Approach
In collaboration with owner’s representative Gerry Bird, MA Design is leading the design of the new two-story Welcome Center for The Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio — a 2,000-acre destination dedicated to conservation, learning, and connection to nature. The mass timber structure, with its masonry base and expansive glazing, is sited to frame panoramic views of the Japanese Garden and meadow. Inside, the design draws inspiration from the landscape, using natural materials, warm earth tones, and balanced symmetry to create spaces that invite pause, reflection, and exploration.
The Welcome Center will include a reception and exhibit hall, café, expanded retail space, community meeting rooms, and generous outdoor terraces and porches that extend the visitor experience into the surrounding landscape. Currently in Schematic Design with construction scheduled for spring 2026, the project reflects Dawes’ commitment to sustainability and accessibility, targeting both SITES and LEED certification as it grows its mission of education and stewardship.
