CINCINNATI, OH – December 21st, 2022 – Cincinnati’s sixth largest national architecture, interiors, and graphics design firm and the nations 12th largest sports architecture firm has promoted Principal and part owner Bill Baker to Managing Partner and Vice President. Founder President Mike Schuster will focus on continuing to build MSA’s strong design presence, innovation, and advancement as the firm’s design leader and strategist.

“Bill exhibits a clear and knowledgeable understanding of our MSA Design culture, brand, process, and purpose.” Schuster states, “He has always upheld the high ethical and compassionate standards that have been at MSA’s core since I started the firm over 35 years ago. Bill insists on building strong leaders within our organization to continue our legacy long into the future. As we move into this next chapter of MSA Design, I will retain the role of President and Design Strategist. Together we will continue to invest in the development of our future leaders in all areas of our practice. True integration of design process, practice, and culture is essential to our mission and our daily goal is to be devoted to making our communities and our environment a better place for the future.”

Says Baker, “There is a high-level of care for the people here as human beings, versus “production centers”. I attribute that to Mike and our entire leadership team at MSA. I have rarely found an architecture firm where you truly be your unfiltered self – and we celebrate that here as a part of our culture. MSA is a place that values integrity, celebrates entrepreneurship and allows our team members to follow their own passions within the design profession. This focus on integrity and helping others results in our focus on giving back to the communities that our Offices serve – a personal passion of mine. As we move forward as a firm, I’m excited for the opportunity to serve our entire team to enhance MSA’s nationally renowned reputation for design excellence. Whether a cutting-edge student living environment on a campus, a state-of-the-art public safety facility, a 21st century educational space, an innovative workplace, or a dynamic venue for the training of world class athletes by MSA Sport – I’m continually amazed at the innovative work of our Architects, Designers, and other team members. I am humbled and excited to help lead this legacy into the future.”

Baker is a native of the small Central Ohio town of Sparta, 10+ year cancer survivor, and passionate about the obligation of architects to leave a lasting civic legacy on their community. Bill graduated with Honors from the Ball State College of Architecture and Planning (1995) and was a recipient of the 2021 Alumni Achievement Award by the University. Baker initially joined MSA in 1999 as an architect, but after a brief stint at Burkettdesign in Denver, Colorado, Baker returned to MSA. He was promoted to Principal in 2003 and became a part owner in 2015. Baker has worked on and led several high-profile projects for MSA, including the Mercy Health Training Center for FC Cincinnati, Xavier University Health United Building, The Ohio State University Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Miami University Yager Stadium, and the University of Cincinnati’s new Indoor Practice Facility and Athletic Performance Center which is currently in design. He has also served on the Cincinnati 2026 World Cup Committee, Cincinnati USA Sports Commission, Ball State Department of Architecture Advisory Board, American Institute of Architects, and Blue Ash YMCA Advisory Board.

Schuster, a University of Cincinnati graduate, was elected to the National College of Fellows in Design in 2008 and has been honored with the Ohio AIA Gold Medal. Schuster founded MSA Design in 1985 as the sole employee and has grown the firm to 65+ in its 37-year history. Schuster has taught at the University of Cincinnati as an adjunct professor focusing on the concept of advanced levels of pre-fabrication, meaningful design, and the goal of enriching the lives of all users of the spaces that designers create. Schuster’s involvement with the Cincinnati Reds, the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Xavier University and Government Square in Downtown Cincinnati are a few of the projects that reflect his belief that architecture can energize and empower communities. He has served on many local community and educational Institution Boards and is currently the Vice-Chair at DePaul Cristo High School. Schuster will continue to work with MSA’s highly recognized and regarded professional staff to creatively collaborate to design the purposeful and thoughtful spaces and places that MSA is given the opportunity and responsibility to create.