Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE) has named Ben Niebauer as The Ohio State University’s new University Architect. His first day in the role will be Monday, October 7.
Niebauer brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having most recently worked as an associate principal for DesignGroup, Inc., leading the higher education market sector of their studio to positively impact campuses, communities and people through innovative planning and design.
"We are thrilled to add Ben to our team," said Amanda Hoffsis, PARE vice president. "Ben has extensive expertise across a wide range of project types, working with a diverse array of clients and market sectors."
The bulk of Niebauer's 20-year career has focused squarely on higher education and he has advised clients at more than 40 campuses across the country through the process of realizing their visions, yielding more than five million square feet of built work and another 30+ million square feet planned. Niebauer also spent time as an adjunct faculty of interior design at the Columbus College of Art and Design early in his career.
As university architect, Niebauer will provide focused leadership relating to architectural design, strategic planning, historic preservation and overall stewardship of the built campus environment. He will work closely with the University Design Review Board (DRB), Facilities Design and Construction, college and unit leaders, and other key stakeholders to play an active role in guiding and shaping the design of projects of various sizes and scales across the Columbus and regional campuses.
Niebauer earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati and has since worked across the state, and region, to impact planning and design.