CHRISTOPHER cocco – emerald award for inspirational leadership

senior designer – clark & post architects inc.

Christopher Cocco has always felt a strong connection to place. His first job at The Lorain Palace Theatre would cultivate a lasting bond to Downtown Lorain and its nearby waterfront. These formative experiences as a youth would instill core Lorain values of celebrating diversity, loyalty, and community.

Christopher is a graduate of The Ohio State University Department of Design where he received his Bachelor of Science in Design. At Ohio State, Christopher became interested in the human-centered approach to design and how improved interactions and experiences between humans, spaces, and objects have profound impact on lives and society.

Looking for a directional shift in his late 20’s, mentors shared their experiences with service life for a way to find meaning, fulfillment, and community in his life. Service opportunities opened new doors and presented in ways that could empower and transform the people and place he formed a strong connection to as a youth.

In 2019, Christopher was part of a group at the Lorain Historical Society that formed Main Street Lorain and over the last 4 years has been grateful for the opportunity to serve as the board’s Vice President and President over that time. Main Street Lorain continues to build a strong foundation toward the revitalization of Downtown Lorain and Christopher is #LorainProud to have played a small part of bringing vitality to Lorain’s Historic Commercial District.

Christopher’s professional work has also aligned with his vocations for service and social impact. Clark & Post Architects, Inc. has a proud history of working with the non-profit sector in Lorain County. Christopher has been fortunate to work on projects for many great organizations to help increase their capacity and meet community needs. Over his 10 years at Clark and Post, Christopher has worked on projects with the Lorain Historical Society, Neighborhood Alliance, United Way of Greater Lorain County, Road to Hope, Blessing House, Oberlin Community Services, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

When looking for diversion, Christopher enjoys making pizza with his wife Alison, finding beach glass along Lake Erie, listening to a good record, and still kicking the soccer ball around.