ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Metropolitan Architecture Studio is a full service architecture, planning and interior design firm, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Since 2000, principals Kathleen Tark and Michael Hynds have built the firm on a foundation of thoughtful design and over 40 years of combined professional practice, serving clients across healthcare, education, senior living, workplace, and civic sectors throughout Northeast Ohio.
Our practice is defined by principal-led service and renovation expertise. Kathleen and Michael personally manage every project from programming through construction, bringing hands-on problem-solving to complex projects. This approach has made us trusted partners to major institutions including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, University of Akron, Ohio State University, and numerous independent healthcare providers, schools, and corporations.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES OUR PRACTICE
Deep Sector Experience. We have delivered diverse projects across multiple markets—from diagnostic imaging suites and cancer treatment centers to research laboratories and senior living facilities to K-12 schools and historic preservation. Our healthcare portfolio alone includes 50+ projects spanning primary care, specialty clinics, imaging, laboratories, and clinical support spaces. This breadth gives us insight into how different building types and user needs intersect.
Renovation and Adaptive Reuse Expertise. The majority of our work involves transforming existing spaces—often while keeping facilities fully operational. We understand the realities of phased construction, infection control protocols, coordination around occupants, and solving existing conditions challenges. Whether converting a grocery store into a family health center or renovating 1960s-era university laboratories, we excel at giving existing buildings a new life.
Principal-led service. Every project receives direct involvement from Kathleen and Michael—seasoned architects who manage design, client communication, and project delivery personally. Our clients work directly with decision-makers who understand both design intent and construction realities. This hands-on approach is especially valuable when projects require real-time problem-solving and flexible scheduling.
Sustainable design commitment. As LEED Accredited Professionals, we integrate evidence-based sustainable strategies that reduce operational costs and support occupant well-being—whether designing healing environments, learning spaces, or workplace interiors.
Collaborative approach. We assemble expert consultant teams tailored to each project, including MEP engineering, structural engineering, and specialized consultants with relevant sector experience. This allows us to remain agile while delivering comprehensive technical expertise.
Regional expertise. Our 25 years of Northeast Ohio practice means we understand local building departments, construction markets, and community contexts—streamlining approvals and accelerating project delivery.
Certifications. Metropolitan Architecture Studio is a certified small business and local business enterprise. Certifications include the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
ABOUT US
Michael Hynds
Principal
Mr. Hynds is founding partner and Principal of Metropolitan Architecture Studio. He has over 25 years of professional experience on various project types such as academic, health care, laboratories, research and development, entertainment, telecommunications, historic preservation, religious, corporate offices, and residential.
As a Partner at Metropolitan Architecture Studio, he oversees the delivery of projects from design development through construction administration, ensuring that every project is a project delivered on schedule, within budget. His higher education project experience includes residential district planning at Ohio State University, building renovations at Kent State University, and the enrollment facility design at Cuyahoga Community College — work that has given him a practical understanding of how different types of universities approach capital projects, manage construction risk, and evaluate the success of their design partners.
He brings that understanding to every higher education engagement, working collaboratively with facilities teams to develop construction strategies that protect academic operations while delivering results on schedule.
He is committed to the idea that great universities deserve great architecture — and that great architecture, in a campus context, means buildings that are built well, built on time, and built in ways that serve the institution for generations. That is the standard he holds himself to in every higher education project he leads.
He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. He is a registered architect in Ohio and is NCARB certified. Mr. Hynds is also a LEED accredited professional.
Kathleen Tark
Principal
Kathleen Tark is principal in charge of design at Metropolitan Architecture Studio. With over 19 years of practice, she brings extensive architecture, planning, and urban design expertise to Metropolitan Architecture Studio.
She has designed projects for education, healthcare, laboratories, corporations, institutions, communities, and residences. She has been the design lead for Metropolitan Architecture Studio on 11 of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s new schools.
She has a background in neighborhood design and master planning and is an accredited member of the Congress for the New Urbanism. Prior to joining Metropolitan Architecture Studio, she was principal for City Architecture, Inc. In her 11 years there, she served as design lead for award winning architectural and planning projects such as Trinity Commons, East Mount Zion Educational Wing, the Midtown 2000 Plan, Third Federal Corporate Headquarters, and Pierre’s Ice Cream Corporate Headquarters.
She holds a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Ms. Tark graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati, with a Bachelor of Architecture and early in her career, she won the Premier Prix at the Ecole Des Beaux Arts Americaines, in Fontainebleau, France. She has taught architecture and urban design at Pennsylvania State University, Kent State University and Cleveland State University. She is registered in the State of Ohio and a LEED accredited professional.