BHDP Architecture Expands Higher Education Leadership Team in Columbus

BHDP Architecture, one of Central Ohio's top architectural firms, is strengthening its commitment to its Higher Education market with the strategic addition of two seasoned leaders in its Columbus office. Justin Kaden joins the firm as a Design Leader, and Derick Stage returns to BHDP as Client Leader. 

Kaden brings extensive experience from previous roles at globally recognized firms HOK and Gensler. As Design Leader, he will draw on his architectural expertise to develop innovative, forward-thinking designs tailored to the challenges and goals of higher education institutions. 

"Partnering with BHDP's higher education clients to shape the environments where future generations will live, learn, and thrive is both an exciting opportunity and a meaningful responsibility," said Kaden.

Stadge rejoins BHDP after serving as Director of Projects at The Ohio State University. With nearly a decade of prior experience at the firm, he brings a strong foundation in client leadership and a deep passion for higher education environments. In this role, he will guide clients through the design process, build strategic partnerships, and contribute to BHDP's thought leadership.

"I was fortunate to work for a world-class university for more than five years, gaining valuable insight into strategic and capital planning, risk management, and effective collaboration," said Stadge. "I'm excited to bring that perspective back to BHDP to deliver extraordinary results for our clients."

"We are thrilled to welcome Justin and Derick to our team," said Paul Orban, Higher Education Market Leader at BHDP. "Their combined expertise and understanding of both institutional needs and strategic design will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the Midwest and Southeast."

BHDP's Columbus office is located at 274 Marconi Blvd. The firm also has offices in Cincinnati, OH, and Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. In 2025, BHDP was ranked the eighth-largest architectural firm in Central Ohio and ranked #1 in the Cincinnati area. 

About BHDP

BHDP, an award-winning international architectural firm, is recognized for innovative and inspiring solutions in architecture, planning, interior design, experiential graphic design, project management, and strategic consulting. BHDP serves several markets: Workplace, Higher Education, Industrial, Discovery & Science, Healthcare, Government, Retail, and Community from its offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, OH and Charlotte and Raleigh, NC. For more information, visit https://www.bhdp.com