Meet Luke Kraft, RA, NCARB, EDAC, LEED AP, the Director of our Higher Education Studio. Luke has been an architect for 16 years, pursuing the field because he liked “the idea of being creative and technical at the same time.”

As someone who enjoys the challenge of a profession requiring different modes of thought, it only makes sense Luke would be drawn to the diversity of Higher Education architecture.

“Higher Education has multiple typologies wrapped up into one sector,” he says. “Labs, dining, residential, classroom – there is a variety of building types and programs which keeps it interesting.”

Luke also appreciates that working in Higher Education architecture offers the opportunity to build relationships with repeat clients, who are often knowledgeable about the design and construction process. As a Studio Director at DS Architecture, he has been able to cultivate lasting connections with Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga County Community College, and the University of Akron, among others.

Significant projects he’s proud to have been a part of include the redesign of Tri-C’s East Education Center, multiple laboratories at the University of Akron, numerous dormitories at Kent State University, and the design of Case Western Reserve University’s Michelson Hall. Luke frequently serves as construction administrator on projects, and has extensive experience working with contractors as well as different delivery methods.

Higher Education is one of DS Architecture’s strongest and largest studios, and Luke values the flexibility to run projects in a way he believes is best suited to each client. This freedom stems from a unique level of trust among firm members that influences relationships and decision-making from the ground up.

“DS Architecture is very transparent,” he says. “As a Studio Director I manage my studio, but I can also have a direct impact on the firm overall.”

This openness and empowerment, coupled with a distinctive “willingness and effort in all company endeavors,” breeds a special kind of environment, one that Luke believes will foster continued, successful relationships with Higher Education institutions.