MISSION

At DVA Architecture, we are driven by our passion for design excellence and our unwavering dedication to our clients. Our mission is to provide superior architectural services that enhance the built environment, prioritize client needs, and contribute positively to the communities we serve. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness, we aim to be your preferred architectural firm, building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and exceptional results.

VISION
We strive to make the world a more sustainable, functional, and beautiful place to live, work, learn, and play through honest collaboration with clients, project partners, and the community, with an emphasis on great client experiences and design solutions that exceed expectations.

DVA Architecture President Christopher Dewey is a Registered Architect in Ohio, New York, and South Carolina with over 26 years of professional design experience. Beyond serving as our team leader, Chris directs complex K-12 projects, including the restoration of Shaker Heights City School District's Fernway Elementary after a devastating fire and the Sunbeam Elementary School for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. He is passionate about creating educational environments that are safe, inspiring, and aligned with each district’s goals. Serving as the primary liaison between clients and project teams, Chris ensures seamless coordination from design through construction, overseeing all architectural and interior design efforts with a focus on collaboration, quality, and long-term impact. Chris is a member of the American Institute of Architects, NCARB Certified, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a U.S. Green Building Council Member.

Sports and Recreation Studio Director and Principal John Kaminski is a Registered Architect with over 21 years of experience. He has led our team on multiple exciting projects with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including the Center Court Team Shop Renovation, which won AIA Ohio's 2024 People's Choice Award, as well as projects for the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Charge, as well as Higher Education sports projects. John is passionate about creating engaging, functional sports and recreation environments and specializes in 3D rendering and visualization to bring client visions to life before construction begins. He collaborates closely with clients, consultants, and project teams to ensure each project meets design goals and sustainable standards. John is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a U.S. Green Building Council Member.

Melissa Fliegel is an Associate Principal and Registered Architect with over 28 years of experience. She has proudly been with DVA Architecture her entire career. Beyond serving as a leader and mentor to our team, Melissa spearheads our healthcare design work, creating environments that enhance patient care and support clinical staff through human-centered, innovative solutions. Melissa has guided our team through multiple major projects for high-profile institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Her hands-on style ensures that each design aligns with the client’s goals, vision for patient experience, operational efficiency, and staff well-being. She is certified in Infection Control Risk Assessment for Healthcare Construction and is a U.S. Green Building Council Member.

Associate Principal Justin Fliegel is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 28 years of experience. Justin's expertise lies in his passion for projects that enhance higher education learning environments, support student success, and reflect the mission of each institution. Justin manages projects from conception through completion, aligning client goals with innovative and sustainable solutions. Known for his collaborative approach, he works closely with staff, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure design intent is achieved and challenges are resolved seamlessly. He has led our team on a variety of projects for colleges and universities, including Case Western Reserve University, The Ohio State University, and Kent State University. Justin is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the U.S. Green Building Council.

Holly Grambort is a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 26 years of experience. She is particularly skilled in blending innovative design with storytelling-through-design to craft exhibits that inspire respect for the natural world. Her work emphasizes creating experiences that are engaging for visitors, enriching for animals, and supportive of each institution’s mission and vision. Holly has been a leader on a variety of projects at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, including Susie’s Bear Hollow and the Primate Forest, as well as the Akron Zoo. She consistently aligns design solutions with client goals, blending sustainability with a deep commitment to animal welfare, education, and conservation. Holly is a Registered Architect in Ohio and Michigan, NCARB Certified, and a U.S. Green Building Council Member.

Julie is a certified NCIDQ Interior Designer and Associate with over 13 years of professional experience, recognized for her ability to craft workplace environments that prioritize both functionality and human-centered design. Her approach combines creative vision with strategic execution, resulting in spaces that foster both comfort and productivity. Julie has been a driving force on projects such as Dix & Eaton’s Playhouse Square Headquarters and the Cleveland Guardians’ Administration Offices at Progressive Field. Her expertise in Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment design and procurement ensures cohesive, high-performing interiors that align with clients’ goals. As both a LEED and WELL Accredited Professional, Julie is committed to sustainable, wellness-focused design practices. Julie is a member of the International Interior Design Association, Cleveland Akron chapter.