We are an architecture and interior design firm that believes in making a difference in each community we work in. Our multi-disciplined team is client and community oriented. We are driven by the relationships we build with each client. We strive to provide top tier customer service while striving for the highest quality final product. We accomplish this through the latest technology and working collaboratively, both internally and externally. We strive to create spaces to live, work, and play throughout the various communities we serve. It is our goal to ensure we are stewards to the environment, work with a diverse range of clients, push the bounds of design, and to ensure the communities and our clients are satisfied with our end product.

Cody Newman is not your typical architect. He is a designer, developer, craftsman, listener, and someone who is dedicated to community. Cody Newman and his wife, Caitlynn Newman own multiple historic buildings in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan and the development company, Restore (269). They have been through the ups and downs of development and construction projects and are here to help you through the process. Whether you are a seasoned developer or you are looking to start your first business, Cody will work closely with you to create the project of your dreams on your budget, and provide clear communication throughout the process.

Bret Ford has worked in design, project management, and project architecture roles for the past twenty years. This experience has enabled Bret to experience a wide array of project types, in several different states, including but not limited to commercial, multi-family, mixed use, resort and gaming, federal and local governments, aviation, restaurants, and commercial renovations. Time and experience has enabled Bret to design economically friendly solutions that will suit the customer's needs and their budgets in a timely manner.  Outside of work Bret enjoys the great outdoors and time with his family.

Nerson Oraha has worked in architecture and design roles in Chicago and Ann Arbor throughout his career. His portfolio includes new construction, interior renovation, and tenant fit-out project types. He has comprehensive experience preparing architectural drawings for the completion of commercial, office space, healthcare, retail, and multi-family residential buildings across the country. Driven by his passion for sustainable design, he incorporates environmentally friendly solutions into his projects. Nerson received both his Bachelor of Science of Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Michigan. Outside of work, his love of photography was developed during his travels to Europe, Cuba, Mexico, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Jeremiah Rose has been interested in architecture since middle school. His dream became a reality when he started interning senior year of high school at Driven Design Studio and at Architecture + design. Currently, he holds his bachelor's in architecture from Lawrence Technological Unversity. He is currently working on his master's degree in architecture at Lawrence Technological University. When he’s not working, Jeremiah loves to read, fence and swing dance.

Gabby discovered her passion for Interior Design at a young age while helping renovate her childhood home. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design. Soon after graduation, she passed all three NCIDQ exams making her a professionally licensed Interior Designer. Gabby is an Associate IIDA member where she strongly advocates for certification of practicing Interior Designers. Early in her professional career, she primarily worked on Healthcare projects but has a desire for corporate and hospitality design. She approaches each project in a way that identifies each client's distinctive needs. After the discovery process, she applies unique and innovative design solutions to accomplish the clients vision. In her free time, Gabby can be found renovating her own home, traveling or exploring all that nature has to offer.

Michael Naesset is an aspiring Interior Designer. He is extremely motivated to constantly develop new skills and grow professionally. He enjoys space planning and figuring out layouts with clients and the team. He enjoys working on Hospitality projects along with corporate design. His original passion for photography is where his inspiration for interior design drove from. He graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. He is working towards getting licensed as an Interior Designer through the NCDIQ. In Michael's free time, he enjoys doing photography and going for drives taking in all of the beauty that Michigan has to offer. 

Lauren Hannah is an aspiring Interior Designer. She is currently working as an intern while attending Western Michigan University. Some of her favorite aspects of interior design is space planning and finding a way to bring the space to life. She aims to bring the clients visions of the space to fruition. In her free time she is exploring with her dog and friends or enjoying a book in the sun.

Caitlynn Newman brings a range of versatile experiences to the firm as Building Developer, Preservationist, Business Owner, and Social Worker. She and her husband, Cody, founded and own Restore (269), a building restoration and development company which preserves historic buildings in their hometown of Battle Creek. Additionally, Caitlynn has founded and operated her own successful business in the event industry before selling it in 2021. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan with a focus on Interpersonal Practice and Community Organization bringing a unique and valuable skill set to the architecture and design industry. As a Social Worker in architecture, Caitlynn understands how the built environment has a great impact on our state of health, wellbeing, lifestyle, and human behavior. She has a passion for community development, placemaking, urban planning, and old buildings. She believes buildings are made to bring people together, and positive building developments have an intrinsic value and impact on communities socioeconomic growth, community culture, and an individual’s experience with a building and a community. Caitlynn enjoys connecting with clients and the team hearing their passion for their projects and supporting them through the process. Outside of the office, Caitlynn enjoys spending time with her dog, kayaking, decorating, organizing, and dreaming up the next big idea with Cody.

Jemma loves walks, rides, interns, and each person who walks in the door of the office. She keeps everyone in check throughout the day and works hard to steal pets and naps on the couch.