Designing for Good: How Dupler Office Builds Stronger Communities by Showing Up
When you step into Dupler Office, you’ll find a culture where giving back is part of their everyday work. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Dupler is more than a furniture dealer—they are a workplace design firm grounded in purpose. With a passion for both people and place, their team is deeply rooted in the community, forging meaningful connections through thoughtful design and dedicated service. For them, giving back isn’t a choice, it’s a responsibility. By supporting the community that supports them, Dupler Office sets an example for others, showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference. Founded by twin brothers Randy and Brandon Dupler, the firm was built on the belief that doing the right thing extends well beyond the office. Since day one, Dupler Office has been deeply involved in their local community—attending nonprofit board meetings, volunteering at youth programs, and supporting causes their team genuinely cares about.
They approach community involvement just like they approach their work—with intention, consistency and a genuine commitment to showing up where it matters most.
Culture That Leads by Example
At Dupler Office, leadership doesn’t just talk about community service. They model it. Over the years, company leaders have served on numerous nonprofit boards, each selected based on personal connection and shared values. Randy Dupler has spent over a decade serving on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. He’s played a strategic role in shaping initiatives and championing environments that promote both physical and emotional safety for youth. That involvement has expanded across the state. Dupler Office has helped redesign more than 20 club spaces, all focused on creating experiences that help young people feel secure, supported, and empowered. Brandon Dupler, currently Board Chair for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, has contributed to organizations like United Way, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and workforce development efforts across the region. His leadership has created new pathways for Dupler Office employees to get involved in city-wide initiatives and civic partnerships.
Carrie Dupler, CFO and managing principal at Dupler Office, also exemplifies this ethos of service. She has played a powerful role in shaping the firm’s community-driven mission. Carrie has contributed her time and talents to a wide range of civic and philanthropic organizations, including the Furniture Bank of Columbus, Ohio Chamber’s Small Business Council, and the City of New Albany’s Community Connector program. Her past involvement includes work with the Childhood League, United Way, Leukemia Society, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Columbus Real Estate Women, and the Columbus Metropolitan Club. When asked what drives her, Carrie shared, “Know who you are, what you want, find something you love and work hard.” That mindset has helped shape a culture at Dupler Office that values purpose and perseverance.
Tarra Aufderheide, a principal at Dupler Office, brings the same level of leadership through her involvement with organizations like Dress for Success Columbus. As a board member, she helps shape the nonprofit’s future, inspiring younger women on the team to engage as well. Her leadership not only reflects a passion for empowering others but aligns perfectly with Dupler’s belief in creating opportunities that uplift.
Purpose Behind the Partnerships
Every organization Dupler Office supports is chosen with intention. They don’t just participate — they contribute meaningfully. Dress for Success Columbus is one of those relationships. The nonprofit provides professional clothing, skill-building resources, and mentorship to women preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce. “It’s about creating an experience that empowers,” says Tarra. “From the first fitting to the last handshake, we want these women to leave feeling ready for what’s next.”
Another long-running partnership is with Chix with Stix, a golf outing that supports breast cancer research through a local hospital. Dupler Office has participated for nearly 20 years, hosting hospitality tents, engaging clients, and rallying the design community around a common cause. Employees across Dupler Office contribute in other ways too. Seth Willis, part of the Architectural Products Team, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity’s Young Professionals group. His hands-on work with homebuilding reflects the culture of action and ownership that runs deep across the organization.
Built on Core Values
The firm’s approach to community involvement is shaped by a clear set of core values:
• Do the right thing, always.
• Lifelong learners.
• Design matters.
• Fun-loving spirit.
These aren’t just internal guiding principles — they influence how the firm partners with clients, contributes to local initiatives, and supports its team. Whether leading a nonprofit renovation or hosting a charitable event, Dupler Office brings the same energy and intention to every project. “We’re not a company that just writes checks,” Randy says. “We believe in showing up, getting involved, and building real relationships with the people and organizations we support.”
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Dupler Office plans to launch a more structured internal program that helps employees
connect with vetted nonprofit partners. The goal is to make it easier for team members to engage in meaningful volunteer work. While the program may be new, the mindset behind it remains the same: support your people, trust their passions, and make space for them to lead.
With rapid growth on the horizon for Columbus, Dupler Office also sees a clear opportunity to invest in the region’s future. They’re particularly focused on workforce readiness and K–12 education — two areas they believe will shape the city’s long-term success. “There are thousands of jobs coming to central Ohio,” Brandon says. “And we want to be part of the solution. That means preparing students not just for college, but for careers.”
Design with Heart
At Dupler Office, design is more than just a profession. It’s a platform for impact — a way to create spaces that empower people, strengthen organizations, and reflect the values of the communities they serve.
Their work may start with a floor plan, but it’s driven by something deeper: a commitment to people, purpose, and progress.
Guided by purpose and grounded in values, Dupler Office is designing more than offices. They’re helping shape the future of the communities they’re part of.
