Business Details
43 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Design Solutions
Founded in 1983, BDT has spent four decades shaping the built environment through architecture, interior design, and experiential graphics. Our practice integrates sustainable design principles, emphasizing the relationship between time, place, and functionality. With expertise in commercial, healthcare, community, and higher education sectors, we help clients realize their visions while expressing their unique brand identities. Our work spans iconic projects like the OSU Wexner Medical Center kitchens and the Holzer Wellness Center, reflecting our commitment to innovation and quality.Through the BDT Foundation, we extend our impact by supporting underserved communities through design assistance and sustainable building education. Our multidisciplinary team combines technical excellence with creative problem-solving, ensuring solutions that meet both aesthetic and practical needs. With offices in Athens and Columbus, Ohio, we serve clients across the Midwest and beyond, maintaining a focus on local context within every project. Our 40-year legacy reflects a dedication to advancing equitable, environmentally conscious design practices that stand the test of time.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Wayfinding
Experiential Graphics
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have 40 years of experience in architectural design and sustainable practices.
- Our team integrates technical expertise with creative problem-solving for holistic solutions.
- We specialize in complex sectors including healthcare, higher education, and community projects.
- Our work emphasizes environmental responsibility and long-term community impact.
- We maintain a proven track record of transforming client visions into award-winning spaces.
Services
Architecture
BDT provides comprehensive architectural services for commercial, healthcare, and educational facilities. Our approach combines innovative design with functional efficiency, ensuring structures meet both aesthetic goals and practical needs. With decades of experience, we deliver code-compliant, sustainable buildings that enhance their environments while maximizing user experience.
Interior Design
Our interior design solutions create purposeful, inspiring environments tailored to client operations. From healthcare facilities to university centers, we optimize spatial layouts while integrating branding elements and accessibility standards. The team prioritizes material sustainability and long-term usability in every interior project.
Wayfinding
BDT develops intuitive wayfinding systems that enhance user experience in complex environments. Through strategic signage placement and clear visual hierarchy, we create navigation solutions that reduce stress while reinforcing brand identity across healthcare campuses, educational institutions, and commercial properties.
Experiential Graphics
We craft immersive graphic environments that tell stories and strengthen spatial identity. Our experiential graphics combine artistry with functionality in projects ranging from university memorials to healthcare facility branding, using materials and layouts that engage users while serving practical communication needs.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability remains central to our practice since 1983. We implement energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and passive design strategies to minimize environmental impact. Our sustainable approach extends beyond LEED standards, focusing on long-term operational efficiency and occupant well-being across all project types.
People
Nicholas Bittner
Principal Architect / CFO
With decades of architectural experience, Nicholas leads financial operations while maintaining design excellence. His expertise spans complex healthcare and educational projects, ensuring both fiscal responsibility and creative innovation in every BDT endeavor.
Donald Dispenza
Senior Principal Architect / CEO
Donald directs strategic vision and project execution as CEO. His architectural leadership has shaped iconic structures across the Midwest, combining technical mastery with a deep understanding of how built environments impact communities and users.
Jim Thomas
Senior Principal
Jim oversees major design initiatives with 40 years of industry experience. His portfolio includes award-winning educational and healthcare facilities that balance aesthetic innovation with functional requirements, maintaining BDT's legacy of excellence.
Melissa Bittner
Operations Manager
Melissa ensures smooth project delivery and office operations. Her organizational expertise maintains BDT's high standards across simultaneous projects, coordinating teams to meet deadlines while upholding quality in every architectural solution.
Doug Miller
Studio Leader, Architect
As studio leader, Doug bridges creative vision with technical implementation. His architectural solutions for educational and recreational facilities demonstrate BDT's commitment to sustainable, user-centered design that meets evolving client needs.
Questions
What industries does BDT specialize in?
BDT focuses on commercial, healthcare, community, and higher education sectors, with notable projects including university facilities, medical centers, and civic spaces.
How long has BDT been in business?
BDT has provided architectural services since 1983, maintaining a 40-year commitment to sustainable, innovative design solutions.
What sustainable design practices does BDT use?
We implement energy-efficient systems, eco-friendly materials, and passive design strategies that exceed standard sustainability requirements while maintaining functional excellence.
Does BDT work outside Ohio?
While based in Athens and Columbus, Ohio, BDT serves clients across the Midwest and has completed projects in South Dakota and other regions.
What is the BDT Foundation's purpose?
The BDT Foundation provides design assistance to underserved communities and promotes sustainable building practices through educational initiatives and grant-funded projects.
