Stories

Founding Story:

As the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate their 25th season, The Columbus Architectural Studio looks back on the project that shaped both a district and a way of working — the creation of Nationwide Arena and the Arena District.

What began as a vision to transform a brownfield site into a vibrant downtown neighborhood came to life through the collaboration of many hands and minds. The arena itself was designed by Heinlein + Schrock, led by George Heinlein and Brad Schrock, whose design established the architectural tone for the district. The master plan, developed by Keith Myers and the MSI team (now MKSK), wove together streets, plazas, and public spaces into a cohesive urban framework that serves as a downtown destination.

At the time, Dan Hanes was part of the Heinlein + Schrock team, working closely with George, Brad, and Keith on the design and coordination of Nationwide Arena and the early phases of the district’s development. It was a formative experience — shaped by generous mentorship and a shared belief that buildings and public spaces should serve the lives around them.

Those collaborations forged relationships that continue today. The lessons learned from the Arena District — teamwork across disciplines, respect for context, and design rooted in community — remain foundational to how The Studio works.

After years of collaboration on projects throughout the district, including Huntington Park and other civic and mixed-use developments, several architects who had grown through that shared experience chose to form a new practice built on those same values. The Columbus Architectural Studio was founded by Yen and Dan Hanes, David Tyler, Duk Young Lee, and Abbie Stiers, carrying forward the belief that architecture should be collaborative, purposeful, and grounded in place.

Today, The Studio continues to work with Nationwide Realty Investors, MKSK, and many others across Columbus — contributing to the next generation of projects that connect design and community. Our story began in the Arena District, and our work continues to build on that same spirit of cooperation and care that first brought the team together.

Looking back on the firm’s first nine years, the leaders of The Studio share what has inspired them along the way and the vision they hold for the future.

Motivation:

• What inspired you to transition from 360/HOK to starting your own firm?

DH – We wanted to take out the middle layer between us and the client. At a big firm, it wasn’t always clear who was responsible for what. Starting our own practice meant we could work more directly and clearly with our clients.

DL – I don’t think this was a top priority for me at the time. If Dan hadn’t approached me with his idea of starting a new firm, I don’t think I would have happened as soon as it did. So… it was Dan that planted the seed 😊. 

YH – We’ve always wanted to have a place of our own, so we seized the opportunity.

AS – I started at 360 when there were talks that HOK was going to purchase our office. After working for numerous large firms, I was excited to help the office transition and grow into its own.

• What are the values or principles you set out to prioritize when you founded the firm + how have you maintained them?

DL – Thoughtful research, good design, thoughtful collaboration. I think we’ve been able to maintain these values by clearly defining what these values mean to us and regularly evaluating whether our processes are aligning with these values throughout the course of the project. 

YH – We wanted to be equitable in all business aspects, including pay, workload, and decisions. 

Client Relationships & Growth:

• Are there any specific projects that really capture the essence of what The Studio is about?

DH – I don’t think any one project exemplifies our design philosophy. We’re not a “signature project” firm—what ties our work together is the way we work: Listen first, we dig into what the client really needs and hopes for. Respect context, we read the site—spatial, environmental, and social—before we draw a line. Improve daily life, buildings should support and uplift the people who use them. Plan for change, spaces have to flex with new uses and new users. You pick nearly any project, the Crew training facility, Parksedge Condos,  Dublin Park Pavilion, Starling Garage, and over 200 others – you’ll see those four threads.

DL – I think the diversity of projects – whether by size, type, or aesthetic style – demonstrates our nimbleness and resilience as well as a commitment to creating context-driven designs. 

YH – The OSU Pump Station on Cannon Drive – This little unassuming building houses three pumps large enough to handle the 500 year flood event, so that previously unusable is now being developed. It also required coordination with two sets of engineers for Structure and MEP – one for below grade and one above grade. This speaks to The Studio’s ability to listen and work with a complex team to deliver a quality project quietly for the benefit of everyone.

• Is there project/ portfolio piece that you personally look back on fondly + why?

DL – Dublin Park Pavilion – it was one of the first projects in which I was involved from concept to construction. 

YH – Any of the parking garages where we’ve been the Architect of Record working through CA  because of the nice team camaraderie that developed from the Design Team to the General Contractor and the subs as we all work together to solve the various issues.

AS – For me, it may always be Parks Edge Condominiums. It was my first project with The Studio, a developer, and first multi-family. I worked on it for nearly 10 years through all the different phases, and customized more than half the 200-plus units. 

• What has helped the firm maintain long-term relationships with clients over the years?

YH – Our strengths are ourselves, the collective of highly motivated and talented people working to maintain a creative culture find the best solutions for our community.

AS – We have always been committed to excellence. It is hard for any of us to solve a client problem as “good enough,” but strive to exceed their vision and expectations. We resolve our clients’ concerns with spaces we make and continue to listen to their challenges and specific needs through the entire process.

Team & Culture:

• Describe the culture at The Studio in just a few words.

DH – A friendly bunch of creative oddballs and Yen.

DL – Quirky, vibrant, collaborative.

YH – We’ve been able to develop a nice body of work, maturity, and we continue to evolve.

AS – Passionately unique.

• How has your approach to leadership evolved as the firm has grown?

DH – I ask more of people—and make sure they feel valued for what they give.

DL – I think I’m still in the process of figuring that out, but I think it involves striking a good balance between fostering a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can flourish and managing the hands-on details.

AS – As I have had the blessing of working with many great leaders in the profession and also clients, through these people, I have learned that a leader can play a variety of roles that are important to the success of an office or project. A leader must be flexible and acknowledge their own strengths, weaknesses, and those around them as well.

• What’s something you’re proud of when you think about the internal culture that’s developed over the years?

DH – We learn from our mistakes and come back stronger every time.

YH – Pride is one of the sins, but I’m proud that we believe in ourselves.

AS – With our wildly different personalities, we solve some of the most complex projects. If it were easy work, I don’t think The Studio would last long. Bring us a challenge!

Reflections & Looking Ahead:

• As you reflect over the past 9 years, what are you most proud of?

DH – The sheer volume—and quality—of work we’ve delivered.

DL – I think I am proud of and, more importantly, grateful that The Studio has endured the bumps and trials along the road and continues to thrive. It is a testament to the commitment and resilience of the team and the passion we put into every project.

YH – The friendships and encouragement given by friends who believe in us.

AS – That we have evolved while keeping our personality and goals intact.

• Share a turning point when you realized the firm had “made it” in Columbus?

DH – When we got our own Nugget Ice Machine.

DL – I think every day that we’ve been/we are in business is a confirmation that we have “made it” in Columbus.

• What’s next—how do you hope to grow or evolve in the coming years?

DH – Developing our next generation of leaders.

DL – Continuing to do good design with good clients that have a good impact on their community.

YH – Something like the final lyrics from the theme song from The Six Million Dollar Man: “We have the technology, better, stronger, faster”. I would like for us to develop a “brand identity” all across platforms so that even from a long distance away, it would be recognizable as a Studio effort.

AS – We have an awesome set of younger folks who surprise me with their interests, talents, and passions every day. I look forward to seeing them grow and push us to an even greater variety of projects and clients.