Over 50 years of combined experience
Meet the Team
Jim Evans, RA - Principal
Education: 1983 Graduate - Kent State University
Bachelor of Architecture
Credentials: Registered Architect - OH, NC, FL, KY & PA
Certified Master Plans Examiner/ Building Code Official
NCARB Certified
Affiliations: Salvation Army - Property Committee Member
Salvation Army - Advisory Board Member
Summit County Contractor Board Member
Hometown: Tallmadge, Ohio
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, Kentucky 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 Wallace, RA - Principal
Education: 2000 Graduate - Kent State University
Bachelor of Architecture
Credentials: Ohio Registered Architect
Affiliations: City of Orrville, Design Review Board
Hometown: Orrville, Ohio
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.
Angela Sterling - Office Manager
Education: 2005 Graduate - Ashford University
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Hometown: Canton Ohio
A life-long resident of Northeast Ohio, Angela Sterling gained extensive finance experience working for a large homebuilder. She later joined an engineering firm where she was responsible for oversight of all financial operations in addition to managing human resources functions. Angela brings two decades of accounting, finance and administrative experience to Portal Associates. Angela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Ashford University, is a Registered Notary Public in the state of Ohio, and is a Certified QuickBooks Advanced User. Angela has a passion for animal welfare and supports several local animal shelters. She currently resides in Plain Township with her husband, Jim, and their Labrador Retriever. In her spare time, Angela enjoys being outdoors, listening to live music, traveling, and spending time with family.