BHDP Architecture Transitions to 100% Employee-Owned on June 1

BHDP transitions to a 100% employee-owned company on June 1, one of Cincinnati’s only architecture firms to do so. An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) gives every eligible employee an ownership stake in the company's success. Founded in 1937, BHDP’s purpose is to inspire people and impact results, by design. 

“We made this decision to support and invest in our nearly 200 employees,” said Drew Suszko, BHDP’s CEO. “The ESOP enables our people to benefit directly from our growth. This is a testament to the legacy of success at BHDP and the upward trajectory we’re on as a nationally recognized design firm.” 

The BHDP Executive Leadership Team remains the same and will continue to run the firm. All eleven shareholders prior to the transaction will remain with the company and retain their positions as leaders of the firm.

“An ESOP aligns incentives and performance, and gives us more firepower for growth, because we believe when we grow together, we win together,” said Suszko. “We’re creating an environment where employees can think, act, and benefit like owners. This transition reflects our long-term commitment to our people and the future of BHDP.”

The BHDP transaction team included Lazear Capital Partners, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, and Kirsch CPA Group. GreatBanc is the firm’s trustee.

“BHDP’s transition to 100% employee ownership reflects both the strength of the firm and the leadership team’s long-term commitment to its people,” said Troy Starr, managing director at Lazear Capital Partners. “The company has built an outstanding culture and reputation over nearly nine decades, and the ESOP structure positions BHDP to continue attracting top talent, driving growth, and creating meaningful ownership opportunities for all employees.” 

Named Cincinnati’s largest architecture firm by the Cincinnati Business Courier with $64.5M in total firm gross revenue in 2025, BHDP is poised for an even more successful 2026 with substantial growth across its four locations in Cincinnati and Columbus, OH, and Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. 

“I’m grateful to our advisors and honored to join the rest of our employee-owners as we embark on the next chapter in our storied history as a firm,” said Suszko.

About BHDP

BHDP is an award-winning international architectural firm recognized for innovative and inspiring design solutions. Our practice areas include architecture, planning, interior design, and experiential graphic design, and we serve several markets, including Workplace, Higher Education, Industrial, Discovery & Science, Healthcare, Government, Retail, and Community. A 100% employee-owned company, BHDP has offices in Cincinnati and Columbus, OH, and Charlotte and Raleigh, NC. For information, visit www.bhdp.com.