A Collaborative Laboratory of Architecture and Design

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We don't just draw plans; plans are the result. We investigate, guide, analyze, suggest, give options, and ultimately solve unique design problems. At RBF CoLab, we place emphasis on maintaining strong, collaborative relationships. We work in partnership with our clients throughout the entire process, from the research phase through move-in day and beyond, to create spaces of comfort, sophistication and style.

Since 2013, we have provided complete architectural services for historical restoration projects, new homes, feasibility studies and more. 

The Man Behind the Masterpiece

Paul Hagman, president of RBF CoLab, is not just an architect, but an investigator, observer, analyzer, craftsman, scholar, trier, and doer.  He was granted his Masters of Architecture from Kent State University after studying architecture and urban design in Florence, Italy, and at the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative in Cleveland, Ohio.

After returning to the Mahoning Valley, Hagman formed a partnership to rehabilitate the century-old John R. Davis building. The project was subsequently awarded an Historic Preservation Award in 2009 from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.

Recently, Hagman worked on the successful adaptive reuse of a 1907 structure, designed by famed architect Albert Kahn, which has been converted into a 125-key, full service hotel.  The 12-story structure includes ornate plaster detailing in the historic elevator lobby, a grand marble staircase, and soaring white terra cotta facades.

In addition to historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, Hagman has designed award winning homes based in traditional styles.  The same level of detail found in historic properties is infused into these well-crafted homes.

Other projects include the headquarters of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), now America Makes -- part of a $70 million-dollar program to research and develop 3D printing for increased and improved manufacturing and industrial uses. The institute was lauded by President Obama in the 2013 State of the Union address.