Bio:
The great architect, Jill Van Auken AIA is the Principal of Van Auken Akins Architects LLC, an award-winning architecture, interior design, and construction management firm. With over 35 years of professional experience, Jill has facilitated projects in nearly every sector. Jill was recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners as a Top Ten Business Owner, is a member of Smart Business’ Smart 50 Class of 2019, and was recently regarded as one of Greater Cleveland’s Most Influential Women.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My father, Richard A. Van Auken AIA, was an Architect whom I admired greatly. I was only 1 of 11 women in my graduating class at Notre Dame’s School of Architecture and, against many odds, I successfully grew our firm from 1 to a team of 25.

What do you do?
I am an Architect and Principal of Van Auken Akins Architects LLC, an award-winning architecture, interior design, and construction management firm in downtown Cleveland.

What excites you in the work you do?
Working with my amazing team at VAA to create successful projects for hundreds of clients brings me great joy. Our team’s communication with clients sets the tone for the success of every project.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
My team of talented architects and designers not only inspires me but more importantly, challenges our firm to continue to push the boundaries of innovation.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud to say that I have owned my firm for the past 27 years. It’s been a great journey – as a new mom and a female architect, starting my own business. I persevered through challenges and built relationships, all very proud moments.

Featured Project Name: 
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Sunbeam PreK-8 School
 
Featured Project Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Architect, Principal, Project Manager
 
Featured Project Description:
Sunbeam is a 96,394 SF preK-8 school within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and now serves as a gateway to the Larchmere neighborhood. Jill’s team designed an inclusive solution that provides their medical and developmental needs students with access to resources throughout the facility. Her design team was responsive to the scale of the homes in the neighborhood and designed with the intent to make Sunbeam a connector, creating a cornerstone for the region as it continues to grow.

Photography Credit:
Eric Hanson


Featured Project Name: 
University School
 
Featured Project Location: 
Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
Various

Role in Featured Project: 
Architect, Principal, Project Manager
 
Featured Project Description:
Transforming University School’s Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley campuses required ingenuity and keen insight into the preservation of the Shaker historic architecture and Hunting Valley site. Jill and her design team designed a new Primary Wing as well as Conway Hall, a state-of-the-art performing arts and science complex, and the new 108,617 SF Kilroy Field House, which allows the students the opportunity to participate in athletic activities year-round.

Photography Credit:
Van Auken Akins Architects LLC