By Catie Duzzny ’21

Today’s students need hands-on experience both inside and outside the classroom, top-of-the-line lab equipment, and personal attention from their professors and mentors, as well as connections within the industries that will someday employee these students. And most importantly, they need a liberal arts education to teach them the soft skills that employers desire.

To provide all of these under one roof, the University renovated an existing warehouse to create The Point at Otterbein, a 62,000 square foot building houses classrooms, labs, faculty offices, and a Maker Space, as well as several resident companies and coworking space. Part of the building was renovated and opened for classes fall semester 2016, and fall semester 2018 marked the conclusion of the second and final phase of renovation.

Otterbein partnered with leading organizations from the private and public sectors in Ohio to create The Point. The convergence of educators, business, industry and regional economic planning and development partners all in one location creates a unique resource for students, entrepreneurs, the Westerville community and the State of Ohio.

Recently, The Point was recognized for its outstanding internal design with two professional awards.

“Otterbein was fortunate to work with WSA Design Studio’s team of amazing architects and designers as we brought forward the innovative vision of The Point. The design team was able to capture the flexibility and comfort necessary to engage both students and business partners in our space. This collaboration is another example of how WE ARE Innovative,” said Erin Bender, executive director at The Point.

The first award was the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Columbus top award in the Education category. IIDA supports design professionals, industry affiliates, educators, students, firms, and their clients through their network of more than 15,000 members across 58 countries and 35 locally led chapters around the globe. They advocate for advancement in education, design, leadership, and community outreach to increase the value and understanding of interior design. Otterbein and WSA Design Studio received the award in October.

On Nov. 7, The Point was named among 10 winners of an award from the American Institute of Architect (AIA) Columbus chapter. This award is to recognize projects designed by central Ohio architects. A panel from the Pittsburgh AIA chapter judged the contest, which attracted 71 entries.

The WSA Studio won in the “interior architecture” category for their design on the second phase of The Point. Judges applauded The Point’s “dynamic, flexible space that feels memorable.”

For more information on The Point visit https://www.otterbein.edu/thepoint/.