
T. Ralph Ridley
Thomas Ralph Ridley served as State Architect and Engineer from July 10, 1929 to October 1, 1931, in the administration of Governor Myers Y. CooperMyers Y. Cooper
Myers Young Cooper was a Republican politician from Ohio. Cooper was the 51st Governor of Ohio.Born In St. Louisville, Ohio, the youngest of eleven children, Cooper had a public school education, and attended the National Normal University in Lebanon, Ohio for three years...
(1929–1931). He was born on September 2, 1883 at Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, England, and attended private school from 1895 through 1898. He attended Prince Albert Memorial College in Suffolk from September 4, 1899 to May 20, 1901. Afterward, he was the pupil of John S. Corder, Architect, at Ipswitch from August 1, 1902 through July 31, 1904, at which time he received his Articles of Qualification (to practice architecture). He also spent two years as a pupil in the Borough Surveyor's Office at Bury St. Edmonds on building inspection, sewage disposal, and road construction.
John P. Schooley
John Palmer Schooley, Sr., AIA, of Zanesville, Ohio, served as State Architect & Engineer from October 1, 1931 to 1940 in the administrations of Governors George WhiteGeorge White (Ohio politician)
George White was the 52nd Governor of Ohio.Born in Elmira, New York, White attended Princeton College. After mining in the Klondike, White settled in Marietta, Ohio to drill for oil....
(1931–1935), Martin L. Davy (1935–1939), and John W. Bricker
John W. Bricker
John William Bricker was a United States Senator and the 54th Governor of Ohio. A member of the Republican Party, he was the Republican nominee for Vice President in 1944.-Early life:...
(1939–1945). Mr. Schooley was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on May 28, 1899, and attended Lash High School and from September 1, 1914 to May 20, 1918, and graduated in June of that year. He attended the course in architecture at Kenyon College from January 1919 to June 1920. Mr. Schooley then attended Ohio State University from September 20, 1920 through June 15, 1923 and was graduated with a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering.
John P. Schooley, Sr., was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1942 until his death on July 28, 1966. He was also a member of the Southern Ohio Engineering League.
Robert B. Schildknecht
Robert Brainerd Schildknecht, AIA, of Cincinnati served as State Architect & Engineer circa 1940 to 1942 in the administration of Governor John W. BrickerJohn W. Bricker
John William Bricker was a United States Senator and the 54th Governor of Ohio. A member of the Republican Party, he was the Republican nominee for Vice President in 1944.-Early life:...
(1939–1945). Mr. Shildknecht was born on April 8, 1906 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Hughes High School from September 13, 1920 through June 20, 1924, and graduated on June 13, 1924. He attended the Architecture program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology from October 4, 1920 through June 10, 1930, and was graduated with a Bachelor of Science on June 10, 1930.
Robert Brainerd Shildknecht was a member of the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
and its Cincinnati Chapter from 1941 to 1963. As State Architect, he designed the State Health Laboratory at The Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
in 1940. He died on March 24, 1977.
Thomas E. Brand
Thomas Earl Brand, AIA, of Bexley, Ohio, served as State Architect and Engineer circa 1943 to 1944 in the administration of Governor John W. BrickerJohn W. Bricker
John William Bricker was a United States Senator and the 54th Governor of Ohio. A member of the Republican Party, he was the Republican nominee for Vice President in 1944.-Early life:...
(1939–1945). Mr. Brand was born on January 13, 1895 in Portsmouth, Ohio, and attended Portsmouth High School from September 1908 through June 1912, when he graduated. He attended Ohio State University from February 9, 1915 through June 1918, and was graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture.
On October 29, 1923, he began service to the Office of the State Architect and Engineer as designer, field superintendent, estimator, and specification writer. After leaving state service, he was a partner with the father and son team of Charles L. Inscho and C. Curtiss Inscho at the frim of Inscho, Brand & Inscho in Columbus.
Thomas Earl Brand was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1942 until his death on December 17, 1950. He served as vice president of the Columbus Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
from 1944 to 1945.
Floyd F. Glass
Floyd Fellows Glass, AIA, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, served as Consulting Architect circa 1947 to 1948 in the administration of Governor Thomas J. HerbertThomas J. Herbert
Thomas James Herbert was a Republican politician from Ohio. He was the 56th Governor of Ohio.Herbert was born in Cleveland, Ohio. After serving in the Army Air Service during World War I, Herbert returned to Ohio, where he graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1919, and...
(1947–1949).
Mr. Glass was born on June 24, 1892 in Flushing, Ohio, and graduated from Flushing High School in May 1911. He attended Ohio State University. Floyd Fellows Glass was a member of the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
and its Columbus Chapter
AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
from 1944 to 1960.
H. G. Allen
Harry Gillium Allen, AIA, (1889- ) of Columbus, Ohio, served as Consulting State Architect circa 1948 to 1958 in the administrations of Governors Frank J. LauscheFrank J. Lausche
Frank John Lausche was a Democratic politician from Ohio. He served as the 47th mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, as the 55th and 57th Governor of Ohio, and as a United States Senator from Ohio for two terms .-Biography:His family originates from Slovenia. After serving in the U.S...
(1949–1957) and C. William O'Neill
C. William O'Neill
C. William O'Neill was a Republican politician from Ohio. He was born in Marietta, Ohio. He was the 59th Governor of Ohio. He graduated from both Marietta College and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law...
(1957–1959).
Harry Gillium Allen was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1949 to 1959. In the 1956 American Architects Directory, he lists his present occupation as "Con. State Archt. & Eng., State of Ohio."
Carl E. Bentz
Major Carl Ellsworth Bentz, FAIA, of Columbus, Ohio, served as State Architect from February 15, 1958 to January 1978 during the administrations of Governors C. William O'NeillC. William O'Neill
C. William O'Neill was a Republican politician from Ohio. He was born in Marietta, Ohio. He was the 59th Governor of Ohio. He graduated from both Marietta College and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law...
(1957–1959), Michael V. DiSalle
Michael DiSalle
Michael Vincent DiSalle was a Democratic politician from Ohio. He served as the Mayor of Toledo, Ohio and the 60th Governor of Ohio.-Early life and career:...
(1959–1963), James Rhodes
James Rhodes
James or Jim Rhodes is the name of:*James Rhodes , English pianist* James Ford Rhodes , American historian and industrialist* Jim Rhodes , American politician, governor of Ohio...
(1963–1971), John J. Gilligan
John J. Gilligan
John Joyce Gilligan is a American Democratic politician from the state of Ohio who served as a U.S. Representative and the 62nd Governor of Ohio. He is the father of Kathleen Sebelius...
(1971–1975), and the second administration of James Rhodes
James Rhodes
James or Jim Rhodes is the name of:*James Rhodes , English pianist* James Ford Rhodes , American historian and industrialist* Jim Rhodes , American politician, governor of Ohio...
(1975–1983).
Mr. Bentz was born January 8, 1911 in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from West High School, Class of 1929. Attended Ohio State University School of Architecture with an additional major in fine arts; a recipient of Honorary in Tau Sigma Delta, Architecture and Allied Arts; second-place award Ryerson Scholarship; scholarship award to Columbia University of Masters Degree, which he refused. Upon graduation in 1935 he was awarded The American Institute of Architects Medal for Student Excellence.
During World War II, he became Associate Architect to the firm of Jennings and Lawrence Engineers on the design and construction of the Ravenna Ordinance Depot at Ravenna, Ohio, in 1940. He entered the Army Corps of Engineers as 1st Lieutenant and Port Engineer at Ravenna in 1942, then as Captain was reassigned to Erie Proving Ground
Erie Proving Ground
Erie Proving Ground was a United States Army facility in Ottawa County, Ohio. It was originally established in 1918 as Camp Perry Proving Ground, and was at various times named Erie Ordnance Depot and Erie Army Depot. During World War II over 5,000 people were employed there testing various weapon...
as Post Engineer until September 24, 1946, at which time he was awarded The Commendation Medal as a Major, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After the war, he returned to Columbus in 1946 to become a partner in the firm of Tibbals-Crumley-Musson, Architects.
Mr. Bentz was elected to membership in the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
and its Columbus Chapter
AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
on June 6, 1942. He was elevated to Fellowship in 1968 for Public Service. He became a Member Emeritus on May 11, 1978, and remained so until his death on May 6, 1997. He received the Cornerstone Award in 1971 from the Builder’s Exchange of Central Ohio and the AIA Ohio Gold Medal in 1978. He was also a 50-year member of West Gate Lodge 623 F&AM, member of Columbus Maennerchor, Alpha Rho Chi
Alpha Rho Chi
Alpha Rho Chi is a professional co-educational college fraternity for students studying architecture and related professions. The fraternity's name is derived from the first three letters of the Greek word for architecture, αρχιτεκτονική.-Founding:...
Professional Fraternity, and Tau Sigma Delta -honorary in architecture and the allied arts.
Mr. Bentz designed and supervised the design of a number of significant public buildings during his 20-year tenure as State Architect including William T. Jerome Library at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University, often referred to as Bowling Green or BGSU, is a public, coeducational research university located in Bowling Green, Ohio, United States. The institution was granted a charter in 1910 by the State of Ohio as part of the Lowry Bill, which also established Kent State...
; Library, Ohio University; the Ohio Historical Center, ODOT (now Department of Education) Building at 25 South Front Street, BES (now Department of Job & Family Services) Building at 145 South Front Street, and the State Underground Parking Garage beneath the lawn at the Statehouse, all in Columbus.
Don Welsch
Donald C. Welsch of New Albany, Ohio, served as State Architect and Engineer from January 1978 to March 30, 1981 during the administration of Governor James RhodesJames Rhodes
James or Jim Rhodes is the name of:*James Rhodes , English pianist* James Ford Rhodes , American historian and industrialist* Jim Rhodes , American politician, governor of Ohio...
(1975–1983).
Arnold C. Kendall served as Acting State Architect and Engineer from April 11, 1981 to April 17, 1981 Ohio License ARC.5702690 was issued to Charles Arnold Kendall on January 21, 1957. This license expired in 1993.
George Hodge
George K. Hodge, AIA, served as State Architect and Engineer from April 1981 to February 1983 during the administration of Governor James RhodesJames Rhodes
James or Jim Rhodes is the name of:*James Rhodes , English pianist* James Ford Rhodes , American historian and industrialist* Jim Rhodes , American politician, governor of Ohio...
(1975–1983).
George K. Hodge was a member of the American Institute of Architects in 1977.
Lee Martin
Lee Martin, AIA, served as State Architect and Engineer from February 1983 to January 5, 1985 during the administration of Governor Richard F. Celeste (1983–1991).Mr. Martin was elected president of AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
for 1992 but did not complete his term.
Don Pitton, AIA, served as Acting State Architect from January 18, 1985 to April 22, 1985 Ohio License ARC.5302171 was issued to Donald A. Pitton on June 30, 1953. This license expired in 1989. Donald Albert Pitton was a member of the American Institute of Architects from 1965 to 1974.
Carole Olshavsky
Carole Jane Olshavsky, FAIA, served as State Architect from April 22, 1985 to February 15, 1989 during the administration of Governor Richard F. Celeste (1983–1991). She was promoted to Deputy Director of the Public Works Division in February 1989.Ms. Olshavsky was president of AIA Ohio in 1985, and was elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
in 1988. She served as chair of the AIA Public Architects Committee in 1989 and received the AIA Ohio Gold Medal in 1993. Her service to the AIA College of Fellows includes Bursar from 2005 to 2006, Vice-Chancellor in 2007, and Chancellor in 2008.
Tom Poulton, AIA, served as Acting State Architect from February 15, 1989 to June 15, 1989.
Jack Frost
Jack F. Frost, AIA, served as State Architect from June 15, 1989 to July 1991 during the administration of Governors Richard F. Celeste (1983–1991) and George V. Voinovich (1991–1998).Joe Busch
Joseph F. Busch, AIA, served as State Architect from July 15, 1991 to March 28, 1994 during the administration of Governor George V. Voinovich (1991–1998).Fred W. Forbes, AIA, served as Acting State Architect while Deputy Director, Division of Public Works from March 1994 to October 1994.
Steve Lutz served as Acting State Architect from October 1994 to January 9, 1995.
Randy Fischer
Randall A. Fischer, AIA, served as State Architect from January 10, 1995 to June 1997 during the administration of Governor George V. Voinovich (1991–1998). He was subsequently appointed the first Executive Director of the Ohio School Facilities Commission.Steve Lutz served as Acting State Architect from June 1997 to December 1998.
Howard W. Geisler, CDT, served as Acting State Architect from December 1998 to September 29, 2000.
Roger Booker
Roger Byron Booker, AIA, CSI, served as State Architect from October 1, 2000 to February 23, 2007 during the administration of Governor Bob TaftBob Taft
Robert Alphonso "Bob" Taft II is an Ohio Republican Party politician. He was elected to two terms of office as the 67th Governor of the U.S. state of Ohio between 1999-2007. After leaving office, Taft started working for the University of Dayton beginning August 15, 2007.-Personal background:Taft...
(1999–2007).
Mr. Booker was chair of the AIA Public Architects Committee in 1995, served on the Board of Directors of AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
from 2002 to 2003.
Tom Poulton, AIA, served as Acting State Architect from February 24, 2007 to September 30, 2007
Craig Weise
Craig Alan Weise, AIA, CCM, PMP, LEED AP, served as State Architect from October 1, 2007 to January 7, 2011, during the administration of Governor Ted StricklandTed Strickland
Theodore "Ted" Strickland was the 68th Governor of Ohio, serving from 2007 to 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served in the United States House of Representatives, representing ....
(2007-2011).
He was president of the Northern Ohio Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America in 2006.
Lane J. Beougher
Lane Joseph Beougher, AIA, FCSI, LEED AP BD+C, served as Interim State Architect from February 13, 2011 until June 5, 2011, when he was appointed State Architect, during the administration of Governor John R. Kasich (2011- ). Mr. Beougher was vice chair of the AIA Public Architects Committee in 2011, served on the Board of Directors of AIA ColumbusAIA Columbus
AIA Columbus is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Founded in 1913 and nearing its centennial, it is one of the largest urban components of the American Institute of Architects in the Midwestern United States, with members throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio.The Columbus...
from 2003 to 2009 and was chapter president in 2008. He was elevated to fellowship in the Construction Specifications Institute in June 2009, and was founding vice chair of the Central Ohio Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.