Lawrence County native led global design projects, but never forgot the beauty of home
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) has presented its Child of Appalachia award to Todd DeGarmo, a world-renowned architect who spent much of his childhood in Lawrence County.
DeGarmo serves as principal and CEO emeritus of STUDIOS Architecture, a global design firm with offices in San Francisco, Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and Paris. Under his leadership, STUDIOS has led some of the world’s most iconic design projects, including the Bloomberg headquarters and The Exchange at JP Morgan Chase in New York City, the renovation of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Berhampur on the Bay of Bengal.
Recently DeGarmo brought his creative vision back home to Lawrence County, partnering with the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) to develop a Masterplan for Parks and Recreation that leverages the beauty of local assets to increase quality of life and economic opportunity.
“I want this plan to make people feel proud,” DeGarmo said. “We live in this special place, and we can make big things happen here.”
To bring the plan to fruition, DeGarmo and LEDC engaged the University of Cincinnati School of Planning in the prestigious College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning to engage the community, study possibilities and develop recommendations. Plans will be made public at the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner.
The first phase will focus on the design of a new, 40-acre park in the Rome/Union Townships. The design will be rolled out at a bonfire on the site on the evening of Friday, Oct. 30.
“The Child of Appalachia Award honors individuals whose journeys showcase the unlimited potential within the people of Appalachia,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO president and CEO. “And Todd’s story certainly does that. His example encourages us all to take on big designs for our lives and our communities, and his continued dedication to Lawrence County demonstrates an unwavering commitment to creating well-being for those who live here.”
FAO established the Child of Appalachia award in 2005 as part of a broader effort to encourage pride and high expectations among the people of Appalachian Ohio. Since that time, FAO has recognized 23 other people with the award, including Robert L. “Bob” Evans and John and Annie Glenn.
A graduate of Fairland High School, DeGarmo knew from the age of five that he wanted to be an architect. Upon graduation, he attended the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning. In 2023, he received the William Howard Taft Medal for Notable Achievement, the University of Cincinnati Alumni Association’s highest honor, in recognition of his achievements in the fields of architecture and interior design. He has also been recognized as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and inducted in the Interior Design Hall of Fame.
“Spending time in Lawrence County has reinforced the life lessons I learned there as a child – respect the beauty of the land, follow your passions, work hard to achieve your goals and take the time to care for the people around you. These perspectives have informed every phase of my life and are inextricable from any success I have achieved,” said DeGarmo.