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 ensure the communities and our clients are satisfied with our end product.

Architect, Cody Newman, started Driven Design Studio in 2018. Cody is not your typical Architect. He is a designer, developer, craftsman, and listener, dedicated to making a difference in the communities he works. Cody Newman and his wife, Caitlynn, have owned and restored multiple historic buildings in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan, their hometown. They have been through the obstacles and triumphs of building development and construction. With this extensive experience and understanding, Newman has expanded his Architecture and Interior Design firm servicing the state of Michigan and growing throughout the United States, as he has gained a reputation for top-tier customer service, and transparent communication while striving to be on time and on budget. Whether you are a seasoned developer or are looking to start your first business, Cody will work closely with you to create the project of your dreams. Outside of his passion for Architecture, he enjoys running, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

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. 

Andres Vitela has been eager to fix problems since he was young. He is always working toward making any process more efficient with the latest technology available. He is highly skilled in visualization and graphic design to help bring visions to life. He has experience working in new construction, small commercial, and preservation work. He has grown his love for architecture and preservation through his travels to Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, Italy, France, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, South Africa, Eswatini. Andres has received both his Bachelor of Science of Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Andrews. Outside of work he enjoys woodworking in his free time and is venturing into laser cutting and 3D printing.

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. He holds his Master's in architecture from Lawrence Technological Unversity. When he’s not working, Jeremiah loves to read, fence and swing dance.

Rich Benson started working in commercial construction in 1995, after graduating with a BFA from Aldred University. From his start as a steel fabricator through roles as project manager, quality control manager, estimator, building inspector, and 3D technician he amassed an understanding of many facets of construction. He worked on residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and federal projects of all sizes in NY, CO and MI. Rich looks forward to each project's challenges and the relationships that are forged along the way. When not at work, Rich enjoys spending time with his family, doing home improvements and working on the (model) railroad. 

Ian Greene Jr. offers talents acquired from years spent in residential, commercial, civic, higher learning and ecclesiastical architectural design. He has worked in The Bahamas, Washington D.C., and Michigan. Ian has collaborated with multiple firms, actualizing projects both nationally and internationally. He has comprehensive experience preparing architectural sets from schematic design through CDs. His illustrative abilities allow him to materialize concepts with multiple visualization techniques. Ian also brings a unique experience from his time in urban planning, using design to enhance the fabric of the community. Ian earned both his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees, from Andrews University. Ian is currently on the path to licensure. Outside of work, Ian enjoys traveling, creating art, sports and spending time with his wife. 

Ashish Bhandari brings retail, commercial and residential experience to Driven Design Studio. He has worked in architecture firms in Detroit, Philadelphia, and most recently San Francisco. He has comprehensive experience preparing drawings to complete retail, restaurants, and residential buildings. Driven by his interest for details and materials, he tries to incorporate finer details into his designs. Through his travels, he has grown his interest and love of architecture through different cultures and styles. His hobbies include travel, photography, pottery, and walking around listening to podcasts and pondering the meaning of life. Ashish is on his path towards licensure.

Brendan Alberty has always held a passionate interest for architecture, spending the last few years going to KCC and leading him to intern for Driven Design Studio. Graduating with both an Associate’s in Computer Aided Drafting and Design as well as a General Studies degree, with plans to get a Bachelor’s in Architecture and/or Interior Design. Having spent his entire working career in the food industry he has developed many of the skills and work mentality that drives him to this day. When not working on projects or going to school Brendan finds himself spending time with his girlfriend Hailey, playing plenty of video games with friends, watching horror movies, and collecting model cars.

Suzanne Nemeth is a Senior Level Interior Designer and Interior Design Manager with over 30 years of experience in the commercial architecture and interior design industry. She is an NCIDQ-certified and State-listed designer with a BS degree in interior design from Western Michigan University. She has worked on numerous project types and sizes but holds a special place in her heart and varied skill set for all things historical. She has been a member of the City of Portage Historic District Commission since 2012 and enjoys discovering what hidden secrets any old building or home has to tell. Suzanne loves to do the "deep dive" for all her projects, researching how best and efficiently to achieve her client's visions with design concepts that meet any time constraints and project budgets. Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys time spent with her family, doing jigsaw puzzles, drawing, and exploring the beautiful outdoors on long walks with her dog, Maggie Mae!

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 graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's in Interior Design. Her favorite aspects of interior design are space planning and finding a way to bring the space to life. She aims to bring the client's vision of the space to fruition. In her free time she loves exploring with her dog and friends, or enjoying a book in the sun.

Kenz Morey is currently interning at Driven Design and is working towards her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture at Columbia College Chicago. What inspired her to study Interior Architecture is her passion for sustainability and preservation. Kenz has a love for historic homes and creating a space that functions for you. When Kenz is not studying buildings, she’s admiring them. In her free time she likes to go to open houses and antique sales. She also heavily enjoys chasing the sun, spending time with her dog, and romanticizing life.  

Caitlynn Newman brings a range of versatile experiences to the firm as a Building Developer, Preservationist, Business Owner, and Social Worker. She and her husband, Cody, founded and own Restore (269), a building restoration and development company that preserves historic buildings in their hometown of Battle Creek. Additionally, Caitlynn 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, well-being, 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 historic buildings have an intrinsic value and impact on communities' socio-economic 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 family, kayaking, decorating, organizing, and dreaming up the next big idea with Cody.

In Memoriam: Jemma loved walks, rides, interns, and each person who walked in the door of the office. She kept everyone in check throughout the day and worked hard to steal pets and naps on the couch. She loved going to work and being with her co-workers.