Architecture Firm Nearly Doubles Office Space in the City’s Core, Reinforcing Commitment To Urban Growth And Talent
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Columbus, Ohio – WSA, an award-winning architecture and design firm, is expanding its footprint in downtown Columbus, nearly doubling its office space and creating 20 new jobs with an average annual salary of approximately $85,000. The move deepens the firm’s roots in the city it has called home for more than five decades and affirms the momentum of downtown as a center for creative and economic growth.
WSA, founded in Columbus in 1970 as Wandel & Schnell Architects, Inc., has evolved into a nationally respected practice known for thoughtful, human-centered design across corporate, educational, and civic environments. With the expansion into 6,900 square feet at 235 N. 4th Street in the Warehouse District, the firm will bring its total Columbus-based headcount to 44.
“This expansion represents our belief in downtown Columbus as the creative heart of our region,” said Timothy Hawk, President of WSA. “Our firm has witnessed the evolution of this city, and we are proud to continue investing in its future. Our new space allows us to grow our team and create an immersive design environment where we can better serve our clients.”
The expansion reflects not just business growth, but a continued commitment to the creative community and built environment of Columbus. The firm chose to grow in the heart of the city in order to work and grow in a location where design, innovation, and opportunity intersect.
“WSA’s choice to invest in the warehouse district will make downtown Columbus even more dynamic,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “When creative firms grow here, they’re not just investing in office space, they’re investing in our people, our neighborhoods, and the future of our city.”
“WSA’s continued success in the Columbus Region is an example of the value of homegrown companies that believe in Ohio and continue to thrive here,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “With this expansion, WSA will nearly double its workforce from 24 to 44 associates, bringing more jobs and vibrancy to downtown Columbus.”
About WSA
WSA is a Columbus-based multi-disciplinary design firm providing architecture, interior design, and environmental graphic design services. Founded in 1970, WSA works across workplace, academic, community, and lifestyle sectors, delivering thoughtful solutions that balance form, function, and client goals. The firm has been recognized with awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Ohio Chapter and Columbus Landmarks Foundation for its adaptive reuse projects, including its previous office in Columbus’s Brewery District. WSA was named the 2005 AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm, and consistently ranks among Central Ohio’s leading design firms. For more information visit www.wsastudio.com.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with seven regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River, Ohio Southeast, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
About One Columbus
As the economic development arm of the Columbus Partnership, One Columbus leads a comprehensive regional growth strategy for the 11-county Columbus Region. Its mission is to develop and attract the world’s most competitive companies, grow a highly adaptive workforce, prepare communities for the future, and inspire corporate, academic, and public innovation. One Columbus expertly guides companies through the location decision process. Through strategic business outreach and customized research, the One Columbus team leverages public, private and institutional partnerships to grow the Columbus Region’s economy and strengthen its national and international competitiveness. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.
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For Immediate Release
April 28, 2025
One Columbus Media Contact
Jon Keeling
614-657-5917
jk@columbuspartnership.com