About FMD Architects

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.

Larry R. Everhard,
Sr. Project Architect

As a registered architect and project architect with nearly 40 years of experience, Larry works with schools in all phases of a project as well as coordinating the responsibilities of the production team’s efforts. He also assists with field supervision. He brings his extensive school experience to building assessments and master planning.

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.

Brett R. Moses, AIA, LEED AP

As project architect, Mr. Moses is involved with all aspects of project development from conceptual design through construction administration. Experience in multiple disciplines, combined with training in the fine arts has equipped Mr. Moses with a unique set of skills for creative problem solving, effective communication skills and a distinctive design approach. He also brings diverse experience, including research and development laboratories for the polymer and tire industries, retail, restaurants, medical suites, corporate headquarters, municipal, schools, university master planning, hospitality, and single and multi-family residential. His strong understanding of computer-aided design and digital graphics allows him to develop projects completely and communicate the intent to all stake holders. Versatility and knowledge of design and detailing are Mr. Moses’ strengths, which makes him a valuable staff member of FMD Architects.

Brandilyn B. Fry, AIA, CSI, CDT, NCARB

Membership and serving enthusiastically on boards of many organizations is a passion for a leader like Ms. Brandilyn Fry. With 12 years of hands-on experience in construction document preparation, construction administration and project planning, Brandilyn achieved the status of President of the Akron-Canton Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and became the youngest and first female president of the chapter in 2005. Currently, she is the 2009 president-elect for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Akron Chapter. Her expertise spans a wide variety of building types, which include healthcare, commercial and educational structures, with a focus on laboratories. Creative design with great attention to detail is how Brandilyn approaches every project. Additionally, she often shares her knowledge by speaking in the academic arena at local college and university job fairs, as well as student organizations, representing the field of architecture.

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.

Andrea E. Nacarato, Interior Designer

An excellent eye for color and the ability to visualize a design and bring it to life has driven Andrea’s dedication as an Interior Designer for more than 18 years. Striving to provide the proper aesthetics and ergonomics for her clients is always her goal. Designing educational spaces that inspire learning, retail and food service areas that generate profitability, and commercial spaces that promote productivity are among her talents. Andrea believes that continuing education in her field is vital to staying current with the changing marketplace. She also enjoys getting to know all her clients on a more personal level to better understand their needs and provide them with exceptional quality service.