Our Story
1985-2010
Building the Foundation
1985 through 2010 saw our founders execute work on numerous projects that built the foundation for DesignLeveL; the most notable including the Pebble Project Dublin Methodist Hospital and award winning Golisano Children’s Hospital. Doug Barga had worked on over 7 exotic animal hospitals including the newly built Animal Healthcare Center at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
2010
The Beginning
Recognizing a shared desire to balance the potential of architecture to shape the user experience with the reality of building; founding partners Tracy Kameoka and Doug Barga formally come together to form DesignLeveL. Starting from scratch in the attic space of one of their homes, they quickly get to work.
They take advantage of their strengths: a passion for the user experience, design innovation, technical expertise, and developing creative solutions; they go onto establish a variety of clientele creating buildings and spaces that are healthy, safe, flexible, and sustainable.
2010
Tampa, Florida
DesignLeveL is chosen to lead the master planning and interior architecture effort for the new Animal Care Center at Busch Gardens, Tampa.
2012
Ohio
DesignLeveL moves out of the attic and into their first office space!
2011 - 2022
Ohio
DesignLeveL starts their long-standing relationship working with the Department of Veteran's Affairs. With projects around Ohio including locations in Chillicothe, Dayton, and Columbus; DesignLeveL serves as the Architect of Record for numerous Adult Healthcare projects.
2013
Michigan
Working in conjunction with Michigan State University and Ingham County Michigan, DesignLeveL provides programming and master planning services for a new animal hospital at Potter Park Zoo.
2015
Ohio
After completing the master planning study for the zoo in 2012; the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium selects DesignLeveL to serve as their Architect of Record for projects including additions to their new Animal Nutrition Center and renovation of and the addition to their existing Animal Health Center.
2018
Ohio
Tracy Kameoka assumes full ownership of DesignLeveL, leading the firm into the future.
2018
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
DesignLeveL collaborates with PGAV and AECOM becoming the Lead Medical Planner for the new SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Animal Healthcare Center and Research, Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release facilities.
2021
Ohio
2020
Ohio
DesignLeveL proudly completes its 20th project with Nationwide Children's Hospital.
DesignLeveL expands its government portfolio with numerous municipal projects for both the City of Columbus and Washington County Ohio.
2024
Ohio
DesignLeveL relocates to its new home on North High Street in Worthington, Ohio.
2022
Ohio
DesignLeveL partners with NBBJ on the new 1,014,505 sqft Inpatient Tower at Nationwide Children's Hospital.
2024
Ohio
DesignLeveL is proud to promote
Karen Cradduck to
Senior Associate | Senior Project Manager.
2025
Ohio
DesignLeveL celebrates its 15th year in business!
2025
Ohio
The Zoological Association of America awards The Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation with its Animal Exhibit of Excellence, being noted for its Outstanding Design and Respect for an Animal's Environment and Natural Landscape.
2025
Ohio
Tracy Kameoka becomes the newest board member of the Ohio Wildlife Center.
