Ferrante Celebrates 25 Years

Tuesday, April 11, 2023
By Stephanie Rohr, Marketing Assistant
In Design, Community

Congratulations to one of our leaders, Domenic Ferrante on 25 years with SHD. In the past quarter of a century, Domenic has evolved from Project Architect to Partner to Chief Operating Officer. He has been a big influence on the Firm. Domenic shared some insights with us about his time with SHD and in the architecture field:

How did you position yourself to become Partner and then Co-Owner of the firm (COO)?

It starts with hard work, which I learned from my father, client relations, communication and providing the best service possible. If you can be successful with those simple tools, you set yourself up for growth and leadership. My first project at SHD was with the Stark County DD. They have been a client for SHD since 1980 and the relationship continues today.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The people, we have a great group of people on staff that I call my second family. Our clients...the relationship is not just business, we have developed great friendships over the years. I truly enjoy when a project is complete and the client sees the impact of their new facility.

What are the most significant changes you have seen over the last 25 years?

Technology is good and bad. It has created a culture where you can get just about everything instantly at the palm of your hand. This same expectation has carried over into how fast people expect you to design and build a project. Work never stops.

What is the biggest lesson learned since working for SHD?

Being able to adapt and listen to people has taught me how to be a better leader. It's not about me, it’s about the people we work with every day.

What attracted you to SHD in the first place?

I started my career in Cleveland and it was a great experience designing buildings in NE Ohio, but there is something to be said about serving and making an impact in your local community. It has an extra special feeling when you are designing buildings where you live. It was also important for me to raise my family in Stark County.

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