Kevin McCleery

Kevin graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Architecture , he is registered to practice architecture in the State of Ohio. After registration Kevin went to work for a large architecture / engineering firm where he developed a knowledge of building technologies before moving on to a long time stint broadening his skills with an small design firm. Kevin joined the firm in 2018 and immediately dove in to make himself an integral part of the team lending his expertise wherever it is needed.

Kevin has spent 32 years developing a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills that make him an invaluable leader in all phases of the design and construction processes. Kevin’s primary responsibilities at bshm range from the creation of and coordination of detailed construction drawings and specifications form early design stages thru construction of the project. He is working closely with other project architects and consulting engineers on projects in progress.

Mary Jo Kovachik

Michael Ruscitti

After receiving his Master of Architecture from Kent State University, Mike worked for a national developer whose primary business is commercial retail. In 2014, he chose to join the BSHM team to expand his architectural experience.

Mike’s experience includes, Revere Local School District’s Bath Elementary School, renovation and addition to Cleveland Heights High School, Champion PK-8 School, YSU Ward Beecher Lab Renovations, multiple shopping mall renovations, and various commercial development projects. His responsibilities have included client contact, project management, coordination, production, contract administration/construction phase lead, LEED project management, FF&E/Interiors, in-house IT Management, as well as, BIM management and implementation.

Stephen Zerefos

After achieving his Master of Architecture from Kent State University, Steve worked for a small firm in Warren, Ohio, whose primary business was design work for K-12 schools and religious institutions. In 1996, as part of a firm-wide expansion, BSHM acquired that firm and retained Steve.

Steve’s experience includes work on numerous new school projects, as well as several renovations, ADA retrofits, theater conversions/expansions and various-sized additions to all types of academic facilities. His responsibilities range from creating production drawings, detailing building sections, reviewing shop drawing and technical submittal drawings to coordinating construction processes. In his spare time, Steve enjoys spending time outdoors. This is apparent in his previous service as a board member for Trumbull County MetroParks, in addition to being a volunteer trail builder at a county park for seven years.

Annette Santoro

Michael Vala

Mike Vala graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and from the Boston Architectural College in 2011 with a Master of Architecture Degree. Registered with the state of Ohio and with NCARB, he has been with the firm since 2008.

Mike looks for contextual and efficient solutions to design problems, with the goal of creating dynamic and engaging spaces that are unique to each project. An attention to detail and a sensitivity to a client’s desires fuel his drive to produce superior design solutions in all aspects of construction. Mike takes most pride in providing a team oriented attitude toward project completion.

Mike has experience with general office facilities, higher educational research facilities, and musical rehearsal & performance facilities, as well as both single family and multi-family residential design; his major focus is on K-12 facilities, engaging his enthusiasm for being given the opportunity to help shape the physical learning environment for the children of the communities.

Mike is active in the AIA having helped establish the “Mastering the Business of Architecture” educational lecture series for the local chapter, and recently served as the President of the Columbus Chapter of the AIA in 2020. He currently is a member of the Columbus Center for Architecture and Design Board of Trustees.

Jay Crafton

Since 1980, Jay has maintained experience in the architectural and the construction industry. With the combined experience of working as an apprentice architect and the completion of an Applied Science Engineering Degree, he successfully achieved his Architectural Registration in 1994.

Jay’s work experience includes serving as project architect for numerous projects in a variety of building types. He has completed academic, healthcare, institutional, athletic and professional sports facilities. His unique background includes a combination of architectural and engineering experience. Jay is dedicated to pursuing sustainable design strategies and the adaptive reuse of buildings.

John Orsini

John joined BSHM in 2008 and has been practicing architecture since 1991. Throughout the years, he built a diverse portfolio of work, with a concentration on institutional projects. Project types include fine and professional arts facilities, libraries, and academic buildings. John’s primary focus has been in the development of buildings from programming/schematic design through contract administration. He has the ability to understand the relationship between quality of space and realities of construction and project budget.

John’s work experience has included all aspects of OFCC projects including project administration, project design, documentation and project contract administration. Since 2008, John has worked extensively on K-12 projects serving in all aspects of professional design services for K-12 school and OFCC K-12 experience.

Byron Manchester

Byron is the President and Principal-in Charge of BSHM Architects. He serves as the executive leader, overseeing operations of both the Columbus and Youngstown, Ohio locations while leading the direction of Design and Planning within the firm.

Upon joining BSHM in 1999, Byron developed his skills in the practice of educational design under the mentorship of Paul Ricciuti, FAIA, NCARB and Gary Balog, FAIA. Recognizing that sustainable practices are inherent in the responsible practice of architecture, Byron earned his accreditation as a LEED Professional in 2005. Byron has grown the firm’s portfolio with major PK-12, higher education, historic adaptive re-use and multi-family, commercial and retail projects.
In the past 23+ years at BSHM, Byron has been working to understand the incredibly complex nature of the built environment’s impact upon the human conditions of health and well-being within our communities. He is recognized for a keen design sensitivity, inclusive management skills and thorough Educational Planning abilities. These traits have earned the trust of many long term clients.

Byron’s mission is to perpetuate the company’s established culture of empathy, compassion and service to community. He accomplishes this though client, staff and project management, planning and design.

Mary Dennis

Ms. Dennis joined the firm in 1986, left to pursue an opportunity as an administrator with the Public Housing Authority, and returned to work for the firm in 2000. She became a registered architect in 1992 by passing the District of Columbia’s architect’s examination. Ms. Dennis served on the Board of Commissioners for the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority for a period of five years.

Ms. Dennis has been involved on numerous projects in the role of Project Architect. She works under the leadership of one of the firm’s principals to develop all aspects of the project into implementation. These tasks include design, interoffice management for completion of drawings, coordination of engineering and architectural design, client contact, contract administration and construction phase lead.

Ms. Dennis has outstanding skills in design, construction documents, and project management. She has an understanding that the details of a building are what make architecture, and has made client service the hallmark of her professional efforts.