Architect of the Year: Craig A. Pickerel, AIA
The Toledo Chapter of the American Institute of Architects is pleased to announce that Craig A. Pickerel, AIA, ACHA, NCARB, EDAC, has been named the 2024 Architect of the Year in recognition of his commitment to the profession.
With more than 20 years of experience, Craig A. Pickerel has established himself as a prominent leader in healthcare design as CEO and Principal at PMBA Architects. His work centers on creating spaces that promote healing, well-being, and human-centered care, leaving a lasting impact on the built environment and the communities it serves.
Craig’s journey into architecture was inspired by his older brother Kevin, also an architect. Watching Kevin build models and create hand-drawn designs ignited Craig’s passion and led him to pursue a career in architecture. His interest in healthcare design emerged during a college internship with Martell Associates Healthcare Architecture, where he gained exposure to complex healthcare projects. Witnessing the profound effect thoughtful design can have on patient outcomes has fueled his dedication to this field ever since.
Craig holds a Bachelor of Architectural and Environmental Design from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan. Licensed in 20 states, he is the only architect in Northwest Ohio to attain both board certification by the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA) and the Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC) through the Center for Health Design.
Craig’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture can profoundly enhance the human experience. His ability to balance technical expertise with empathetic design is exemplified in his award-winning work, the ProMedica Levis Commons Medical Office Building & Cancer Center. This state-of-the-art facility earned an AIA Ohio People’s Choice Award in 2024 for its calming atmosphere and restorative design, which prioritizes the needs of patients and staff alike. Another standout project, the Icaria Longevity Institute, showcases Craig’s innovative approach to integrating advanced medical technologies with forward-thinking design strategies. This facility pushes the boundaries of healthcare architecture while utilizing breakthroughs in science and medicine to unlock an individual’s full potential for longevity with precision diagnostics, performance optimization, and advanced therapeutics.
At PMBA Architects, Craig is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of architects. As an NCARB AXP supervisor, he mentors emerging professionals, offering technical guidance and career support. Under his leadership, PMBA Architects launched the Young and Emerging Professionals Forum, a platform for professional development and networking. The firm’s commitment to nurturing talent earned it the AIA Ohio EP Friendly Firm designation in 2024 at both their Perrysburg and Cincinnati office locations.
Craig’s influence extends nationally through his work with the Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI). As a member of the Health Guidelines Revision Committee, he has helped shape national healthcare design standards for hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential healthcare settings. His contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including co-authoring a white paper on designing adaptable healthcare facilities, highlight his dedication to addressing critical healthcare challenges through architecture.
Locally, Craig is a dedicated community leader. He has served as chairman of the City of Perrysburg Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals, helping shape the city’s growth and development. A past president of AIA Toledo, he continues to advocate for the architectural profession and contribute to community planning initiatives.
In addition to his professional contributions, Craig is passionate about inspiring the next generation to achieve their greatest potential. As the head coach of his daughter’s fastpitch softball team, which recently won the 2024 USSSA National Championship, Craig instills values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
Craig A. Pickerel, AIA, ACHA, NCARB, EDAC
CEO and Principal of PMBA Architects
Craig’s career is defined by his innovative contributions to healthcare design, mentorship, and civic leadership. He reflects, “The creativity we bring to solving complex problems and the positive impact design can have on experiences inspires me every day. Each project is unique, and I stay motivated by seeing how architecture can improve the health and wellness of the communities where we live, work, and play.”
Above all, Craig values his role as a husband to Emily and father of Charlotte, Caroline, and Tate. He balances his professional responsibilities with his family life. Whether attending church or school functions as a family, or cheering on his children in their activities, Craig prioritizes being a present and engaged father.
Craig A. Pickerel, AIA, will be honored as the 2024 AIA Toledo Architect of the Year at the AIA Toledo Annual Meeting & Honor Awards Celebration on December 12, 2024.