About Us

FMD Architects began in 1990 as DiMaio Architects in Fairlawn, Ohio. Then as now, the desire of its principals was to provide high-quality, client-driven architectural services. This mission has resulted in a design-oriented firm whose attention to design, service and budget constraints creates real value for clients. With the inclusion of new principals in 2008, DiMaio became FMD, built on the same values and philosophy.

FMD Architects is a full-service architectural firm. We provide architectural and sustainable building design, construction administration, interior design, computer aided design, 3-D modeling and graphic design – in short, all services associated with the architectural process.

The firm has membership in the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). All facets of engineering for civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and specialty engineering disciplines are provided with consultants having long-standing relationships with the firm.
 


Melanie R. Friedman, AIA, LEED AP

Having a great passion for both architecture and learning has driven Melanie to excel in both her education and her career. She was among the top performers in her class and continued to push herself as she developed into a skilled architect. As a principal with more than 12 years of experience, continuing education about products, trends, and the newest environmental design strategies remains a top priority. In addition to her commercial work, she manages our residential department. Her creativity and attention to detail enhance her designs, but what Melanie’s clients appreciate most is her willingness to listen and respond to their needs to make each design represent their style and tastes.


Mark D. Moore, Principal

Mr. Moore has a great passion to serve the client and to meet their design, budget and schedule expectations. As a principal, and with more than 28 years of experience, he focuses on the understanding that the end user is what a project is all about. Mr. Moore feels it is critical that our team is there for the client from the beginning phases of development, all through construction and maintaining involvement even after the building is in use. What is truly great in architecture, for a project of any size, style or budget, is “having a client that is as satisfied when they are using the facility as they were at the start of the project.”


Michael D. DiMaio, Principal

Michael has been committed to client satisfaction throughout his entire career. The notion that architecture is for the user, not the architect, has been a common thread through all his 35 years of work. The firm was built around respecting the client budget, schedule and intentions. Great architecture satisfies those desires without compromise. Having completed nearly two thousand projects, the focus is still the same: "Inspire vision, create reality" that truly satisfies all.


Gregory P. Saxon, N.C. Regional V.P.

Raised by an architect to be an architect, and seasoned from more than 35 years in personal practice, Greg appreciates the many-faceted field of architecture. With roots in art, architecture and construction, both in and out of academia, he seeks to integrate contemporary building design with practical, sustainable solutions. His hands-on work in all phases of construction, as well as alternate energy production and cutting-edge building envelopes, has developed a detail-oriented approach to the art of spatial realities. His zeal for life has a kinetic effect on all involved with him.


Peter L. Nielsen, AIA, NCARB

With a career spanning more than 30 years as an architect, project manager and department director, Mr. Nielsen has experience as both an owner's representative and an architectural professional. As a past director of design and construction with a university system, a project manager for a regional hospital, and a project architect for a major utility company, he has managed both in-house and consulting design and construction teams, delivering a diverse folio of facilities and systems. And as a past principle and associate in several architectural firms, Mr. Nielsen has experience delivering design and construction services in line with what is important to owners as well as on-budget and on-schedule. This unique combination of knowledge and ability provides an understanding of the owner's needs and how to deliver architectural services that meet those needs.


William E. Ahern, R.A.

Mr. Ahern’s background is diverse, having served as project architect for numerous housing, commercial and institutional projects. He also has experience in managing several multi-family housing projects for local housing authorities and private developers, and overseeing numerous projects for the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and Ohio Department of Mental Health. In Mr. Ahern’s professional career, he was selected and designated as Project Assistant by the Office of the State Architect to be utilized on an “as needed” basis to assist in project management duties for state funded capital construction projects throughout the State of Ohio.


Robb W. Seders, Director of Business Development

With most of his managed projects being in the educational facility sector, Robb plays an integral role in every phase of the project. With his "do whatever it takes" attitude, Robb is involved throughout the course of the project, from design through construction, and even after the building is operational. Robb has an experienced background with community engagement and bond issue assistance. He also has the ability to create presentations, graphics and images that are critical in gaining community support for the project. As we have found, the community needs to see what their money will pay for, and that's where Robb's experience and talent are utilized.