

About Me.
Nicholas Faehnle is an architect and Director of Design with more than two decades of experience shaping thoughtful, community centered environments. Through architecture, academic pursuit, community engagement, travel, and an interdisciplinary approach to design, he immerses himself in a larger continuum of experience that enriches and challenges his critical thinking.
At the core of Nicholas’s work is a belief that empathy is the basis of innovation, a principle that transforms design into an act of generosity. This perspective informs every stage of his process, from conceptual thinking to realized form, and enables him to approach a wide range of project types with authenticity, sensitivity, and purpose.
As Design Director, Nicholas guides projects from inception to completion, leading design strategy, business development, and the alignment of each project with the values and aspirations of clients and communities alike. His work balances aesthetic beauty with civic and cultural significance, creating spaces that foster connection, inspire pride, and enrich the human experience.

awards & recognition.
2017
2018
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2015
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2022​​​
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2022
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2023
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2025
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Ohio Award of Tremendous Attainment for Community Service. Ohio State Senate
Clifton Blvd. & West Blvd. Historic District Review Cert. of Appreciation
AIA/IIDA - Office Design of the Year
Zashin & Rich. Cleveland, OH
AIA Ohio - People’s Choice Award
PwC Experience Center. San Francisco, CA
IIDA Ohio/Kentucky- Design of the Year
PwC Experience Center. San Francisco, CA
AIA CLE - Honorable Mention Award - Interior Architecture
Fahrenheit. Cleveland, OH
AIA CLE - Honor Award - Interior Architecture
Cleveland Foundation Headquarters. Cleveland, OH
Urban Land Institute - ULI Americas Awards for Excellence
Cleveland Foundation Headquarters. Cleveland, OH
IIDA Ohio/Kentucky- Design of the Year Creative Space
Cleveland Institute of Art. IML Cleveland, OH
AIA Ohio - Honor Award
Cleveland Foundation Headquarters Interiors. Cleveland, OH
