/ To explore original design solutions for every client.
/ To create meaningful experiences of place for you.
/ To transform disparate elements into beautiful forms.
At DBI, we are inspired by the spark—that vivid and powerful moment when a client’s needs and a designer’s vision coalesce into one cohesive design strategy. Our designers’ enthusiasm and expertise ensure that this strategy is implemented in the best possible way, developing client spaces of unparalleled functionality and sophistication.
SELECTED PORTFOLIO
| THE ASPEN
THE DOREEN
SIZE
221,708 SF / 230 Units (combined)
LOCATION
Washington, DC
PROJECT TEAM
DBI/FitzGerald Petra
DESCRIPTION
This renovation-in-place of five apartment buildings containing affordable housing 109 units (109,000 square feet) included repositioning and renovation of kitchens to accommodate additional bedrooms in each unit. Energy and water-saving measures were introduced in all units, as was removal of natural gas lines and a switch of all appliances to electric. New fixtures and finishes were provided throughout, as well as new doors and windows and improved ADA access.
EVOKE LIVING
SIZE
233,475 SF / 180 Units
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
PROJECT TEAM
GreenbergFarrow Crosland Southeast
DESCRIPTION
Evoke Living apartments are 3-story, 3 unit type buildings with 180 residential units. Amenities include a multipurpose room, common laundry room, fitness center, computer center, picnic areas and a playground. This prototype is being used in two other locations in Charlotte, NC.
SIZE
93,050 SF / 120 Units
LOCATION Charlotte, NC
PROJECT TEAM
GreenbergFarrow Dream Key Partners
DESCRIPTION
Avion Point features one, two, and three bedroom unit types, totaling 120 units. It is a three story walk-up garden style residential building. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and picnic area with grills. HUD financed project.
SENIOR APARTMENTS
WESTINGHOUSE
SIZE
117,918 SF / 86 Units
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
PROJECT TEAM
GreenbergFarrow
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership
DESCRIPTION
Westinghouse Senior Apartments is a CharlotteMecklenburg Housing Partnership project that helps provide much needed low-income senior housing in Southwest Charlotte, NC. GF worked with the non-profit to provide an attractive, yet affordable design. The project includes 86 one, two and three bedroom units, a community room, laundry facilities and a library for residents. Some of the outdoor amenities include a walking trail, garden plots and a picnic shelter.
PARKTOWNE TERRACE
SIZE
93,050 SF/ 164 Units
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
PROJECT TEAM
GreenbergFarrow
Charlotte Housing Authority
DESCRIPTION
This 1978 building has undergone a complete interior renovation, as well as a renovation of some exterior elements like windows and balconies. Originally built as senior housing, it will continue to serve this vital function for the Charlotte Housing Authority. It is a 6 floor mid-rise with 164 residential units, and approximately 8,300 square feet of amenity and support spaces.
This project won the 2014 USGBC-NC Charlotte Region Chapter Sustainable Business Award and recieved LEED Gold certification.
THE MULBERRY SENIOR APARTMENTS
SIZE
123,326 SF / 104 Units
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
PROJECT TEAM
GreenbergFarrow
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Housing Partnership
DESCRIPTION
The Mulberry Apartments, a North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) project, will provide much needed low income senior housing to the west Charlotte area. Amenities of the project include a clubroom, library, laundry facilities, walking trail and a picnic shelter.
CATAWBA SENIOR APARTMENTS
SIZE
68,629 SF / 62 Units
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC
PROJECT TEAM
GreenbergFarrow
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Housing Partnership
DESCRIPTION
Catawba Senior includes 62 one and two bedroom units, a community room, library, business center and laundry facilities. Some of the outdoor amenities include a walking trail, garden plots and a picnic shelter.
Catawba Senior Apartments is a North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) project.
RANDOLPH TOWERS
LOCATION
Arlington, VA
COMPLETION
December 2015
DESCRIPTION
This ground-floor visitor and resident support space embodies the high standards of the apartment complex. The objective was to design a completely new look for the existing first-floor reception and lobby space that would support the 500-unit building. DBI collaborated with Dittmar Company to develop a timeless design for the business center, resident lounge with kitchen, mail room, guest center, restrooms, and management offices.
The glass-enclosed gas fireplace draws residents and guests into the lounge. The lounge is bounded by a curved wood veneer wall, punctuated with transparent glass doors, that connects to the main reception area and concierge. DBI also selected the wide variety of furniture and equipment utilized in the space.
RANDOLPH TOWERS
ARLINGTON, VA
THE FLATS AT NEABSCO
SIZE 10,000 SF
LOCATION
Woodbridge, VA
COMPLETION
October 2015
PROJECT TEAM
Uniwest Construction
DESCRIPTION
DBI assisted Uniwest with the design and furniture selections for the 9,000-SF public amenity spaces at Neabsco Commons. This scope included the overall design concept for the main entry, elevator lobby, leasing center, business center, great room, conferencing spaces, lounge areas, and screening room.
1501 SOUTHERN AVENUE
SIZE
1,273,877 GSF
LOCATION
Prince George’s County, MD
PROJECT TEAM
DBI/FitzGerald Petra
DESCRIPTION
Located in an Opportunity Zone, Enterprise Zone, and HUD Zone, the development at 1501 Southern Avenue would address the need for senior and affordable housing, and would address a federally-designated food desert, though various retail options, such as grocery store, casual dining, and neighborhood retail. Public safety would be key, as would walkable, bikeable, green development.
1027 SOUTH RIVERFRONT BOULEVARD
SIZE
173 residential unit mixed-use building with 3,249 SF Community Center and 4,219 SF Daycare
LOCATION
Dallas, TX
PROJECT TEAM
DBI/FitzGerald Petra
DESCRIPTION
Fronting onto the Trinity River, 1027 S Riverfront Boulevard has access to a broad green swath that spans the entire north and east sides of Dallas. The address is also convenient to busy highways, and is only blocks away from downtown, the Convention Center District, the Main Street District, the West End Historic District, and more. The building will accommodate 90% Affordable Housing.
FIRM PROFILE
WHO WE ARE
Since its inception in 1973, DBI has provided full-service architecture and interior design services to clients who share our belief that beautiful environments foster meaningful human interaction and successful business outcomes. We have not only witnessed, but have been pioneers of, the evolution of design. As a result, we have extensive and authentic knowledge of, and experience with, designing state-of-the-art building interiors. Our work embraces forward-thinking, contemporary design, so that our clients’ spaces exemplify the most cuttingedge, dynamic, and creative approaches.
Our clients include the commercial real estate community; federal government agencies; corporations and technology firms; the hospitality and restaurant industry; and local, national, and international organizations. With our office in the Washington, DC region, DBI is ideally located to respond rapidly to project needs and to adhere to rigorous production schedules. Our mid-sized firm is able to meet the demands of large projects while being intimately involved in their design— we are large enough to deliver and small enough to care.
DBI recognizes that the design of our built environment has a lasting effect on the health of our natural environment. As a member of the US Green Building Council, DBI ensures that a significant percentage of our designers are LEED® or WELL accredited and, whenever possible, specifies materials, furniture, and other products that are sustainable and energy efficient.
To reduce and monitor the environmental footprint of our projects, we maintain a carefully planned and integrated technological design platform that harnesses state-of-theart architectural design software. In addition to conveying
conceptual designs quickly and in great detail, we are able to perform building energy and performance analyses to determine which architectural designs have the least environmental impact. Our technological platform also enables us to create highly coordinated sets of construction documents that link building component information to external databases for post-occupancy space and asset management.
CLIENTS
Associations
Nonprofits
Corporations
Developers, Owners, Brokers
Property Managers
Government Agencies
Institutions
Religious Organizations
Schools
Technology Companies
OFFICES
Atlanta, GA [HQ] | Charleston, SC | Charlotte, NC | Chicago, IL
Columbus, OH | Greenville, SC | Los Angeles, CA | Myrtle Beach, SC
New York, NY | Orlando, FL | Somerville, NJ | Washington, DC
Mexico City | Hong Kong | Singapore
1984 Isaac Newton Square West, Suite 400 Reston, VA 20190
www.DBIA.com
703.787.0882
SERVICES
As a GF company, DBI provides a broad range of architectural, engineering, and design services
MASTER PLANNING From the beginning of a project, our master planning services comprehensively evaluate the characteristics of a specific property, then, illustrate the design concepts that work best for the site. Our experience and expertise provide a reliable guide through the range of land use, zoning, traffic, environmental, and demographic issues that arise during complex projects.
LAND DEVELOPMENT With some of the most experienced and knowledgeable site development professionals in the industry, the GF companies provide clients with rapid, thorough, and accurate assessments of whether a deal will work.
The GF team of front-end design, real estate, legal and business specialists bring unrivaled resources and experience to every aspect of site development, while GF’s construction management experts help bring the project through completion, on time, and budget.
ARCHITECTURE architectural portfolio is made up of commercial office buildings, private schools, colleges and universities, and churches – the identity, style, and appeal of each defined by a unique and sophisticated approach. Bringing deep expertise in building design, we strive to maximize functionality, utility, and value, meeting the demands of large projects while being intimately involved in the details.
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN We offer a full range of architecture and design services to create interiors that are elegant and functional. Our clients include the commercial real estate community; federal government agencies; corporate, association, and legal end-user organizations; technology firms; and local, national, and international organizations.
MEP ENGINEERING Through an integrated, highly collaborative, and tailored approach, GF’s MEP design practice offers a wide spectrum of solutions for the commercial and retail development communities. Often involved from the outset of a project through construction administration, GF engineers provide a tailored set of services for each client and project.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING GF’s structural engineering capabilities span over three decades of experience with diverse building types, including a wide range of corporate, commercial, retail, residential, hospitality, industrial, entertainment, government/institutional and mixed-use. This experience extends to specialized structures such as signs, towers, retaining walls, and water detention facilities.
CIVIL ENGINEERING GF has a team of experts who are well versed in implementing solutions for the most complicated sites from redevelopment sites, floodplains, difficult utility relocations, to areas requesting sustainable design elements. GF has worked on thousands of projects worldwide and has provided services such as environmental mitigation and stormwater management to bringing in site utilities and site access; this range of experience guarantees the client that GF efficiently provides solutions that are in the best interests of everyone involved. GF ensures all aspects are considered before a plan is proposed.
SERVICES
SURVEYING At GF, our surveying services are foundational to our integrated approach to design and construction. We offer comprehensive land surveying capabilities to support all phases of project development. Our team utilizes the latest technology to deliver precise, reliable results, ensuring your project is built on accurate data.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Any great project begins with an understanding and response to the conditions of the site. Our approach to landscape architecture centers on applying our place-making skills to create a remarkable experience in both the short-term and over the longest span. By working with a client to analyze their space, we introduce a human scale to nature, concentrating on the ways in which living and non-living forms interact. Working seamlessly with all other disciplines, we incorporate concepts that include both public and intimate spaces while integrating hardscapes, view corridors and people flows.
STEALTH DESIGN Beginning with the design of computer rooms in the early 1980s, we have created a variety of technology-oriented spaces, including network operation centers, switch sites, data centers, advanced concept laboratories, and video teleconferencing centers.
FURNITURE MANAGEMENT From systems furniture and casegoods for office spaces to complex solutions for operations, command, and conference centers, we can coordinate furniture requirements for all spaces. In addition to creating a furniture plan tailored to the specifications of any project, we offer guidance in manufacturer selections and workspace designs; handle procurement and installation processes; and manage all vendors on-site.
EXTENDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION To ensure that a project is completed according to the price agreed upon during bidding, we provide extended part- or full-time representation at the construction site. We monitor the project’s progress and quality of work, as well as the contractor’s construction schedule; respond to requests for information; maintain project records; evaluate shop drawings, product data, and samples; review the contractor’s applications for payment; conduct inspections to determine substantial and final completion; and administer project closeout procedures.
MOVE MANAGEMENT/FACILITY MANAGEMENT We provide consulting and on-site facility management services to corporate, institutional, and government clients. Whether moving a bookcase or coordinating an entire office relocation, we successfully implement move and facility management policies by partnering with our clients to understand their organization’s structure, business goals, and culture. Projects encompass both daily moves and complete reconfigurations due to growth, contraction, or mission changes, as well as special projects that support the client. Specific tasks have included “box” moves for thousands of people to different locations within the same building, or between different facilities, as well as consolidation or expansion of space between floors, or from building to building.
DBI continues to develop a deep portfolio of projects achieving various levels of LEED certifications.
LEED Gold
American Counseling Association | Alexandria, VA
American Wind Energy Association | Washington, DC
AOL/Mapquest | Lancaster, PA
DBI Architects | Washington, DC
Marine Corps Reserve Center (MCRC) | Baltimore, MD
Twinbrook Place Office Building | Rockville, MD
LEED Silver
Intelligence Community Campus – Bethesda | Bethesda, MD
BAE Systems – Newington | Lorton, VA
BAE Systems – Quantico Corporate Center, Building G | Quantico, VA
BAE Systems – Redland Corporate Center | Rockville, MD
National Association of Manufacturers | Washington, DC
USAID Training Facility | Arlington, VA
LEED Certified
Undisclosed Government Agency | Washington, DC
1425 K Street | Washington, DC
AOL | Nashville, TN
GeoEye | Herndon, VA
Subway Café | Washington, DC
Summit Consulting, LLC | Washington, DC
The Tower Companies – 1909 K Street Speculative Office | Washington, DC
U.S. Consulate | Mumbai, India
SUSTAINABILITY
DBI recognizes that the design of our built environment has a lasting effect on the health of our natural environment. A significant percentage of DBI’s design staff are LEED® or WELL accredited, and all DBI staff are committed to the importance of environmental issues and their impact on the design of our built environment.
When specifying finishes, fixtures, materials, or furniture, DBI specifies recycled materials wherever possible, does not consider woods from endangered rain forests, and avoids materials that have a long-term, detrimental effect on the environment. The firm’s goal is to incorporate goods that are sustainable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly.
AWARDS
OCTO OLABS
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2023 Award of Merit
AMBU
Associated Builders and Contractors, Greater Baltimore - 2023
Excellence in Construction Platinum Award
AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2022 Award of Merit
CITY OF DIAMONDS RESORT
Outstanding Property Award, London - 2021 Environmental/
Sustainable Architectural Design Award
COOKOLOGY
Associated Builders and Contractors, Metro Washington - 2020
Excellence in Construction Award
CABOOSE COMMONS
James M. Scott - 2019 Exceptional Design Merit Award
FN AMERICA, LLC
AIA Northern Virginia - 2019 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2019 Award of Merit
AMERICAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
(NOW AMERICAN CLEAN POWER)
NAIOP DC|MD - 2017 Award of Merit
INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY CAMPUS–BETHESDA
USGBC – 2017 Innovative Project of the Year Responsible Design Award
Design-Build Institute of America – 2017 National Award of Merit,
Rehabilitation / Renovation / Restoration
Building Design and Construction – 2017 Building Team Award, Bronze
AIA Northern Virginia – 2016 Award of Merit, Excellence in Architecture
AIA Potomac Valley Chapter – 2016 Honor Award
EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS, INC.
IIDA - 2016 Award of Merit
CABOOSE BREWING COMPANY
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2015 Award of Excellence
SUMMIT CONSULTING, LLC
NAIOP DC|MD - 2015 Award of Excellence
AIA Northern Virginia - 2015 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER BOARD OF STANDARDS, INC.
IIDA - 2015 Design Award
MANDIANT CORPORATION
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2013 Award of Merit
GETWELLNETWORK, INC.
AIA Northern Virginia - 2014 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors
IIDA - 2014 Silver Design Award
GEOEYE, INC. (NOW MAXAR)
WBC - 2012 Craftsmanship Award
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2011 Award of Excellence
BAE SYSTEMS
NAIOP DC|MD - 2011 Award of Excellence
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Associated Builders and Contractors - 2011 Craftsmanship Award
CLAUDE MOORE ACADEMY
Associated Builders and Contractors - 2011 Craftsmanship Award
DBI ARCHITECTS, INC.
GWCAR - 2011 Architecture Firm of the Year
Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards Program - 2007 Merit Award
WBJ - 2006 Best Real Estate Deal for Interior Design
IIDA - 2006 Bronze Design Award
TWINBROOK PLACE
NAIOP DC|MD - 2010 Award of Merit
UNIWEST GROUP
IIDA - 2010 Bronze Design Award
Fairfax County, Virginia Exceptional Design Awards Program2009 Honor Award
CASSIDY TURLEY’S VIRGINIA HEADQUARTERS
Fairfax County, Virginia Exceptional Design Awards Program2010 Honor Award
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2009 Award of Excellence
GRAPHIC DESIGN FIRM
NAIOP DC|MD - 2008 Award of Merit
LOCKHEED MARTIN CENTER FOR INNOVATION
HRACRE - 2007 First Honor Award
CARANA CORPORATION
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2006 Award of Merit
STUDLEY’S NORTHERN VIRGINIA OFFICE
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2005 Award of Merit
US ARMY INFORMATION DOMINANCE CENTER
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2000 Special Recognition Award
IIDA - 2000 Gold Design Award
PROCESS
PROGRAMMING
VISIONING
TEST-FIT/ SPACE PLANNING
SPACE STANDARDS
THE PROCESS
It comes down to caring.
At DBI, we work to create award-winning projects with every design – regardless of the budget.
We work to ensure that the client receives the best value for their investment. We understand that our clients have two budgets: the dollars available for design and construction, and the time allotted to get the job done. DBI keeps a close eye on both.
With DBI, you can expect in-depth engagement from project initiation to completion. We’re here to help visualize your “organizational truth” in a physical space that will facilitate the productivity and employee engagement objectives you’ve established. We’re here to help you more fully
understand and interpret that truth in an environment that infuses brand and culture into every aspect of the workplace –immediately engaging staff, visitors, and clients and presenting the best representation of organizational values and goals.
The process that DBI follows is not dissimilar to the process many design firms might follow. It’s what we bring to the process that sets us apart.
Beginning with test-fitting, visioning, and programming, we work to understand the corporate culture. We work to develop standards, based on what we’ve learned, to provide a sense of consistency throughout the finished space.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
FURNITURE
From the beginning, we’ll discuss branding, and the discussion will bear on and influence design development. More than a logo on a wall, more than a set of corporate colors, branding is that difficultto-define set of qualities, characteristics, ideals, and other criteria that define an organization and what it stands for. DBI works with you to identify the details that tell your “brand story.” From these observations, a palette of colors, textures, finishes, and furniture will be developed to create a space that boldly states the organization’s identity.
MOVE IN
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PERMITTING & G.C. SELECTION CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
G.C. BID REVIEW
We pride ourselves on delivering on-time, onbudget, and with “no surprises.” Using tools such as Revit allows us to provide clients with 3-D views from the very early stages of the project so you won’t have to try to interpret flat representations of your space. And, DBI will develop different scenarios to make the way to proceed more clear.
DBI engages in an inward-facing value engineering throughout the design process. We understand that opportunities for cost savings and schedule management are greatest in the early stages of the project and diminish as work progresses. As a result, emphasis is placed on controlling these aspects during the schematic design and design development phases of a project. At these stages, factors that may adversely affect the cost of a design can be identified and alternative action taken, if necessary.
POST OCCUPANCY FEEDBACK
Cost control and time management are fundamental and continually monitored. We include value-priced alternatives as we develop the palette. We’re also careful to seek out solutions that will not be bogged down in supply-chain bottlenecks. We want you to “spend wisely” – in your budget and in your schedule.
As we develop construction documents, we engage the client in “page turn” sessions. These sessions are high-level but in sufficient depth and detail to be sure that the needs of the project are being met. During this phase DBI gathers bids from general contractors, evaluates the proposals submitted, and provides recommendations on general contractor selection.
Construction administration is a critical phase of
the process. DBI remains fully engaged at this stage, ensuring that everything reflected in the construction documents is built to specifications. DBI remains highly involved throughout construction administration, advocating for our client and making sure their needs are met.
During move in and even post-occupancy, DBI provides customer service as needed, perfecting the design, and gathering feedback to make adjustments, as necessary. Our work does not end when the punch list is completed.
We’ll be there to assure design, functionality, branding, fit, and finish meet or exceed expectations. Because when all is said and done, it comes down to caring.
