Company History
Company History
Launched in 2009, Buildipedia covers the entire world of design and construction with an online network of high-definition videos, interviews, photo galleries, and case studies. A vast Knowledgebase of building materials and systems accepts contributions from all users. And a burgeoning social network provides a place for all Buildipedia users to ask questions, share best practices, and showcase their own design, home-improvement, and other construction projects.
Buildipedia.com began with founder Mark Leatherwood's vision of an online destination for design and construction knowledge. Building upon decades of success in the real estate development and construction business, Leatherwood and business partner David Skomorowski assembled a team of experts to develop Buildipedia in early 2009.
In July 2009, multimedia studio Kinopicz American was contracted as strategic partner to Buildipedia, providing end-to-end website design, technology development, online marketing, and HD video production. Throughout 2010, Buildipedia’s editorial staff expanded to include designers, photographers, and correspondents from across the globe.
As of March 2011, tens of thousands of people worldwide visit Buildipedia every week. Buildipedia’s online community is comprised of consumers, students, and professionals from every corner of the design and construction industry.
Buildipedia is made to holistically deliver the most accurate and relevant information about design and construction, saving our audience time and money. Every element of the website – including targeted advertisement – is designed to be meaningful, informative, and entertaining to our growing audience.
Buildipedia's operations, including editorial, marketing, sales, web & video production, are based in Columbus, Ohio.
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Kristin Dispenza
Managing Editor
Kristin Dispenza graduated from the Ohio State University in 1988 with a B.S. in Engineering from the School of Architecture and a minor in English Literature. Throughout the early 1990’s, she worked as a freelance design writer for the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce. Since that time, her freelance activities have expanded to include writing for trade publications and websites, as well as other forms of electronic media.
Jennifer Randle
Editor-at-Large
Jennifer has worked as an editor for various publications, including scientific journals, newspapers, and magazines. She graduated from Ohio University with a B.S. in journalism and is an experienced reporter as well. As the editor-at-large for Buildipedia, Jennifer enjoys knowing that readers can expect thoughtful and relevant content, publishing weekly in a timely and consistent manner.
Ryan Carpico, AIA, CSI
Channel Producer – In Studio, At Home
Ryan is a Registered Architect and experienced general contractor. Ryan displayed a passion for construction at an early age, working alongside his father and grandfather at the job site. He earned a Bachelor's degree in architecture at the University of Kentucky in 1998. His professional experience on a broad spectrum of architectural projects includes design and project management for multi-family residential, general commercial, and institutional projects. He still finds time to build and draw Longitudinal Sections, continually investigating the balance between design and construction. Ryan now utilizes his ability as architect and builder to produce informative and engaging videos for Buildipedia.
Andrew Kimos, PE
Channel Producer – On Site, Operations
Andrew completed the civil engineering programs at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (B.S. 1987) and the University of Illinois (M.S. 1992) and is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Wisconsin. He served as a design engineer, construction project manager, facilities engineer, and executive leader in the Coast Guard for over 20 years. He worked as a regional airline pilot in the western U.S. before joining the Buildipedia team.
Suzanne Graham
Associate Editor
Suzanne lives and breathes search engine optimization. As the Associate Editor, Suzanne is responsible for bringing Buildipedia's quality content to the forefront of Internet searches. Prior to joining the Buildipedia team in 2008, she enjoyed a decade of experience in legal and engineering research. Suzanne uses this experience to help ensure the quality of Buildipedia's editorial content. Suzanne holds a B.A. from The Ohio State University.
Ray Thimmes
Web Designer
Ray has been Buildipedia's web designer since 2011. He handles day to day article layout and assists in administrative management of the site. He has worked on national campaigns for brands such as Chase Bank, Nestle, and the Columbus Crew. He has also served as a designer for the State of Ohio and the Columbus College or Art & Design. He graduated from the Columbus College of Art & Design in 2011 with a BFA in Advertising/Graphic Design.
Mark Vuchenich
Marketing Manager
Mark comes to Buildipedia with experience in multiple marketing disciplines. In addition to advertising partnerships and special event promotions, Mark has been a strategic brand-building and visual communications consultant to a variety of clients over the past seven years. He holds a Master’s degree in Global Marketing Communications and Advertising from Emerson College and a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Bethany College.
David Gardner
Lead Designer & Webmaster
David is three parts graphics designer to one part programmer. He has been building websites of all sizes since his teenage years. David is responsible for the day-to-day administration of Buildipedia.com while also serving as the principal graphic designer. He has worked on projects for small businesses, national political campaigns, and global brands alike. David studied visual communication design at The Ohio State University before joining Kinopicz American during its founding in 2009.
Damian Wohrer
Director of Photography
Damian, a director of photography and film producer, shoots and directs many of Buildipedia's original HD productions. After high school, Damian hit the road – traveling and perfecting his photography around the United States. Soon after, he began exhibiting and selling his original prints. Damian studied filmmaking in New York City and photography at The Ohio State University. He then moved west, where he worked in props and as an apprentice on Hollywood feature films. In 2009, he co-founded Kinopicz American with Francesco Lazzaro. His downtime is spent cooking, watching movies, and farming.
Francesco Lazzaro
Director of Operations
Francesco has been thinking about Buildipedia continuously since Ryan Carpico first wouldn’t stop talking about it back in the fall of 2008. As Director of Operations for Buildipedia, Francesco brings over a decade of experience in operational management, process analysis, and systems architecture. As co-founder of Kinopicz American with Damian Wohrer, Francesco supervises the editing and post-production of all Buildipedia original HD programming. Francesco is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a B.A. in English.
Mark Leatherwood
Founding Partner
Mark graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor's degree in 1973 and holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University, from which he graduated with honors in 1985. Mark served for over five years as a nuclear-qualified submarine officer in the U.S. Navy. Upon exiting the Navy, Mark founded a franchising business that he sold to Chemlawn Corporation after establishing franchises over a multi-state area. He then became a founder and principal of LW Associates in 1986. LW Associates and its affiliated companies provide real estate development, financial underwriting, and construction and property management services throughout Ohio. With total value of the projects exceeding $300 million, LW Associates has completed more than 70 commercial and residential developments in Ohio. Mark co-founded Buildipedia along with business partner David Skomorowski in 2009.
David Skomorowski
Founding Partner
David graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor's degree in 1970 and holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University. Prior to founding LW in 1988, he was president of Huntington Leasing Company, a subsidiary of Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio.
