NICK KARAKAIAN
Nick is a specialist in maximizing property value through thoughtful design and proper material use. He started his construction and design firm (Nestrs) in NYC before moving to Columbus, OH and co-founding ArcFluence. Wait, let's go back a little farther... Many many years ago, Nick received his master's degree in Architecture and Environmental Design at Kent State University (this is where he first met Paul) with the hopes and dreams of starting an architectural firm together. He went on to work for Google in New York City as a space planner, got his contractor's license and joined the Keller William Realty family as a licensed realtor which strengthened his diverse background making him uniquely qualified to determine what architectural and design elements will bring the most value. During all this, Nick and his rockstar wife Sarah were on HGTV’s hit show (ok, it was only one season) Beach Flip where they flipped a beach house together in Gulf Shores, Alabama. In 2017, Nick made Columbus, OH his new home to take advantage of the exciting real estate opportunities. He convinced Paul to relocate from Chicago to beautiful Columbus, OH (you guessed it) where they eventually started ArcFluence together as Nick had planned many many years earlier.
Nick continues to restore and self manage his real estate portfolio as short term rentals (with a ton of help from his rockstar wife and team). He also hosts the central Ohio investors Network (COIN) meetup that meets every 3rd Tuesday in Columbus. You can find more information on the socials.
PAUL FATKINS AIA, NCARB
Upon graduating from Kent State University, Paul sought new challenges to nurture his growth as a design professional. He secured a coveted spot in the esteemed Architecture Graduate Program at the University of Cincinnati, consistently ranked among the top 5 in the nation. The program's immersive co-op internship experience added to its excellence. Paul embraced the program's academic environment, which mandated practical work experiences that included Acconci Studio in New York City and Living Design Group Architects in Taos, New Mexico. After completing his graduate studies, Paul received numerous offers from architectural firms across the nation. He found himself going to Chicago, starting his tenure at Solomon Cordwell Buenz Architects, a firm focused on high-rise residential projects. Paul adapted quickly to the large firm environment, actively participating in numerous projects. Prompted by a longtime friend (Nick), Paul relocated to Columbus, Ohio, and secured employment at Larson Design Group. He honed his expertise in Retail Architecture, spanning diverse projects nationwide. It is here where he expanded his architectural license to 16 states.Today, Paul stands as a seasoned architect with a 16-year career marked by remarkable achievements and a visionary approach to design. He has led teams, developed workflows, and cultivated cooperative environments. His extensive project portfolio includes residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail sectors. Paul's outstanding contributions have earned him accolades, and he continuously pushes industry boundaries, redefining the possibilities within architecture.