History
Richard L. Bowen founded the company in 1959 and served as President until his retirement in 2019.
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In those 60 years Bowen grew to a nationally licensed firm with engineering and construction service capabilities. Today, Bowen is a 100% Employee-Owned company with Allan Renzi, AIA as President.
Integration of new technology has always been central to our practice. We were early adopters of CAD and BIM and continue developing new tools to communicate our design to clients and project partners. With virtual walk-throughs, 3-D printing, and other emerging tools, our partners can immersively experience and comment on buildings before they’re built.
Services
Bowen is a multi-disciplinary firm led by architecture and supported by engineering and construction services.
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Our comprehensive services streamline project management and create continuity for our clients. Our Construction Management department offers both enhanced CA and CM as Agent services. Our civil department serves as municipal engineers for three northeast Ohio cities.
Our projects are evenly split between public and private sectors, with specializations in transportation, public safety, commercial development, and retail programs.
Culture
We are passionate about great design and developing great designers.
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We share insights, bounce ideas off one another, and are quick to help with complex projects and unique challenges. We engage staff at all levels with weekly company meetings, monthly “Third Thursday Thinking” panel discussions about practices and career development, wellness initiatives, education programs, and social events throughout the year
Our mission is to create innovative design for tomorrow’s environment. Three key values drive our practice: integrity, innovation, and ownership.
Equity
Bowen is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
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As our team members grow professionally, we want them to do so as their authentic selves. We recognize and continuously communicate EDI policy to our staff, our clients, and the public. We provide a mentorship program opportunity for all staff members and encourage each to have an Individual Development Plan. We set and share measurable annual goals within the firm. We follow and consistently review industry standards for salaries based on experience and performance.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Bowen is a full-service, multi-disciplined firm. Meet the leadership team for our architectural design, interior design, and engineering services.
Allan L. Renzi
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
President
Allan’s passion for architecture and great design has guided him through over 30 years in the industry. Through his early work at design-focused firms, Allan honed his skills, developed his attention to detail, and furthered his passion for design. Allan then came to Bowen where he quickly moved into management, leading not only the design process but all aspects of project development. Now, as President, Allan uses his passion for design to mentor and guide Bowen’s team to create inspiring designs for the communities they serve.
When Allan became president, and Bowen became 100% employee-owned, his first goal was to develop a creative and inspiring environment for success and share that success directly with the team. A relocation, a new management structure, a rebrand, and increased education about employee-ownership have led to a vibrant, collaborative culture that celebrates great architecture and develops top talent.
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Ken’s enthusiasm for seeing designs become a reality has not waned after 25+ years. He thrives working on intricate projects with multiple user groups and specialized teams. Ken leads our transit projects in addition to work with public safety and corporate headquarters. Secret Weapon: Dad jokes.
Ken Emling
AIA, NCARB
Director | Public Architecture
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Kyle had his mind set on becoming an architect since he was a child playing Legos. He enjoys the challenge of creating something that raises client standards and has a positive impact on users and the environment in which it sits. Loves to Play: tennis
Kyle Hulewat
AIA, NCARB
Director | Design
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Melanie’s favorite part of being an architect is being the go-to resource for client questions and needs. She loves that she has multiple clients that she continues to work with after 20+ years. After Work Favorites: cheering for her kids, wine with friends, binging good (and not so good) TV.
Melanie Lewis
AIA, NCARB, IIDA
Director | Practice
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Bill’s portfolio includes national roll-outs, distribution centers, multi-family housing, and mixed-use/entertainment. As Director of Commercial Architecture, Bill manages national programs, including ground-up construction, renovations and upgrades, and upfits. Health Regimen: bourbon and CrossFit.
William J. Lewis
RA, LEED AP BD+C
Director | Commercial Architecture
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Bowen was Carol’s final job interview after college. She was inspired by our devotion to quality and diversity of projects—and is still impressed 35+ years later. She serves as Secretary and Treasurer and leads accounting and HR. Rooting for: her daughters’ soccer and lacrosse teams.
Carol Padvorac
CPA
Director | Finance
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For David, the built environment is the family business. He is passionate about community engagement and guiding clients through the grant application process in order for them to obtain available funds at the local, state and federal levels. Alter Ego: raising champion show-dogs.
David H. Bowen
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Pietro (“Pete”) has always been interested in creating and fixing things. He likes working on a team to develop creative and efficient site plans and systems that have a long-lasting personal impact on stakeholders. Happy Place: Anything outdoors (hiking, biking, kayaking, gardening).
Pietro A. DiFranco
PE, LEED AP BD+C
Manager | Civil Engineering
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Early interests in science and math—and his father’s career as a FAA computer technician—led Jack to electrical engineering. He loves collaborating with different disciplines on ground-up and renovation projects in public and private sectors. Rooting For: the Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians.
Jack E. McNeely
PE
Manager | Electrical Engineering
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Rob has always wanted to be an architect and grew up taking things apart and putting them together again. He loves to help create places and spaces for others to enjoy while also coaching the next generation of designers. Childhood Dream: to be a “heart attack” (before he could pronounce “architect.”)
Rob Green
AIA, NCARB
Senior Project Manager
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Robyn is drawn to architecture’s element of service. She leads many of our public safety and justice projects, which she views as community investments that must serve current demands yet be flexible enough to evolve with changing needs. Top Vices: Craft beer, yoga, and the Oxford comma.
Robyn Wolf
AIA
Project Manager
