Architecture, Education, and Practice with Ohio State’s Frank Jacobus
Ohio State's new Knowlton School director Frank Jacobus joins Arcfluence to talk shop about construction documents, custom details, and design literacy.
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Arcfluence - Architecture and Design, Columbus Ohio
Arcfluence is a principal-led architecture and interior design practice in Columbus. We help clients make better building decisions early, while scope, site, code, budget and operations can still be shaped.
Arcfluence connects an owner's priorities with architectural, technical and delivery expertise. Our principals stay close to the work as projects move from early feasibility through design, permitting and construction.
Design grows through conversation. On The Arcfluence Podcast, we explore architecture, real estate and the built environment with guests who shape Central Ohio and beyond.
Latest Insights
Project lessons, market context and conversations about the decisions that shape buildings before and during design.
Narrow-Lot Residence
A new house on a narrow Upper Arlington lot, designed for the long term with a side-entry three-car garage and space reserved for a future lift.
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Medical Center Addition
A double-height glass lobby and a new front facade give an older single-story brick medical building in Columbus, Ohio, a clear entrance and a new identity.
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Rear Kitchen Addition
A home addition in Upper Arlington, Ohio, that moves a cramped kitchen into a new rear wing so the one-car garage holds a car again, without growing past setbacks.
Read ArticleBehind every project is a relationship built on trust. We listen, collaborate and carry decisions forward with the clarity needed to design, document and build well.
Industry partner 
Sterling Industry Partner Arcfluence · Corporate membership 
COINCentral Ohio
Investor Network Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA Part of COIN’s leadership team Awards
2025 AIA Ohio People’s Choice Awards The Cliffs · 2nd place
BeAligned Health · 3rd place Credentials
NCARB Certificate Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB Certified architect State advisory 
Residential Construction Advisory Committee Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB Committee member
Sterling Industry Partner Arcfluence · Corporate membership Professional membership 
Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA Small Firm Exchange Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA Appointment begins in 2027
Local leadership Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA Small Firm Exchange Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA Appointment begins in 2027 COINCentral OhioInvestor Network Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA Part of COIN’s leadership team Awards
2025 AIA Ohio People’s Choice Awards The Cliffs · 2nd placeBeAligned Health · 3rd place Credentials
NCARB Certificate Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB Certified architect State advisory Residential Construction Advisory Committee Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB Committee member ★★★★★
Jim R.
Customer
Highly recommend! The team is knowledgeable, capable, and creative, and can balance smart design with practical solutions. Easy to work with, and can bring a thoughtful perspective to every project. Used Arcfluence to help design an addition/pool house.
★★★★★
Leo S.
Customer
Paul and Nick were great to work with, with easy, responsive communication throughout the entire process. Their passion for their work really shows, and they take the time to educate you on design choices, layout, and different options along the way. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, collaborative team that genuinely cares about getting the details right.
★★★★★
Michael W.
Business Client
I cannot thank Paul Fatkins enough for his help building our training facility for Berlin Baseball. His extensive knowledge of building codes, county permits, and electrical permits as well as his timeliness and response timing are unmatched. I will forever be grateful for all of his help with our project!!
★★★★★
Paul N.
Business Client
I had an outstanding experience working with Nick and Paul from Arcfluence on my home renovation plans. From start to finish, they were professional, attentive, and incredibly accommodating to my needs. They took the time to truly understand my vision, provided valuable insights, and delivered high-quality, detailed plans that exceeded my expectations. Communication was seamless, and any questions or adjustments were handled promptly and efficiently. As a general contractor with over 10 years of experience, I can confidently say that Nick and Paul are among the best in the business. If you're looking for expert planning and design services, look no further than Arcfluence. I couldn't be happier with the results!
★★★★★
Dustin S.
Business Client
I searched for an architect to help me with permitting an addition I'm bidding and came across Nick and his company Arcfluence. I called him regarding the project and immediately knew he was going to be hired. His depth of knowledge regarding the local building codes and restrictions within the historic boundaries gave me confidence my clients were spending money with the right firm. Nick and his team met us on site to scan the existing home, discussed the overall needs and use of the new space with my clients and designed a full set of architectural drawings for submission to the city for permitting. Outstanding service all around and highly recommend Arcfluence!
★★★★★
Andres A.
Customer
Working with Arcfluence design firm last summer was an absolute pleasure, as they demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and adaptability—quickly grasping my vision, refining it with creative ingenuity, and seamlessly accommodating my evolving preferences—delivering a stunning, meticulously crafted design at the right price, all while ensuring a seamless, transparent, and highly collaborative experience. A special call out to Nick and Paul, whose unwavering dedication and impeccable attention to detail elevated the entire process, making it not only effortless but truly inspiring.
★★★★★
Mackenzie M.
Customer
Working with Arcfluence was such a fantastic experience. The team was always easy to get in contact with for questions, and they were extremely knowledgeable. We are so happy with our plans, and will be working with Arcfluence if needed again in the future!
★★★★★
Brian
Customer
Nick and his team were fantastic. Super easy to work with. Their design ideas are top-notch. Their turnaround time was great, and their communication was exceptional. Definitely check them out for your next project!
★★★★★
Hector V.
Customer
Nick at Nestrs has been instrumental in our 3-year project renovating a six-unit building in Upper Arlington. His expertise as an architect shines as he walks the living spaces, showing excitement on how to improve them. He sold us on converting units built in the 70s from 1-bedroom to luxury living spaces, which have been very marketable.
★★★★★
Samantha B.
Customer
Nick and Paul were wonderful to work with when developing the plans for our home renovations. They listened to our needs and wants, walked us through the pros and cons of different aspects, and helped us maximize our space!
★★★★★
John K.
Customer
Nick came out to my house and gave me fantastic advice for a home remodel. The way he explained what he envisioned made it easy to imagine the new design. Nick was knowledgeable and well-informed about what works best for home improvements.
★★★★★
Mackuri LLC
Business Client
Always a pleasure to work with Nick and Paul. They are incredibly responsive, even after plan modifications, and always provide suggestions to improve project quality.
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