Over 50 years of combined experience
Meet the Team
Jim Evans, RA - Principal
Education: Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
Bachelor of Architecture, graduated 1983
Credentials: Registered Architect (1987) - OH, NC, FL, KY & PA
NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) certified State of Ohio,
Level 4 Combination Plans Examiner (Since 1992).
Past member, City of Tallmadge Heritage Commission (ARB).
Past member, City of Tallmadge Planning Commission.
Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS) Member.
Ohio Building Officials Association (OBOA) Member.
Five-County Building Officials Association (FBOA) Member
Affiliations: The Salvation Army (Summit County)
-Advisory Board Member
-Property Committee Member
Summit County Board of Building Appeals Member
Summit County Contractors Board Member
Hometown: Tallmadge, Ohio
After obtaining his professional degree from KSU, Mr. Evans moved to Florida and began his career with The Evans Group in Orlando from 1983-1985, designing projects all over the state, including the pan-handle area of the gulf coast. After gaining a wide variety of commercial and multi-family residential design experience in Florida, he returned to Akron, Ohio in 1985 to join a firm there, and made Partner in 1987 (Reinbolt, Evans & Mann Inc., Architects). After 17 successful years at REM, he decided to branch out on his own, opening a practice in his hometown of Tallmadge (James Douglas Evans Architect, Inc.), designing commercial projects all over Northeast Ohio as well as North Carolina for the next 15 years. In the Fall of 2017, Jim and Todd Wallace, Architect, combined their experience and formed Portal Associates, Inc., Architecture and Planning. Jim’s business model has always been to provide very personalized care and attention for the firm’s diverse clientele base and unique project types/needs. Jim’s 33+ years’ experience as a State of Ohio certified building code plans examiner also helps ensure smooth plan approvals for all of the firm’s work, and his NCARB certification allows for quick reciprocal registration to other states, if required by the firm’s clients. Jim treasures spending time with his wife, Karen, of 41-years, has 4-children, and 3-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, skiing out West, riding his dirt bike, and playing his guitar.
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.
Jim Jones - Project Manager
Education: 1983 Graduate - Kent State University
Associates of Architecture
Credentials: Project Manager
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
Angela Sterling - Office Manager
Education: 2005 Graduate - Ashford University
Bachelor of Arts - Accounting
Credentials: Ohio Registered Notary Public
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.
Ilan Meltzer - Intern
Education: 2026 Graduate - Kent State University
Bachelor of Architecture
Credentials: 3-D Visualization, Drafting
Hometown: Medina, Ohio
Ilan Meltzer is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture degree at the Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Through a rigorous and design-focused curriculum, he has developed a strong ability to think creatively and critically within structured design frameworks. As an intern at an architectural firm, Ilan is gaining practical experience that complements his academic studies. His responsibilities include producing technical drawings, engaging in 3D modeling, and developing a deeper understanding of materials and construction methods. He also applies his passion for photography to document completed projects, which he curates and shares on the Portal website. Additionally, Ilan utilizes his skills in digital modeling to create realistic interior and exterior architectural renderings. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, he is an avid supporter of wildlife conservation and enjoys spending time outdoors. When not at school, Ilan resides with his family in Granger Township. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, birdwatching, watching hockey, and spending quality time with friends and family.