As the holiday season closes, it offers a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate. For all of us at MSA Design, 2024 has been a remarkable year—a year marked by purpose, growth, and inspiration. Whether we’ve been designing spaces that unite communities, collaborating with visionary clients, or celebrating the incredible talents of our team, every moment has deepened our commitment to the people and places we serve.

At the heart of MSA Design is our vision - EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE designing INSPIRED EXPERIENCES that have an ENDURING IMPACT on the communities we serve.

First and foremost, we are a design-focused firm. Everything we do—whether creating civic landmarks, sports facilities, educational environments, workplaces, branded experiences, or houses of worship—begins with the belief that exceptional design has the power to transform lives.

How Have We Experienced Joy This Year?

For MSA Design, joy stems from the relationships we build—with our team members, our clients, and the communities we serve. These connections allow us to create environments that uplift, inspire, and endure. This year, we saw that joy manifest in countless ways, from the collaboration that shaped our projects to the moments of celebration within our team. Every project is a testament to the creative process, where ideas become designs and designs become meaningful, impactful spaces. This process—centered on collaboration, innovation, and design excellence—is where we find our greatest joy.

Celebrating Team Achievements - Our EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE

The success of MSA Design begins with the exceptional people who bring their passion, creativity, and expertise to every project. This year, we celebrated the achievements of our team with well-deserved promotions, exciting new hires, and an ongoing commitment to mentorship:

Promotions

• Tony Scally and Dan Montgomery were promoted to Associate Principal.
• Nestor Melnyk stepped into the critical role of Director of Higher Education.
• Tricia Gargari was promoted to Associate Principal.
• Tricia Healey and Shannon Strunk were promoted to Associate.

New Talent

We welcomed outstanding professionals to the team, deepening our expertise and enriching our culture:

• Cory Frost, Project Architect
• Allison Rubadue, Project Designer
• Michael Greener, Project Designer
• Hannah Hautz, Receptionist

Investing in the Future

Mentorship continues to be a cornerstone of our culture. This year, we had the privilege of hosting talented student interns from the University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, Tuskegee University, and Ball State University. Their energy, innovation, and fresh perspectives inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries of design.

Milestones of 2024: Shaping INSPIRED EXPERIENCES for Communities Together

As a design-focused firm, 2024 was a year where we saw our vision come to life in projects that spanned diverse markets and scales. Each project represents not just what we build, but the lives we touch and the communities we empower.

Standout Projects of 2024

Paycor Stadium Comprehensive Renovation Plan

We unveiled an ambitious vision for “The Jungle,” home of the Cincinnati Bengals. This transformative project not only enhances the fan experience but reimagines Cincinnati’s riverfront as a vibrant community and entertainment hub.

Centre College Champions Hall

Part of the “Initiative for Wellness and Athletic Excellence,” this project marked the completion of the largest NCAA Division III athletics and recreation facility in the nation—a legacy for generations of students and athletes.

Siddall Hall at University of Cincinnati

Alongside Calhoun Hall, Siddall Hall’s opening celebrated innovation in prefabrication and computational design, setting a new benchmark for modern residence hall construction.

Bob Crane Community Center

Nearing completion in Upper Arlington, this vibrant facility will serve as a cornerstone for community life in Central Ohio.

Gahanna Civic Center

Reflecting our commitment to impactful public-sector design, this new municipal facility will become a “civic heart” for the residents of Gahanna.

Indian Hill Middle School and Performing Arts Campus

This innovative campus opened its doors, offering state-of-the-art spaces for education and the arts.

Xavier University Klekamp Family Training Center

This premier sports training facility has set a new standard for excellence in the Big East Conference.

FC Cincinnati Mercy Health Training Center Expansion

The completion of this expansion fulfilled the vision for a “best in North America” professional training complex, serving both the team and the broader community.

Ball State University

We completed the design phase for two transformative projects: the renovation of the College of Architecture and Planning and the new Eric Foss Championship Performance Center.

McDonald Commons Community Park

This inviting park in Madeira has become a beloved “living room” for community gatherings, events, and celebrations.

Mater Dei Chapel at Mount St. Joseph University

This mid-century architectural treasure earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places, thanks to the meticulous work of our Historic Preservation Studio.

Madeira City Schools

The Elementary School and High School for this high performing district in Greater Cincinnati enjoy newly expanded and renovated buildings to enhance their education.

ProKids Headquarters

A new home for this vital organization equips its team to better serve foster children and families across Southwest Ohio.

The Meadow Center

This state-of-the-art mental health and support facility empowers the Delaware Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board to provide essential services in rural Ohio.

Each of these projects reflects our core belief that exceptional design creates enduring impact.

Looking to the Future: Celebrating 40 Years of MSA Design

As we welcome 2025, we are thrilled to celebrate a monumental milestone: MSA Design’s 40th anniversary. On December 1, 2025, we will mark four decades of creativity, collaboration, and community impact.

This anniversary is a chance to honor our history, celebrate our present, and envision a bold future. We owe special gratitude to Mike Schuster, our CEO and President, whose visionary leadership over the past 40 years has guided MSA Design to national prominence. His unwavering commitment to empowering employees, serving clients, and enriching communities inspires us daily.

We also thank the Principals who comprise our exceptional senior leadership team: Amy Benetti, Dwayne Boso, Chris Bujnak, Sarah Eingle, Katie Freeland, Keith Hall, Steve Langenkamp, Nestor Melnyk, Chris Patek, and Chris Wiethe. Along with our Associate Principals, Associates, and every member of our design community, they are the driving force behind our success.

“Doing All the Good We Can” - Our ENDURING IMPACT

At MSA Design, we believe in the transformative power of design to improve lives and strengthen communities. The words of 18th century English theologian John Wesley resonate deeply with our mission:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

This guiding principle inspires us to create spaces that empower, connect, and uplift. From civic landmarks to community parks, from classrooms to places of worship, each project is an opportunity to design experiences that endure.

Here’s to a Bright 2025

As we bid farewell to 2024, we extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, team members, and community partners. Your trust, dedication, and collaboration have made this year truly extraordinary.

Looking ahead, we are ready to embrace the opportunities of 2025 with optimism, creativity, and an unwavering focus on exceptional design. From all of us at MSA Design, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright, prosperous new year!

Blessings to you and yours, Bill Baker Managing Partner & Vice President, MSA Design