Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner for Innovative Design Solutions
BDT has been transforming the built environment through innovative architectural design for over four decades. Our practice integrates sustainable principles with a deep understanding of how spaces interact with their time and place. We specialize in creating solutions that realize clients' visions across commercial, community, healthcare, and higher education sectors. Our expertise spans architecture, interior design, wayfinding, and experiential graphics, always prioritizing functional aesthetics. The BDT Foundation extends our commitment to equitable design by supporting underserved communities through pro bono services and sustainable building education.With studios in Athens and Columbus, Ohio, we maintain a regional focus while delivering national impact through projects like the OSU Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care facility and the Athens Community Center Roof Recovery. Our team of licensed architects and designers combines technical excellence with creative problem-solving to deliver spaces that reflect brand identities and enhance user experiences. This 40-year legacy of design excellence continues to evolve through our participation in industry-shaping initiatives and our dedication to consensus-driven decision-making processes.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Wayfinding
Experiential Graphics
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40 years of architectural expertise across multiple sectors
- Our practice integrates sustainable design principles as standard
- We specialize in creating brand-expressive spaces for commercial clients
- Our regional focus includes Ohio and South Dakota communities
- We maintain a foundation dedicated to equitable design access
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We handle projects from initial concept through construction documentation, ensuring code compliance and sustainability. Our expertise spans commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that reflect brand identities while optimizing functionality. Our approach combines spatial efficiency with material selection and lighting design to create cohesive, purpose-driven spaces across various sectors.
Wayfinding
Our wayfinding solutions enhance user experience through strategic signage placement and intuitive path design. We create cohesive systems that integrate with architectural elements while meeting accessibility standards in complex environments.
Experiential Graphics
We develop visual storytelling elements that transform spaces into engaging environments. Our graphics combine branding, wayfinding, and decorative elements to create memorable experiences in commercial and institutional settings.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability is embedded in all our projects through energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. We implement passive design strategies and LEED-certified practices to minimize environmental impact while maintaining design integrity.
People
Nicholas Bittner
Principal Architect / CFO
Licensed architect with extensive experience in sustainable design practices. Oversees financial operations while maintaining active involvement in architectural projects and firm management.
Donald Dispenza
Senior Principal Architect / CEO
Design leader with decades of architectural experience. Directs firm strategy and creative vision while contributing to complex project development across multiple sectors.
Jim Thomas
Senior Principal
Seasoned architectural professional guiding key projects and mentoring staff. Focuses on maintaining design excellence and client relationships through the firm's 40-year history.
Doug Miller
Studio Leader, Architect
Licensed architect leading studio operations with expertise in educational facility design. Contributes technical knowledge and project management skills to complex institutional projects.
Melissa Bittner
Operations Manager
Manages day-to-day business operations with focus on efficiency and client service. Coordinates between design teams and administrative functions to ensure smooth project delivery.
Questions
What architectural services does BDT specialize in?
BDT provides full architectural design, interior space planning, wayfinding systems, and experiential graphics for commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities.
How long has BDT been in business?
Our firm has been delivering architectural solutions since 1983, maintaining sustainable design practices for our entire 40-year history.
Which geographic areas does BDT serve?
We primarily serve Ohio with studios in Athens and Columbus, while also undertaking projects in South Dakota and other regions as needed.
Does BDT offer sustainable design expertise?
Sustainability has been integral to our practice since our founding in 1983, with green building principles applied across all project types.
What is the BDT Foundation's role?
Our foundation provides pro bono design services to underserved communities and promotes sustainable building practices through educational initiatives.
