About Arcfluence | Principal-Led Architecture in Columbus

Who We Are

Arcfluence is a principal-led architecture and interior design practice based in Columbus, Ohio. We work across residential, multifamily and mixed-use projects, from custom homes and adaptive reuse to ground-up development.

The Cliffs earned second place and BeAligned Health earned third place in the 2025 AIA Ohio People's Choice Awards.

What Drives Us

We believe design grows through conversation. Architecture at its best is collaborative: between architect and client, building and site, firm and community. That commitment extends beyond project work. Nick Karakaian, Co-Founder and Principal, helps lead the Central Ohio Investor Network. Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB, Co-Founder and Principal Architect, serves on Ohio's Residential Construction Advisory Committee, where he reviews proposed changes to the Residential Code of Ohio. Through the Arcfluence Podcast, conference presentations and policy conversations, the firm stays engaged with the people shaping the region.

We bring complementary perspectives to the same table. Arcfluence combines owner, operator and real estate experience with architectural, technical and delivery expertise. Principal architect Paul Fatkins brings 18 years of practice and is licensed in 19 states. Design decisions are tested against use, value, code, documentation and construction.

We use tools when they make the work clearer. Scanning, rendering, AI and automation support the work when they improve communication or decision quality. For existing buildings, in-house 3D laser scanning gives the team a reliable record of existing conditions before design begins. The tool matters because it reduces guesswork, improves coordination and helps clients make decisions with better information.

Nick Karakaian, Assoc. AIA

Nick Karakaian brings architecture, real estate ownership and operations together in Arcfluence's client and project strategy. He earned a master's degree in architecture and environmental design from Kent State University, worked as a space planner at Google, appeared on HGTV's Beach Flip and founded Nestrs before co-founding Arcfluence. He also helps lead the Central Ohio Investor Network, connecting real estate professionals across the region.

Paul Fatkins AIA, NCARB

Paul Fatkins leads architectural design, technical delivery and code coordination at Arcfluence. Licensed in 19 states, he brings 18 years of practice across residential, commercial, healthcare, hospitality and retail projects. He earned architecture degrees from Kent State University and the University of Cincinnati and serves on Ohio's Residential Construction Advisory Committee.

Arcfluence & its principals