OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is ranked #11 among engineering firms in Oklahoma by The Journal Record. A distinguished daily business and legal newspaper focused on local and statewide business trends, The Journal Record recognizes engineering firms based on the number of licensed engineers in the state.

Earning a place among Oklahoma’s leading engineering firms reflects LDG’s ongoing commitment to delivering innovative design solutions, exceptional client service, and meaningful community impact. This ranking highlights the strength of our multidisciplinary team and our continued dedication to serving clients across Oklahoma and the surrounding region.

As LDG continues to expand its presence and capabilities, we remain focused on creating environments that support the people and communities we serve while advancing our mission to deliver value-driven results.

LEARN MORE: Explore Career Opportunities with LDG

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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COLUMBUS, OH – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is ranked #36 on the list of Biggest Engineering Firms by Columbus Business First (CBF). A leading business journal in the region, CBF’s annual lists and rankings highlight top-performing firms across a range of industries throughout Central Ohio.

RELATED LINK: Learn more about our Engineering Services

This continued recognition reflects LDG’s sustained presence among the region’s largest engineering firms and underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, value-driven solutions for clients and communities.

LEARN MORE: Explore career opportunities with LDG

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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In his new role, Ron will oversee operational performance and strategic growth for LDG’s federal programs while continuing to support the firm’s commitment to delivering full-service architecture, engineering and consulting solutions to federal clients around the world.

“Ron has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and a strong commitment to our clients and employees,” said David Schaarsmith, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His experience managing complex projects and leading high-performing teams has been instrumental to the continued growth of our Federal Group. We are excited to see him continue to expand his impact in this new role.”

Ron has been with LDG since 2017 and has served in various leadership roles across LDG including our Federal operations as well as prior leadership roles within our Civil and Buildings Groups.  He brings more than 20 years of experience in the federal market including both small and large engineering consulting firms and his deep understanding of LDG’s culture, clients, and delivery approach positions him well to lead our Federal Group.

Ron is a licensed professional engineer and holds LEED AP and CQM-C certifications.

RELATED LINK: Learn more about LDG’s capabilities for the Federal Market.

About LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit our website or explore careers at LDG.

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In competitive retail and restaurant environments, the built space plays a measurable role in how customers perceive a brand and how efficiently a business operates. Layout, lighting, material selection, and circulation patterns all influence customer behavior, staff workflows, and long-term operating costs. Thoughtful design therefore becomes a strategic tool rather than a purely visual exercise.

At Larson Design Group (LDG), retail and restaurant projects are approached through the lens of performance, focusing on how a space functions day to day and how it supports business objectives over time. Design decisions are informed by both architectural intent and engineering realities, helping clients align customer experience with operational efficiency.

Design as a Business Driver

Effective retail design balances customer-facing elements with behind-the-scenes functionality. Across projects with single-location operators, multi-site brands, franchisees, and developers, common design goals tend to include:

• Improving circulation and visibility to support customer flow
• Enhancing operational layouts to reduce inefficiencies
• Creating environments that are consistent with brand identity while remaining adaptable

Design interventions may range from storefront and façade updates to energy-efficient systems or back-of-house reconfigurations, each evaluated for long-term performance and maintainability.

RELATED LINK: Learn more about our services for the Retail Market. 

Lessons from Active Projects

Feedback from national and regional clients highlights recurring themes that are critical to successful retail delivery:

• The value of multidisciplinary coordination when unforeseen challenges arise
• The importance of clear documentation and proactive communication
• The impact of permitting and regulatory expertise on schedule certainty

These factors often influence project outcomes as much as the physical design itself.

Designing for a Fast-Moving Industry

Retail and restaurant projects operate on compressed timelines and are shaped by shifting consumer expectations. Successful delivery requires flexibility, speed, and coordination across disciplines. An integrated, in-house approach allows design and engineering teams to respond quickly to change, reduce handoff delays, and manage cost impacts without compromising quality.

“Retail environments are in a constant state of evolution, requiring teams to balance adaptability with disciplined project execution,” said Brent Dressler, LDG Market Manager.

Why the Built Environment Matters

Well-designed retail and restaurant spaces do more than meet functional requirements. They influence dwell time, comfort, and repeat visits. Elements such as lighting strategy, material durability, spatial flexibility, and energy performance all contribute to how a space supports both brand expression and daily operations.

Recognition on industry lists such as VMSD’s Top Retail Design Firms reflects ongoing engagement with these evolving design challenges.

ABOUT LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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Michael brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in strategic growth, business development, program management, and operations within the multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning industry. He has a proven track record of driving market expansion, strengthening client relationships, and delivering measurable financial results across complex, multidisciplinary environments.

Prior to joining LDG, Michael served as a Vice President at Michael Baker International, where he led enterprise- and practice-level growth strategies, managed large federal program portfolios, and supported expansion across federal, state, and local markets. His experience includes leading large-scale IDIQ contracts, developing capture strategies, aligning growth initiatives with operational capacity, and advancing strategic partnerships across the AEC industry.

In his role at LDG, Michael will be responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s long-term growth strategy. He will focus on market expansion, revenue diversification, and enterprise-wide initiatives while working closely with operations, market leaders, business development, and marketing teams to ensure alignment between strategy and delivery. Michael will also serve as a key advisor to LDG’s senior leadership team, helping position the firm for continued, sustainable growth.

“Mike’s ability to translate strategy into measurable growth outcomes is exactly what we need as we continue to scale and grow,” said David Schaarsmith, President and Chief Executive Officer of LDG. “His experience aligning market strategy with operational execution, combined with his deep understanding of the federal and public-sector landscape, will strengthen our ability to pursue the right opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and drive long-term value for our clients and our firm.”

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University and is a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development and is the current President of the Penn State Beaver Campus Advisory Board. He will be based in LDG’s Pittsburgh office.

LEARN MORE: Explore career opportunities with LDG

ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, LDG has delivered value-driven solutions to a diverse client base while investing in sustainable practices and innovative technologies that support its vision: creatively shaping our world.

The post LDG Welcomes Michael Lincheck, AICP, as Senior Director of Strategic Growth Strategies appeared first on Larson Design Group.

PITTSBURGH, PA – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is proud to announce its continued recognition by Engineering News-Record (ENR) as one of the Top 250 Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting firms in the country.

In ENR’s annual Top 500 Design Firms list – one of the most respected rankings in the AEC industry – LDG has landed at #240, reflecting the firm’s sustained growth and strong market presence. This highlights LDG’s ongoing commitment to strategic expansion, deepening client relationships, and delivering high-quality, multidisciplinary solutions across its markets.

“This recognition reflects the strength of our people, the trust of our clients, and our focus on delivering meaningful results,” said LDG President and CEO David Schaarsmith, AICP, LEED AP. “We’re proud to continue building momentum as we grow thoughtfully and remain dedicated to excellence in everything we do.”

ENR ranks firms based on a combination of factors including revenue, market reach, and services offered. Earning a place on this list is a notable achievement in the AEC industry, and LDG has been consistently recognized since first appearing in the rankings in 2010.

LEARN MORE: Explore career opportunities with LDG

ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, LDG has delivered value-driven solutions to a diverse client base while investing in sustainable practices and innovative technologies that support its vision: creatively shaping our world.

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Mentorship plays a critical role in professional growth, and at Larson Design Group (LDG), Eric Kellogg, PE, Principal Engineer, is redefining what effective mentorship can look like. Through an approach he calls Mentorship Cadence, Eric has created a collaborative, skill‑building forum where junior engineers work through real engineering and design challenges together guided by experience and open discussion.

The result is a more intentional rhythm of learning that strengthens technical skills, builds confidence, and supports better project outcomes.

Moving Beyond the Traditional 1:1

Early‑career engineers often learn quickly on the job, but opportunities to pause, ask questions, and explore the “why” behind design decisions can be limited. Recognizing this gap, Kevin Altman, PE, Senior Project Manager encouraged a more regular and structured approach to mentoring working with Eric to establish a consistent forum where junior staff could engage more deeply with engineering concepts while learning from one another.

What Is Mentorship Cadence?

Mentorship Cadence is a group‑based mentoring approach centered on collaboration. Junior engineers bring real design and engineering challenges to the table, and together the group works through those issues with Eric’s guidance. Sessions remain practical and relevant, often tied directly to current project work, with a focus on evaluating options, applying standards thoughtfully, and communicating decisions clearly.

Turning Experience into Growth

A key strength of Mentorship Cadence is the experience Eric brings to the discussion, including his background working with PennDOT. That perspective helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing how design decisions impact quality, constructability, and long‑term outcomes.

“When junior engineers feel supported and encouraged to engage, the learning accelerates and that benefits both the individual and the firm,” said Eric Kellogg, PE.

A Model Worth Sharing

The impact of Mentorship Cadence extends beyond individual development, contributing to improved workflows, clearer documentation, and stronger design deliverables. By investing in structured mentorship, LDG strengthens both its people and its processes, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and helping develop the next generation of technical leaders.

RELATED: Innovation + Insights: A Winning Gameplan for Successful Mentorships – Larson Design Group

ABOUT LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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PITTSBURGH, PA – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is proud to be recognized at #33 on the 2026 Largest Pittsburgh-area Architecture Firms List by Pittsburgh Business Times.

Compiled based on gross architecture billings, this yearly ranking highlights the region’s most accomplished and high-performing architecture firms.

LEARN MORE: Explore career opportunities with LDG

ABOUT LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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COLUMBUS, OH – Larson Design Group (LDG), an award-winning, employee-owned national architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, is pleased to announce it has appeared at #12 on the 2026 Largest Central Ohio Architecture Firms List from Columbus Business First.

Ranked by gross architecture billings, this annual list showcases the most successful firms in the competitive Columbus region.

LEARN MORE: Explore career opportunities with LDG

ABOUT LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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The “Hanger” vs. “Hangar” Difference

Rick kicked off with a lighthearted but critical distinction: a “hanger” costs $2 and lives in a closet, while a hangar costs millions, lives on an airfield, and protects vital national assets. This set the stage for a deep dive into how LDG is moving beyond traditional “boxes” to create highly specialized, mission-ready facilities.

Driving Innovation Through Alternative Methods

With over 50 years of combined experience and a track record of 250+ projects at Tinker AFB alone, Rick highlighted how innovation is born from necessity. He showcased several “case studies in creativity”:

• B-52 Allied Support Hangar (Tinker AFB): Facing an undefined project start and complex non-MILCON funding, the team used a modular “equipment-style” procurement approach. This allowed the hangar to be effectively purchased like a piece of equipment, navigating around traditional procurement constraints.
• Bomber Agile Common Hangar (BACH): To address the challenge of designing for the B-21 (whose dimensions were classified), LDG developed a modular hangar bay prototype. This “common superstructure” is configurable for different aircraft platforms and locations, providing the Air Force with extreme future flexibility.
• KC-46A Fuel & Depot Maintenance Hangars (Tinker AFB): Under an aggressive schedule, the team utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality to manage fast-track design submittals and mission-sensitive changes, ensuring operational continuity for the KC-46 Pegasus.
• C-130J Tension Membrane Hangar (Barbers Point NAS): When a simple shade structure requirement evolved into a full maintenance need, the team utilized a tension fabric hangar combined with a PEMB maintenance building to solve corrosion and space constraints on a single-use site.

No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

The core takeaway from Rick’s presentation was clear: innovation takes many forms. Whether it’s through modular design, creative funding alignment, or advanced BIM technology, the goal remains the same – to reduce risk, cost, and schedule for our federal partners.

As mission requirements continue to evolve, LDG remains committed to ensuring that the “boxes” we build are as innovative as the aircraft they protect.

About the Speaker:

• Rick Siler, RA, NCARB, DBIA LID, CQM-C, is the VP of Federal Architecture & Engineering at LDG with over 30 years of Department of Defense experience.

ABOUT LDG

Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For 40 years, we have provided an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base, investing in sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.

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