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
Michael Hynds is principal at Metropolitan Architecture Studio, where he co-leads a healthcare-focused practice spanning 25+ years of professional experience.
Mr. Hynds specializes in complex healthcare environment, from primary care clinics and diagnostic imaging suites to cancer treatment centers, specialty surgical facilities, and specialized laboratory spaces. His expertise includes occupied facility renovations requiring meticulous planning and phased construction to maintain operational continuity. He brings deep technical proficiency in healthcare code compliance, FGI Guidelines, infection control protocols, and specialized systems integration.
In addition to healthcare, his practice encompasses research and teaching laboratories (including sterile compounding pharmacies, biosafety facilities, and specialized research equipment integration), educational and institutional projects, office environments, and senior living communities. Early in his career, Mr. Hynds worked on major institutional and healthcare projects with leading architecture firms including Ellenzweig Associates (Harvard University genomics research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia), Baxter Hoddell Donnelly and Preston Architects (corporate and research), and Kling Lindquist Partnership (pharmaceutical and research facilities).
Across every sector, the constant is personal accountability. Michael is not a principal who delegates and appears at milestones. Rather, he is present, engaged, and directly responsible for every project he leads.
He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and 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, a full-service architecture and planning firm serving diverse markets throughout Northeast Ohio. With 25+years of professional experience, Ms. Tark co-leads a practice encompassing architecture, planning, and interior design across healthcare, education, institutional, senior living, and civic sectors.
Ms. Tark has directed 50+ healthcare renovation projects totaling over $40 million for major clients in Northeast Ohio. Her healthcare expertise spans primary care and urgent care clinics, diagnostic imaging suites, cancer treatment centers, specialty clinics, and clinical support spaces including sterile processing departments and laboratories. She specializes in occupied facility renovations—complex phased construction projects that maintain operational continuity in active healthcare environments.
Ms. Tark brings her planning background to projects, and helps clients to consider their needs at multiple scales, from individual room functionality to a wider facility strategy. This perspective allows her to help organizations see their facility investments as part of larger strategic visions rather than isolated projects.
Ms. Tark holds a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati. She is registered in the State of Ohio and is a LEED Accredited Professional. She has taught architecture and urban design at Pennsylvania State University, Kent State University, and Cleveland State University.