When Doug Bentzinger found that he really enjoyed drafting and shop classes in high school, he began exploring architecture as a career choice. “I imagined that architecture would be a good occupation where I could see building ideas and plans come to fruition,” he says.
Growing up in Warsaw, Ill., Doug also helped his dad on his grandparents’ farm and with miscellaneous construction projects — when he wasn’t busy with football, basketball, baseball and track. He graduated from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in Advanced Technical Studies, with an emphasis in Architecture.
Doug still enjoys woodworking and completing DIY projects around the house, as well as gardening, repairing vehicles and spending time with family. He and his wife Jennifer have three daughters: one graduating pharmacy school, one in college and one in high school. “My youngest daughter and I also ventured into hobby beekeeping in 2020 as part of an FFA project,” Doug shares. “We are still learning and enjoying this very interesting undertaking.”
A portion of Doug’s extra time goes to a unique role: serving as mayor of the Village of Dunfermline while volunteering for many community events. He also serves on multiple boards and committees for the United Methodist Church.
Since starting his architectural career in 1994, Doug has been involved with and managed over 500 projects. He is a certified International Code Council Building Inspector and certified ISBE Inspector and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
Previously with Phillips & Associates Architects before the firm merged with Graham & Hyde, Doug brings extensive knowledge about and experience with education, institutional and commercial facilities to benefit G & H client projects.