DAG Architects Qualifications - Cobb County School District
Cobb County School District
January 27, 2026
Dear Members of the Cobb County School District Facilities Department:
On behalf of the entire DAG Architects team, we want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to submit our qualifications to work with the Cobb County School District. Our passion for education design drives us to continually reflect on how we can provide school districts across the state with exemplary design services for projects of all sizes and scope. With each partnership, we are committed to providing excellent customer service to the school system and its stakeholders.
Schools are at the heart of what we do, and we fully recognize the profound impact our designs have on students, parents, and teachers. We have a rich history of partnering with 34 school districts and 11 colleges and universities.
We are confident that our approach will align with CCSD’s vision and goals. Whether for small or large projects, we ensure client satisfaction from concept to completion. We are adept at managing the complexities of working on active school campuses, minimizing disruptions with carefully scheduled tasks.
Tanya Richard, who leads DAG’s educational design team from our Atlanta office, will be your designated point of contact. Tanya’s extensive experience with Georgia Department of Education procedures, combined with her strong collaboration with local consultants, ensures that your projects will be handled with the utmost expertise and efficiency.
Highlights of our qualifications include:
• Innovative Design: We create adaptable, sustainable spaces that prioritize collaboration, creativity, and the wellbeing of students and educators.
• Collaborative Team: Our long-standing consultant partnerships ensure seamless communication and coordination from concept through completion.
• Extensive Experience: Projects such as the Pineview K–8 School and the adaptive reuse of the University Academy demonstrate our ability to deliver complex educational facilities on time and within budget.
We are excited about the opportunity to partner with CCSD to ensure the success of each student. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss how DAG Architects can help with any of your current or future school projects.
Sincerely.
Tanya Richard AIA | Associate Principal 470 305 1005 | trichard@dagarchitects.com
01 Firm Overview
01 Firm Overview
For more than 40 years, our growth and success has been driven by a purposefully diverse practice that covers a wide range of project types, including significant experience in education. This brings an added richness of experience to all projects and confirms our belief that design makes a difference and can have a positive impact on the lives of the people who use our buildings.
Every project is an opportunity to shape how people live, work, and connect. By carefully listening to our clients’ goals and aspirations, we deliver solutions that reflect their unique vision while exceeding expectations. This approach is particularly valuable in K-12 Education, where fostering dynamic learning environments and campus communities is paramount. We are life-long learners dedicated to education design. From new elementary schools to renovations and additions, to performing arts venues and master planning for future growth, we leverage decades of expertise to create inspiring learning environments. As architects who listen, our clients are the most important part of our team. Curiosity drives us to set new standards in architectural design, crafting spaces that are both inspiring and practical. Through collaboration and a research-driven approach, we create thoughtful designs to stand the test of time.
DAG Architects Design Team
Roger Godwin, AIA, LEED AP Managing Principal
Wood Dennis Project Manager
Robert Bielamowicz, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB Principal
Gerald William, Architect GeWillia@doe.k12.ga.us
Gregg Snapp, Architect gsnapp@doe.k12.ga.us
Tanya Richard, AIA, LEED AP Senior Project Manager, Associate Principal Primary Point of Contact
Brookelyn Bolin Senior Interior Designer
02
Project Management and Technical Approach
02 Project Management and Technical Approach
Project Management Approach:
• Clear Communication: Regular progress meetings and status reports ensure that projects remain on budget and on schedule.
• Phased Planning: Projects follow a structured design and construction process, including programming, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration.
• Quality Assurance: DAG’s internal review process and on-site oversight will ensure design intent, code compliance, and construction quality are consistently met.
• Risk Management: Potential challenges will be proactively identified, and mitigation strategies implemented to keep the project on schedule.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
The project team will actively engage with Cobb County representatives, stakeholders, and the school community to ensure that the final design supports STEAM education, student health and wellbeing, and career and college readiness. The team’s collaborative approach ensures all voices are heard while maintaining project momentum and accountability. This organizational structure ensures that the projects will be delivered as high-quality, inspiring, and fully functional spaces that support both teachers and students.
DAG Architects employs a structured and proactive approach to managing the design schedule, ensuring projects are delivered on time without compromising quality or design intent. Our process combines proven project management systems, clear accountability, and regular monitoring to keep all team members aligned and focused.
Key Elements Include:
1. Detailed Project Planning: At project kickoff, we develop a comprehensive master schedule that outlines all design phases, deliverables, and milestones, integrating internal team tasks, consultant responsibilities, and client review periods.
2. Digital Project Management Tools: We utilize project management software to track tasks, deadlines, and dependencies, allowing real-time updates, visibility, and transparency for the entire team.
3. Regular Coordination Meetings: Weekly internal and consultant coordination meetings ensure tasks are progressing as planned, risks are identified early, and adjustments are made promptly.
4. Client Communication: Scheduled progress updates and milestone reviews keep clients informed and engaged, allowing timely feedback that supports schedule adherence.
5. Contingency Planning: Potential scheduling risks are proactively assessed, and mitigation strategies are built into the timeline to address unexpected challenges without delaying project delivery.
6. Integrated Workflow: Our design, engineering, and interior teams work collaboratively from the outset, minimizing rework, streamlining decision-making, and ensuring each phase builds efficiently on the last.
Through these systems and procedures, DAG Architects ensures that design schedules are consistently managed, milestones are met, and the project progresses smoothly from concept through construction documentation.
Cost Control:
We work to design schools that are easy to maintain and as inexpensive as possible for our clients to operate. Our goal on every project is to provide the highest quality of completed work in the shortest amount of time at the lowest cost to the owner. We know this is important, as savings can be passed down to other educational resources to benefit the county school system, teachers, support staff, and students.
Our ongoing school district relationships and staff’s prior experience as Facilities Directors, General Contractors, and other construction personnel gives us a unique ability to pre-empt possible maintenance concerns, as well as to better review and proactively respond to potentially difficult installations. We assist with developing operations schedules for ongoing cleaning, testing and balancing, and commissioning, as well as sharing any prior lessons learned to make suggestions to help prevent issues long before they arise.
We work with districts who can afford to build brand new multi-million-dollar projects with ease, and with districts who are renovating 100-year-old buildings or are building their first new structure in more than 20 years.
QA/QC Process:
DAG knows that clear and intentional communication between all stakeholders and team members is key to the success of a project. Our client-focused approach to project management is centered around listening first and then executing the project goals. We work side by side with the whole team: client, contractor, consultants, and stakeholders to deliver successful projects that meet the strategic goals, budgets, and timelines. As experienced education designers, we understand the importance of keeping things on schedule and in budget to minimize disruptions to the school year and education programs.
While each team member is responsible for the quality of their work, the Quality Manager is ultimately responsible for the quality of DAG’s documents and deliverables. We pride ourselves on providing design deliverables that are uniformly excellent and not dependent on the size or scale of the project. Each assignment is managed professionally, and collateral materials are produced that exemplify our standards for design excellence.
Quality control reviews are performed by one of the principals at each design phase. We also schedule QA/ QC reviews with our education specialists, CPTED professionals, ESE consultants, and technical experts at key milestones. This commitment to excellence in the production of construction documents follows through into construction.
We approach construction administration as a proactive commitment to resolve potential conflicts early and ensure the project is constructed to the quality and design of the documents.
In addition to the project manager, we will assign a specific construction administrator who will perform detailed reviews of shop drawings and provide on-site observations. Our work quality is evident in our low change order percentage. We are proud of the fact that change orders on our projects are typically less than 1%, while 3%-5% is the industry average.
Each area of quality requires specific actions from our team:
PERFORM FIELD INVESTIGATION
• Determine data needed
• Secure and double check data
• Verify that data is adequately reflected in the construction documents
DESIGN QUALITY
• Meet design needs and goals of client
• Provide adequate response to those needs and goals such that the budget will not be exceeded
• Review in this context with our client
QUALITY CONTROL IN THE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
• Hold weekly formal reviews with staff
• Perform staged reviews and coordination sessions with each consultant
• Utilize checklists and cross checks
• Review budget adequacy with scope
QUALITY CONTROL IN THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE
• Qualified personnel will check contractor submittals and shop drawings
• Principals will perform select field inspections
• Design team will communicate clearly with owner and contractor
We have seen the benefits of providing internal reviews of documents to ensure accuracy across the project workflow, limiting change orders and minimizing issues before they become major problems. For example, in the design of Pineview K-8, we collaborated with education experts throughout our offices to provide insights at key times during the project. This addition of fresh eyes and fresh insights helped guide our overall designs and construction documents to maximize the potential of this project for the community.
Dune Lakes Elementary School
Campus Safety:
Our team is composed not only of architects and interior designers, but also includes construction and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)certified professionals, ensuring that safety, security, and quality are prioritized in every aspect of our work.
We do this through design reviews that address:
• Physical Security
• Natural Surveillance
• Movement Control
• Maintenance
• Defensible Space
Technical Capabilities:
As a diverse architecture practice, DAG Architects has a wide array of experience and capabilities. We do not specialize in any particular type or style of design, so we can apply our expertise to directly meet our clients’ needs.
Our team is committed to advancing good design, sustainability, and the use of cutting-edge project delivery
Point Cloud Modeling
East Bay K-8
methods and technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is the standard for architecture professionals; we use Revit as our design and BIM production platform. We also utilize advanced rendering and animation programs, including point-cloud modeling, to enhance our overall 3D design capabilities.
The Design Team is experienced in using point cloud surveys to capture precise 3D data of the existing building, creating an accurate as-built model that reflects the true conditions and dimensions.
These models provide detailed documentation of the building’s current state, which is crucial for planning renovations, identifying structural elements, and understanding the building’s geometry. The high level of detail in point cloud data reduces the risk of measurement errors, leading to more accurate renovation plans and avoiding costly mistakes during construction.
A three-dimensional scan of an existing building façade or interior space that is created by plotting millions of dots, or “points,” to establish built elements in the x/y/z axis.
A zoomed in portion of image 1 to show the dots more clearly.
An image of the Revit model that is created by converting the point cloud data into three-dimensional model elements so that we can use the existing building information in our new drawings and other documentation.
POINT CLOUD MODELING EXAMPLE
03 Personnel
03 Personnel
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, Georgia, Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Architect: GA
ASSOCIATIONS
USGBC, LEED AP BD+C
AIA Georgia, Equity in Architecture
YMCA Board. East Lake Chapter
SCUP, member
Georgia High School
Girls Gymnastics Judges Association, President
EXPERTISE:
• Experience with GADOE
• Technical and Regulatory Knowledge
• Collaborative Leader and team builder
• Expertise in design of innovative, student focused spaces.
Tanya Richard AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Project Manager / Primary Point of Contact
Associate Principal
Tanya has a passion for building team-focused relationships and facilitating problem solving. Through 30 years of experience as a registered architect she has gained skill in designing a broad range of innovative building types including education, and athletic facilities. Her strengths lie in creating a team approach to producing high-quality building designs. Over the years, Tanya has cultivated a strong rapport with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), comprehending their intricate procedures and essential requirements. In addition, Tanya has enduring relationships with the proposed consultant team members, with some collaborations dating back decades. She is currently working with the entire DAG team on the Crestview K-8 School that in under construction. These synergies not only bolster the team but add an extraordinary layer of value.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Wade Walker Park Family YMCA, DeKalb County Stone Mountain*
Wills Park Pool, Alpharetta, GA*
Bethesda Park Expansion*
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation*
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Innovation and Data Center – Dream Center*
Okaloosa County Public Schools, Pineview K-8, Crestview, FL
Atlanta Public Schools Renovation*
• Douglas High School Security Vestibule
• South Atlanta High School Waterproofing Repairs
Mill Springs Academy Upper and PreUpper School*
Cobb County Schools*
• Hightower Trail Middle School
• Osborne High School Auditorium Addition
DeKalb County Schools*
• Briar Vista Elementary School Major Building System Replacement
• HVAC Replacement at Panola Way ES, MLK Jr HS, Chapel Hill ES, Edward L. Bouie HS, Bob Mathis ES
• Henderson Mill Elementary School, Major Building System Replacement
* Work performed prior to joining DAG Architects
Wade Walker Park Family YMCA*
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture, Auburn University
Bachelor of Interior Design, Auburn University
Bachelor of Enviornmental Design, Auburn University
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Architect: GA, FL
LEED Certified
ASSOCIATIONS
USGBC, LEED AP
AIA, member
Roger Godwin, AIA, LEED AP
Principal in Charge
Roger has extensive education experience, leading DAG’s efforts on thousands of schoolrelated projects. He has led the design efforts of classroom, performing arts centers, laboratory, tech/maker development, simulation, lecture, athletic, and dormitory spaces. Roger adds both national design leadership and local knowledge to the team, and applies cutting-edge trends to his designs for master plans, office buildings, and inspiring interiors.
EXPERTISE:
• Complex renovation and adaptive reuse projects
• Expertise in modern, flexible school spaces that reinforce learning
• Business acumen to keep projects on budget and schedule
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Beulah Middle School, Bay County, Pensacola, FL
Mosley High School and Fine Arts Center, Renovation and New Construction, Bay Couny, Lynn Haven, FL
Freeport Elementary School Addition and Renovation, Walton County, Freeport, FL
Dune Lakes Elementary School, Walton County, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Okaloosa County Public Schools, Pineview K-8, Crestview, FL
Gadsden County Public Schools, Gadsden PreK-8, Quincy, FL
Jackson County School District, New K-8 School, Marianna, FL
Jackson County School District, Eastside K-8, Marianna, FL
North Bay Haven Charter Academy, Lynn Haven, FL
South Walton Montessori Academy at Point Washington, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
University Academy at the Panama City Airport Terminal Phases I and II, Panama City, FL
St. George’s University Fitness Center, St. George, Grenada, West Indies
Georgia Tech Global Learning Center
Gulf Coast State College Health Sciences Building, Panama City, FL
Northwest Florida State College South Walton Campus Phase I, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Freeport Elementary Addition and Renovation
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, Clemson University
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, Texas A&M
Charles E. Daniel Center for Building Research and Urban Studies, Genoa, Italy
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Architect: GA
ASSOCIATIONS
USGBC, LEED AP
AIA, member
Robert Bielamowicz AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Principal
Robert has designed large, high-profile projects throughout his career, including convention centers, corporate offices, mixed-use facilities, and sports arenas. He has coordinated with stakeholders to address the complex district and campus planning issues of dynamic urban sites. Robert elevates team commitment and performance across the unforeseen complications of long-cycle projects and is active in firm initiatives for cultural identification, strategic planning, and business development. These experiences have been invaluable to understanding the aims and exposures of every side of a project, regardless of scale.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Phoebe Putney Health System/Albany Technical College Living Learning Center
Okaloosa County Public Schools, Pineview K-8, Crestview, FL
Mercedes Benz Stadium*
Home Depot Backyard Mercedes Benz Stadium*
Nashville Music City Center, Nashville, TN*
Delta Corporate Campus Redevelopment*
Savannah Fairgrounds Redevelopment*
Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion, Las Vegas, NV*
* Work performed prior to joining DAG Architects
EXPERTISE:
• Design and expansion expertise in existing spaces
• Design and construction of dividable dining spaces and kitchens
• Provides added value through the transformation of existing assets
Phoebe Putney Living & Learning Center
EDUCATION
Master of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology
ASSOCIATIONS
AIA, Associate member
Wood Dennis ASSOC AIA
Project Manager
Wood is a talented architectural designer with experience specializing in the higher education and K-12 sectors. His expertise in creating inspiring and functional learning environments is evidenced by numerous successful projects, ranging from cutting-edge learning environments to extensive campus master plans. Wood’s understanding of educational needs allows him to design spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence. His commitment to sustainability and thoughtful, user-centered design makes him a valuable asset to any team. He is dedicated to engaging with end users throughout the design process, ensuring that each project reflects the unique character of its community.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Okaloosa County School District, Pineview
K-8 School, FL
Atlanta Public Schools, Tuskegee Airmen Global Academy New Build
Congreation Etz Chaim Renovation & Addition
Georgia State University, Library North Master Plan, Renovation & Addition, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies Renovation*
Georgia Institute of Technology
Folk & Caldwell Residence Hall Renovations*
Life University, The New Commons*
St. Martin’s Episcopal School, Early Learning Center Renovation*
EXPERTISE:
• Experience with GADOE
• Effective collaborator with consultant and owner teams
• Adept at facilitating interactive programming workshops
• Meticulous planner and problem solver
The Weber School*
Black Box Theatre Renovation New Gymnasium + Master Plan Study
Saint Pius X Catholic High School Master Plan, Atlanta, GA*
Resurgence Hall Charter School Renovation, East Point, GA*
Whitefield Academy New Lower School Building, Smyrna, GA*
Saint Martin’s Episcopal School Early Learning Center, Atlanta, GA*
Cathedral of Christ the King School New Hyland Center, Atlanta, GA*
* Work performed prior to joining DAG Architects
St. Martin’s Episcopal School Early Learning Center Renovation
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, School, Virginia Tech
ASSOCIATIONS
Licensed Interior Designer: Florida #7185
NCIDQ: #37700
Brookelyn Bolin, NCIDQ
Senior Interior Designer
Brookelyn was DAG’s first interior design hire and has played a key role in establishing the firm’s high standard for thoughtful, inspiring interiors. She brings a dynamic and creative approach to every project, focusing on telling an organization’s story through interior spaces, finishes, and wayfinding strategies. Her experience spans a wide range of typologies—including K–12 and higher education facilities, healthcare, government, office, and high-end residential—bringing a depth of knowledge that ensures each space is functional, engaging, and tailored to its users. Outside the office, Brookelyn pursues her passions for faith, fitness, and environmental stewardship, bringing the same energy and care to her work as she does to her life.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Haney Technical College, Technical Center, Panama City, FL
Okaloosa County Public Schools, Pineview K-8, Crestview, FL
Jackson County Public Schools, Marianna K-8 School, Marianna, FL
Palm Bay Charter School Renovation & New Administration Building, Panama City, FL
Destin Charter High School, Destin, FL
Bay District Public Schools, Tyndall Elementary School, Tyndall, FL
Walton County Public Schools, Freeport Elementary School, Freeport, FLHolmes County Public Schools, Secure Lobbies Project, Multiple locations
Emerald Coast Technical College, Defuniak Springs, FL
EXPERTISE:
• Creates engaging, student-centered environments that enhance learning
• Champions design strategies that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, where students and educators thrive.
• Designs innovative, adaptable environments that inspire creativity, collaboration, and exploration.
Haney Technical College
04 Relevant Experience
04 Relevant Experience
We have worked with school districts on projects ranging from new schools and major additions to renovations and feasibility studies.
DAG specializes in school design. We have completed over 350 K-12 school projects, including renovations, remodelings, and additions. Over the past six years, we designed five new schools and have on the boards two new high schools, a new elementary school, and two K-8 schools.
We work with many school districts and the Department of Education to design schools that adhere to both stated cost limitations and student space standards. We design schools that are functional, meet budget expectations, and last for generations.
We specialize in K-12 school design. Shared spaces like cafetoriums and media centers engage students and the community. We incorporate daylighting, anytime learning, and flexible space design to accommodate teaching styles as they evolve.
DAG Architects has more than 60 design professionals; most have K-12 education design experience. We are registered architects, CPTED Practitioners, and LEED Accredited Professionals, working across the Southeast.
We are experienced architects who provide design, visioning and programming, master planning, interior design, and construction administration. We use Building Information Modeling systems, like Revit, to produce our documents.
Pineview New K-8 School
Okaloosa County School District | Crestview, FL
Pineview K-8 represents a significant milestone as the first new educational facility built in Okaloosa County in 20 years. Located in Crestview, this innovative K-8 school addresses the community’s rapidly growing population. Positioned at the intersection of two major roads, the school features a distinctive angled design that creates a welcoming presence at the prominent site corridor. The public-facing spaces, including the media center, central hub, gymnasium, cafeteria, and career technical education (CTE) labs, are strategically placed along a curved internal “spine” to facilitate community access and embody the goal of putting “learning on display.”
i. Budget
Approximately $100M ($80M estimated at time of contract execution between DAG & Jacobs/Titan). Hard bid at $88M, equivalent to $425/SF. Project is still under construction so final cost has yet to be determined.
ii. Actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule.
Contracted Design Start Date: 02/27/2024
Design Completion Date: 09/18/2024
Contracted Construction Start Date: 11/20/2024
Construction Completion Date: Estimated 08/2026
iii. Services performed and key staff.
DAG Architects team members Tanya Richard, Wood Dennis, Brookelyn Bolin, and Robert Bielamowicz provided Architectural Design, Interior Design, Branding, Construction Documents and Administration.
Babcock Ranch School Campus Planning and Expansion
Punta Gorda, FL
Designed in collaboration with STUDIO+, the Babcock Ranch expansion completes the campus vision as part of a master-planned community with three designated school sites. The entire campus is thoughtfully organized around a central green lawn—a gathering space that serves as the heart of student life.
The master plan evolved during the design process to better serve the educational program. When the original concept of housing band and chorus rooms within the high school addition proved problematic due to acoustic concerns, the team reimagined a former utility yard as a dedicated arts building. Through extensive massing studies evaluating various schemes for a new K-8 Expansion, the design team ultimately determined that a three-story solution would best serve the program requirements.
Continuing the design language of the campus, the facility prioritizes student safety and wellbeing with sightlines between corridors and classrooms to address potential bullying concerns. Central to this focus is the design of single-stall bathrooms with central vanities to replace
traditional multi-stall configurations, eliminating one of the major spaces where bullying can occur.
The building’s signature moment occurs immediately upon arrival. Visitors pass through a secure lobby leading to a dramatic two-story atrium. Dubbed “the Connector,” the bridge-like balcony spans the space, allowing students to engage with the activity below. This central gathering space features ultra-wide corridors that extend learning beyond classroom walls, with dedicated learning nodes positioned every four classrooms. Huddle rooms off the main corridors provide quiet spaces for small groups to work.
The L-shaped floor plan connects the new construction to the existing high school at the rear. We relocated the administrative suite to the new expansion which serves as a new front door for the K-8 school. The modern addition completes the next phase of the campus vision and promotes the continued growth of the campus as a leader in education in the community.
The Owner’s Construction Budget is Confidential.
i. Summarize the actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule.
Design Start Date: March 2021
Design Completion Date: September 2021
Construction Start Date: June 2021
Construction Completion Date: July 2022
ii. Services performed, including which, if any, of the proposed key personnel worked on the subject project.
DAG Architects provided Architectural Design, Interior Design, Branding, Construction Documents and Administration.
iii. Owner references with contact information.
Trevor Wright, Studio + P: 612.602.9760
Freeport Elementary School Addition and Renovation
Walton County School District | Freeport, FL
This multi-phase project consists of the 29,250 SF redevelopment of an existing elementary school and core facilities. The first phase of the project consisted of an 11-classroom addition of approximately 15,000 SF. The kitchen/cafeteria and administration addition totaled 29,800 SF, while the interior renovation of classrooms and the media center was 29,250 SF. These upgrades provided a beautiful new face for the building, while simultaneously solving the need for a canopy-covered drop off.
After a holistic view of the site and developing a full master plan, the redesign needed to focus on the rapid growth of the student population; unsafe drop-off configuration and lobby entrance; and better configurations for buses, vehicles, and pedestrians to move through the parking areas. Site stormwater drainage was configured and collected to be a functional water feature, which also provides greater stacking for the parent drop-off area. Biophilic design principles help further emphasize the natural setting for the campus, allowing it to feel like it is truly nestled into nature.
Local flora and fauna inspired the finishes and environmental graphics in the interior spaces. Outside, a landscaped plaza space also functions as an outdoor classroom with amphitheater-style seating. A future renovation will include interior finishes and technology upgrades that will further tie both the new and existing together to create a seamless look and feel to the campus. BEFORE
i. Budget.
All phases: $30,675,412
ii. Actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule.
Original Start Date: December 19, 2022
Actual Completion Date: August 3, 2023
iii. Services performed and key staff.
DAG Architects provided Architectural Design, Construction Documents and Administration. Principal Roger Godwin led the team in the design of this school.
iv. Owner references with contact information.
Jill Smth
Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Walton County School District jill.smith@walton.k12.fl.us
Myrtle Grove Elementary School Replacement
Escambia County School District | Pensacola, FL
“ We are currently nearing completion of Myrtle Grove Elementary school. This has been a complex project from the very beginning. The campus has limited space for new construction of the building while continuing to have students present throughout the project. Furthermore, the DAG team was very sensitive to the concerns of the District and Community of replacing the oldest operating school in the county.”
Keith Wasdin Director, Facilities Planning
DAG Architects worked with the school district to establish an overall project approach and schedule, including a temporary, on-site campus to relocate students and allow for construction, construction phasing, and design, documentation, and construction administration of all aspects.
The new school is a single building, approximately 93,000 SF and comprises 38 classrooms, physical education spaces, and an administration area, cafeteria, and kitchen. The new building is constructed in two phases with the primary school functions of 77,000 SF, occurring in Phase I and 16,000 SF of non-core curriculum spaces constructed in Phase II. It replaces five previous campus buildings and required the installation of a temporary transitional campus consisting of 20 relocatable classrooms.
i. Budget.
Phase I: 36 million; Phase II: 7 million
ii. Actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule.
Original Start Date: March 2024
Actual Completion Date: February 2026
iii. Services performed and key staff.
DAG Architects worked with the school district to establish an overall project approach and schedule, including a temporary, on-site campus to relocate students and allow for construction, construction phasing, and design, documentation, and construction administration of all aspects. Roger Godwin was part of the team on this project.
iv. Owner references with contact information.
Keith Wasdin, Director of Facilities 75 N. Pace Boulevard, Pensacola, FL, 32505
850.469.5669
University Academy Adaptive Re-Use
Panama City, FL
DAG’s adaptive reuse project transformed a 68,000-squarefoot former airport terminal in Panama City into a vibrant Pre-K through fifth-grade charter school for the new SweetBay community. This conversion anchors the 704acre mixed-use, master-planned development.
Exterior renovations replaced the outdated green and pink palette with natural white and terracotta and included adding awnings and an energy-efficient roof coating. The former parking lots became a landscaped pond for stormwater management.
Inside, the design reduced the building’s scale and celebrated its aviation heritage. The secure entry leads to a striking two-story staircase and a central area featuring a vertical wood wing sculpture and gathering space. The central concourse was reconfigured as the main corridor, with former ticketing and lounge spaces becoming a brightly colored, transparent dining and multipurpose area. Baggage claim areas were converted into large gathering zones. Flexible classrooms feature movable walls, corkpatterned luxury vinyl flooring, and acoustic elements.
i. Budget.
Original Contract Value: $7,145,534
Final Contract Value: $7,145,534
ii. Actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule.
Original Completion Date: September 2016
Actual Completion Date: September 2016
iii. Services performed and key staff.
DAG Architects provided Architectural Design, Construction Documents and Administration. Principal Roger Godwin led the team in the design of this school.
iv. Owner references with contact information.
Wes Smith CEO and Executive Director
P: (850) 481-4410
Gadsden PreK - 8 School Replacement
Gadsden County Public Schools | Quincy, FL
Designed in partnership with Fitzgerald Collaborative, the new Gadsden PreK-8 School will feature innovative classrooms equipped with the latest technology, STEM educational spaces, well-equipped libraries, and much more. With many dated schools in the Gadsden County School District that were no longer feasible to repair, this new building will replace four county schools with aging structures. DAG Architects is providing design, construction documentation, and construction administration for a new combined elementary and middle school, accommodating approximately 1,650 students across 250,000 GSF.
The design is guided by the concept of intersecting connections, fostering community, safety, and creative thinking. This approach highlights the interplay between community building and the neural connections formed through learning. A warm, natural color palette with bright accents will be used to enhance positivity and focus, while easing student anxiety. Architectural forms serve as wayfinding elements, creating fluid learning nodes. Zoning and circulation unite elementary and middle school experiences, encouraging community and maintaining safety through clear sightlines.
i. Budget.
The Owner’s Constrcution Budget is $118,000.000.
ii. Actual schedule performance relative to the initial project schedule.
Contracted Design Start Date: July 2022 |
Design Completion Date: October 2025
Contracted Construction Start Date:
Estimated, December 2025
Construction Completion Date: Estimated, August 2027
iii. Services performed and key staff.
DAG Architects provided Architectural Design, Interior Design, Branding, Construction Documents and Administration.
