/ 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.
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 can provide 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.
COLUMBIA BASIN HEALTH ASSOCIATION | OTHELLO, WA
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. DBI Architects is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, and a significant percentage of DBI’s design staff are LEED® or WELL accredited. 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
TEST-FIT/
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
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.
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.
We pride ourselves on delivering on-time, on-budget, 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
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PERMITTING & G.C. SELECTION
G.C. BID REVIEW
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
POST OCCUPANCY FEEDBACK
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.
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.
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 nine total apartment buildings across two separate complexes included 230 units and 221,708 square feet. Units were repositioned and renovated to accommodate additional bedrooms in each unit while updating layouts and appliances in the kitchens. Energy and water-saving measures were introduced in all units, as well as the removal of natural gas lines and switch all appliances to electric power, including solar power. New fixtures and finishes were installed throughout, as well as new doors, new windows, and improved ADA access for each building.
1501 SOUTHERN AVENUE
LOCATION
Prince George’s County, MD
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
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.
11250 WAPLES MILL ROAD
LOCATION
Fairfax, VA
DESCRIPTION
DBI is currently exploring two alternatives for this office building/site conversion to residential. The first proposes a mixed-use program of 230 Residential Units with about 48K square feet of offices on the first floor and the cellar. We propose adapting the basement for office use by exposing it to daylight and partial views. To achieve this, we are recessing the portions of the first-floor façade and creating (extending down) a new glass facade on the cellar level.
For consideration, we are proposing an additional/new 139-unit 5-story residential building with two parking levels below.
The second option is a 279-unit multifamily conversion proposing a new two-story addition on the front into the building’s footprint; by eliminating the front access to the garage, we plan to add 21 residential units (included in the count above). Similarly to the basement adaptation described above (see the recessed terrace section), we show two-story residential units on the first floor extending to the cellar. These units will feature an open private terrace.
Cellar
LOUDOUN TECH CENTER
LOCATION
Sterling, VA
DESCRIPTION
DBI Architects was engaged to reimagine this three-story office building as a desirable residential address. Sevices areas include mechanical and utility spaces. Amenity areas include fitness center, bike storage, resident lounge, and tenant storage. Circulation area includes lobby, leasing office, and mail and package rooms.
FLINT HILL
SIZE
151,556 SF on 7.62 Acres
LOCATION
Oakton, VA
DESCRIPTION
This study for conversion of a typical brick eightstory office building placed amenities such as fitness rooms and business centers on the lobby level and sub-floors while maximizing the space for residential conversion on floors two through eight. Alternate visions were worked up for levels four through seven, providing the opportunity for a broader selection of unit sizes. The conversion allowed for 10-foot deep balconies on all floors, as well as a penthouse unit with roof deck on level eight. Storage space for all units is consolidated with MEP in the center of each level.
CHESAPEAKE FDR BOULEVARD
SIZE
66,241 SF on 7.8 Acres
LOCATION
California, MD
PROJECT TEAM
Signet Contracting, Inc.
DBI Architects
DESCRIPTION
The site at the intersection of FDR Boulevard and St. Andrews Church Road provides an exceptional opportunity to bring a new and more comfortable way of living to an area that has seen robust commercial center development. The addition of residential uses will play a key role in creating a more vibrant and sustainable community. This development will bring more residents closer to the retail and commercial opportunities, resulting in a walkable, integrated, and safer community. Promoting the “small old town” concept, this new, more balanced mixed-use model will blur the boundaries between uses, as the influx of residents benefits the local economy. Proximity promotes walkability, health and wellness, and sustainability, as it reduces traffic congestion and emissions. The project comprises 221 market rate/workforce residential units, two restaurants, and 12 townhomes. The multi-family building is a 4-story wood frame over a two-story concrete podium parking garage. The Townhouses are wood frame construction. The building and townhome facades take elements of the Georgian Style for scale, aspects of symmetry, and material patterns. The innovative, creative design integrates a mix of uses and maintains the green environment by developing vertically, reducing the built footprint.
FDR BOULEVARD
PRESTON WHITE DRIVE
SIZE
Residential - 553,400 GSF
Retail - 30,000 GSF
Service Office - 20,000 GSF
LOCATION
Reston, VA
DESCRIPTION
This conversion of underperforming lowrise office buildings to a vibrant mixed-use community will provide 460 apartments and 41 townhomes, as well as 30,000 GSF of retail and 20,000 GSF of office space — all within walking distance of the Wiehle Avenue stop on Metrorail’s Silver Line.
Formerly fully commerical/industrial, this mixed-use repositioning is consistent with the surrounding neighborhoods, which are high- and medium-density residential. Development will include biking/walking trail spurs to link to the nearby Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Weihle Avenue.
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
277 SOUTH WASHINGTON STREET
SIZE
16,000 SF
LOCATION
Alexandria, VA
COMPLETION
October 2021
PROJECT TEAM
Avison Young
Kenwood Construction
MGV Consultants
Linton Engineering
LD7 Studio, LLC
DESCRIPTION
Located near Alexandria’s historic Old Town district, this Class A commercial office space represents a perfect blend of the modern and the classic. The building’s previously underutilized atrium and penthouse have been transformed into beautiful, highly functional and flexible spaces for use by all the building’s tenants. The building’s exterior facade has been tastefully updated to stand out among its peers while blending into the historical context of Old Town Alexandria. An open and airy atrium design welcomes visitors with plenty of light, activating the space in a human-scale, collaborative, multifunctional design. Artistic atrium shade sails provide tenants a respite from the sun in the now dynamically furnished lobby that is flexible enough to accommodate anything from intimate gatherings to large events. Brick construction elements are positioned as a design feature in the penthouse common areas, resonating with the historical importance of the site. New high-quality finishes elevate the penthouse space, which includes a coffee bar, varied collaboration spaces, training room, and a dedicated conference room. The rooftop terrace features a newly constructed pergola and furniture that create a comfortable, functional gathering area for tenants to enjoy.
LOOKOUT AT 6400
LOCATION
Falls Church, VA
COMPLETION
March 2020
PROJECT TEAM
Boundtrain
LF Jennings
Metropolitan Engineering
Price Modern
DESCRIPTION
This conversion of an outdated former bank headquarters transformed a dated and dark space into a light-filled and welcoming amenity for the tenants of Lookout at 6400. Opening the interior space to the building’s panoramic views of Northern Virginia brings a “trophy-class” amenity to the property. Elements such as hardwood floors, fireplace, and crown molding were retained, adding warmth and charm.
