OUR VISION
The Portal name and logo were created to symbolize what we believe Architecture should always strive to accomplish, indeed, to be: A dynamic and transformational gateway to an exciting, dimensional, sensory experience and place.
And with over 45 years of Owner experience in the profession of Architecture, combined with State Building Code Official credentials maintained since 1992, Portal has the design and technical experience to serve our clients’ most unique and challenging needs. As no two projects are truly alike, we approach each client and project with fresh ideas, and develop them with deliberate, critical analysis according to that specific project’s needs and goals. Of how to marry the beauty of Architecture with structure and technology; all while navigating a myriad of Planning and code-compliance challenges. To create designs that are sympathetic to, but become wholly one with their site and the environment.
So, let us take a journey, through the Portal and into the future, together.
OUR LEADERSHIP
JAMES D. EVANS, R.A. – PRINCIPAL
Mr. Evans obtained his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kent State University in 1983 and started his Architecture career in Orlando, Florida. After gaining a variety of commercial and multi-family residential design experience in Florida, he returned to Akron, Ohio in 1985 to join in a successful partnership and Architectural practice. After 17 years, in 2002, he decided to start a new business/sole proprietorship, James Douglas Evans Architect, Inc., in his hometown of Tallmadge, Ohio. With fresh entrepreneurial direction and goals, many new clients were added, and through the firm’s success, a second office was opened in Raleigh, North Carolina, to help meet the demand for the firm’s expanding projects and growing clientele in the NC market. 15 years later, in the fall of 2017, Jim, along with his new partner, Todd Wallace, RA, formed Portal Associates, Inc., Architecture and Planning. Jim has been a Registered Architect since January, 1987, and is currently licensed in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. Jim is also a certified Master Plans Examiner(MPE)/Building Code Official in the State of Ohio since 1992, ensuring code compliance and facilitates smooth building department plan-approvals for all of the firm’s clients. Jim is also NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certified, allowing for fast, reciprocal licensing in any other states. Jim’s overall business model has always been to provide very personalized care and attention for the firm’s diverse clientele. Jim has served on the City of Tallmadge Planning and Zoning and Heritage Commissions, and currently serves on the Salvation Army of Akron Property Committee, and Advisory Board.
TODD B. WALLACE, R.A. – PRINCIPAL
Upon graduating from Orrville High School in 1995, Todd Wallace went on to Kent State University and obtained his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2000. While in college, Todd worked as a draftsman for a residential construction builder gaining experience in real world construction practices. He began his career in Barberton, Ohio, when he took a position at the office of Marine Cornachione, Architect. After 5 years gaining practical architectural, planning, and design experience, in 2005, Todd was granted his Professional Architect registration. After becoming registered Todd had the opportunity to lead many commercial, residential, and industrial design projects. Todd gained partnership in Cornachione and Wallace Architects in 2010 and later, in 2012, took over as Owner/Principal. Todd and his family currently reside in Orrville, Ohio where he plays an active role in his community. He and his wife Elizabeth enjoy participating in the activities of their three children; daughters Jayne and Ella, and son Jack. He coaches softball and basketball in his spare time as well as serves as a Design Review Board Member for the City of Orrville.
OUR SERVICES
Here at Portal we strive to provide our clients with exceptional services such as:
Complete Architectural and Engineering services
Site planning and master planning
3D and computer – rendered architectural presentations
Building programming
Architectural Review Boards, P&Z, and BZA Review Boards representation
Project cost estimating
Building Code Compliance and Consultation
Assistance with bidding and Contractor selection
Complete construction administration services