McKinley Architecture and Engineering Solidifies Ohio Commitment with New Marietta Office

MARIETTA, OH – March 25, 2026 – McKinley Architecture and Engineering, a firm with a 137-year legacy, has announced a significant expansion of its regional footprint with the opening of a new full-service design office in Marietta, Ohio. This strategic move marks the firm's seventh office and its first permanent base in the Buckeye State, formalizing a commitment that has been built over four decades of project work across Ohio.

A Strategic Foothold in the Ohio Valley

The decision to establish a physical office in Marietta is a calculated step for the West Virginia-based firm, signaling a deeper investment in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Ohio Valley regions. While McKinley has engineered and designed projects in Ohio for over 40 years, this new office provides a dedicated local hub to enhance client service and pursue new opportunities in a dynamic market. The expansion comes at a time when Ohio's architectural, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) landscape is showing significant activity. Major metropolitan areas are witnessing a trend of adaptive reuse projects, such as converting underutilized office buildings into residential and mixed-use spaces, indicating a sophisticated demand for innovative design and engineering solutions.

By planting a flag in Marietta, McKinley positions itself to be more responsive to the unique needs of communities throughout the Ohio Valley. The firm’s presence aims to foster closer collaboration with local governments, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and commercial developers. This move is not merely an expansion of geography but a deepening of relationships, allowing the firm to leverage its extensive experience more directly within the communities it serves.

A Legacy of Excellence and Proven Performance

McKinley Architecture and Engineering arrives in Marietta not as a newcomer, but as a decorated industry leader with a portfolio of national accolades that underscore its capabilities. For the fourth consecutive year, the firm was honored with the 2025 Circle of Excellence by PSMJ Resources, achieving Platinum status—the highest possible distinction. This award is not a simple popularity contest; it recognizes firms that demonstrate outstanding business practices, profitability, and management, placing McKinley in the top tier of A/E/C firms in North America.

Further cementing its reputation, the firm has been ranked for three straight years as a Top 10 A/E/C Employer of Choice, a testament to its industry-leading workplace culture, high employee retention, and productivity. This ability to attract and retain top talent is a critical component of delivering consistent, high-quality results for clients. The firm’s stature is also reflected in its consistent placement on Building Design & Construction's Giants 400 list and its six-year run on Inc. Magazine's list of America's fastest-growing private companies.

A prime example of their award-winning work within Ohio is the Christ the Teacher Academic Building at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. The project garnered significant praise, earning the AIA Pittsburgh Honor Award, a Master Builders Association Building Excellence Award, and an honorable mention for Masonry Design. This project serves as a tangible demonstration of the high-caliber design and execution McKinley brings to the state.

Local Leadership for Community-Centered Growth

Underscoring its commitment to a community-focused approach, McKinley has appointed Civil Engineer Tyler Eppley to lead the new Marietta office. Eppley is an Ohio University graduate and a resident of the state, bringing not only technical expertise but also invaluable local perspective to the role. This choice reflects a deliberate strategy to embed the firm within the local fabric rather than operating as a remote satellite.

"Tyler brings tremendous energy and vision to our Ohio growth strategy," said Sean Doyle, Chief Operating Officer for McKinley, in the company's announcement. "This new office strengthens our ability to partner with clients across the state and deliver the award-winning design expertise McKinley is known for."

Under Eppley's direction, the Marietta office is tasked with driving an expanding portfolio of design projects while ensuring responsive, client-centric support. His local roots are expected to be a key asset in building the strong, trust-based partnerships that are critical for long-term success in regional development, from initial planning stages through to project completion.

A Comprehensive, Full-Service Approach

McKinley Architecture and Engineering offers a multi-disciplinary, integrated suite of services that covers the entire project lifecycle. The firm’s expertise spans architectural design, master planning, and interior design, supported by robust engineering capabilities in civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. This full-service model is further enhanced by integrated project management and construction contract administration, providing clients with a seamless experience from concept to reality.

The firm's portfolio is remarkably diverse, covering a wide array of sectors. They have extensive experience in designing complex healthcare facilities, innovative PreK-12 schools and higher education campuses, modern sports and recreation complexes, and state-of-the-art performing arts venues. Their work also includes commercial buildings, government and civic facilities, liturgical spaces, and the delicate work of historic preservation. This breadth of experience positions the firm to address the varied and evolving needs of communities across Ohio, whether it involves constructing a new hospital wing, renovating a historic downtown building, or master-planning a new university campus. With the launch of the Marietta office, McKinley is poised to become an even more integral part of shaping Ohio's built environment for years to come.