Eric F. Pros
DIRECTOR OF DESIGN
AIA | MBA | CPD
As Director of Design, Eric has passionately dedicated his career to architectural design excellence. For the past 13 years, Eric has led the design of DS Architecture’s award winning Public Safety Studio. Eric’s enthusiasm for an accessible and inclusive design process is the fuel that ignites the creative culture at DS Architecture to identify design opportunities and explore prospects for innovative solutions in the constantly evolving industry of public safety. Eric inspires collaboration not only amongst stakeholders and his colleagues, but also beyond his office which has led to numerous partnerships with collaborators across the country. Outside the office, Eric dedicates his time and talent to elevate the impact of design in his community through public engagement and speaking opportunities. He is currently serving as the President of AIA Ohio.
AWARDS + ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2022 40 Under 40 Class of 2022
Building Design + Construction
2022 Young Architect Award
AIA National
2022 JBC Masonry Innovation Competition Winner
International Masonry Institute
2020 Presidential Citation AIA Ohio
Safe Schools – Mary Glowacki, AIA
INTERVIEW
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
Although I've lived in Arizona and Arkansas, I call the west side of Cleveland home.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OR PASTIME?
I enjoy being outdoors in all seasons. I dabble in mountain biking, kayaking, snowboarding, cross country skiing, gardening, and beach going.
IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
I would be an ant. Ants are hard working, they collaborate in an organized social structure to overcome obstacles. Some also have the ability to fly (see next question).
WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU HAVE?
I dream of the ability to fly.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?
I enjoy traveling to new places. I would prefer to go experience something new than return to the same location. However, I haven’t yet gotten bored with South Florida.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, TELL US ABOUT THEM.
I currently do not have any pets.
WHAT’S THE BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME YOU’VE EVER HAD?
I dressed up like Osama Bin Laden. Too soon. Not very funny.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORD?
“Excelsior” is a Latin word that is translated as “ever upward” or “still higher.” I like using the word as a bit of a battle cry. Kinda like “Oorah!”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE 90S SHOW?
I'm not much of a TV guy, but I did think Home Improvement was kinda funny.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is among my favorites.
WHERE DO YOU MOST HOPE TO VISIT?
I aspire to visit all 7 continents. Africa, Australia, Asia, and Antarctica remain. I think North Africa should be next.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
I love traveling, drawing, trying new foods, cooking, drawing, reading, and just generally exploring the world.
IF YOU COULD WIN AN OLYMPIC MEDAL FOR ANY SPORT, REAL OR FAKE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would love to learn to surf, if I could be good enough at it to win an Olympic medal, that would be really amazing.
WHAT’S YOUR HIDDEN TALENT?
I’m really good at taking normal sports or games and making them more complicated and/or fun with new more extreme rules.
IF YOU HAD TO EAT ONE THING FOR EVERY MEAL GOING FORWARD, WHAT WOULD YOU EAT?
I could probably eat anything with pesto for every meal, and be okay with that.
WHAT MOVIE OR TV SHOW TITLE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR WEEK?
Dumb and Dumber. Life is funny sometimes.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
I find the story of Job from the Bible inspiring. Despite all the torment that he endured, he still did not lose faith. I aspire to have faith and strength like Job’s.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WHILE WORKING AT DS ARCHITECTURE?
The day that I received my architectural license we all had shots of tequila at 9:00AM in the office. It was a great day.
WHAT DOES “ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE” MEAN TO YOU?
Architectural Design Excellence means exceeding the clients expectations through a collaborative design process which yields a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts.
IT’S 2:00AM, AND YOU ARE STILL WORKING TOWARDS A DEADLINE. WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO PUMP UP JAM/MUSIC?
CERTIFICATIONS + AFFILIATIONS
State of Ohio Registered Architect
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Demonstrative Evidence Expert
Certified in Shooting Reconstruction from West Virginia University & Northwestern University
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA Ohio President 2025
AIA Ohio Treasurer 2022-2023
Akron Chapter President 2021
