John Michael Sakoian is a native of Pittsburgh, PA. He is an esteemed (Magna Cum Laud) graduate of Drexel University's Professional Architecture program preceded by a B.S. in Industrial Design (Interior Architecture) at The Ohio State University which included a foreign study at the Academe Minerva, Netherlands. Scholastic awards he received include Best Architecture Thesis Project, Highest GPA Honors and was awarded with 1st Place in a volunteer design charrette hosted by Architecture for Humanity.
In 1999, he began his career in Lake Tahoe, CA where he set out to develop a deeper knowledge of both residential and commercial design with projects that combined the contemporary open-planned organization of spaces with timber-framed structures. Practicing in this market proved advantageous for developing his sustainable design methodology. Examples are the adaptation of the building form to site conditions such as watersheds, topography and climate extremes, as well as understanding the capabilities inherent in naturally harvested building components. The Tahoe Basin ecology also became a case study on his path to understanding the sensitivity of our precious eco-systems and differentiating between existing and new construction methodology that harms or sustains our natural environment.
In 2004, after 5 years of hands-on assistance and leadership in the delivery of successful projects in the disciplines of architecture, structures, interiors and lighting design, he moved on to Philadelphia, PA. There he continued to work in the design of single and multi-family custom homes and townhouses. Appropriate to local markets and building trades, these were primarily in wood-framed construction and in the historic revival-style. It was after a few years that John Michael Sakoian, as employee of H2L2 Architects and Planners, continued to challenge himself by developing an expertise in corporate and retail design with owners such as TD Bank, Commerce Bank and Credit Agricole, Egypt. In 2011, John Michael Sakoian became LEED AP to obtain an industry-standard credential representative of his ever-growing knowledge base in green buildings.
Exhibiting proficiency in both project design and project architecture, he began working on a variety of academic buildings for International Schools in Lausanne, Luxembourg, Sao Paulo, and Kenya. Higher Ed projects also emerged with the client of Temple University, for whom John Michael Sakoian designed the School of Architecture Building and performed contract administration for the Tyler School of Art. Infrastructure projects also became integral in his career as John Michael Sakoian adapted his skills toward bridge design for the clients of FDOT and NYSDOT. He produced a number of notable bridge and bridge element designs for projects such as the Flagler Memorial Bridge replacement in W. Palm Beach, FL and the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement in Tarrytown, NY.
After a combined 13 years of diverse project experience, John Michael Sakoian relocated his profession to Charleston, WV where he formed Sakoian International, LLC. His firm's mission is to provide innovative, efficient, effective and sustainable solutions for a variety of project types & sizes. Combining his international exposure, respect for solving problems locally, holistic skill set and the approachability of the small firm structure, there are no constraints to the potential client base he serves.
As Principal & Founder of Sakoian International, LLC, he continued working on a number of Bridge projects including the design for the SW 1st St. Bridge replacement in Miami, FL. He continued fostering his relationship with H2L2, Russia by designing a Radisson Hotel Resort and Conference Center on the Moscow River and a 400+ acre Private Military History Park and Recreation Center in Moscow's adjacent countryside.
Other notable projects are a 65 lot contemporary residential development in Florida's Treasure Coast region. John Michael Sakoian still maintains an association with H2L2 Nelson out of Philadelphia, PA and other regional design professionals. These associations are founded on mutual respect, trust and professional compatibility.
http://www.h2l2russia.ru/
http://www.h2l2.com