DBI: Multifamily and Commercial to Residential

It is the possibilities that inspire us:

/ To explore original design solutions for every client.

/ To create meaningful experiences of place for you.

/ To transform disparate elements into beautiful forms.

YEARS

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.

THE MERIDIAN AT BRANDON

The Meridian at Brandon is a senior living community that includes 102 Independent and Assisted Living Units and 30 Memory Care Units. Designed like a boutique hotel, The Meridian at Brandon features elegant decor, grand spaces, and resort-style features and amenities. Well-designed apartment homes with upscale features are convenient to dining and daily activity offerings. The 2-story concrete construction is designed to withstand winds up to 140 mph.

THE DOREEN

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.

THE LANGSTON

DESCRIPTION

Situated on a steeply-sloped street network, The Langston is a public-private initiative developed under New York City’s Cornerstone Program. The Langston totals approximately 235,000 SF in floor area, including 175 units of new housing, 38,000 SF of retail lease space on two levels, a landscaped courtyard and an accessory parking facility. The project rises 11 floors with a setback of the top two levels providing special terraced penthouse units. GF was responsible for both interior and exterior design.

205 WATER STREET

205 Water Street project is a modern take on the industrial past of DUMBO, Brooklyn. This awardwinning project uses a variety of materials such as poured-in-place concrete, cor-ten steel, and walnut to create an inviting, playful building. Its 67 luxury condominiums look over an amenity terrace fitted with a mesh of green space and concrete pavers.

THE ZINC BUILDING

DESCRIPTION

A rare opportunity in New York City, this freestanding building not only adds a distinct living environment in Tribeca but also a signature design. With this development of 21 oversized luxury condominium apartments and 5,300 SF of retail space, the developer was also helped in securing a zoning variance to allow for residential development on this site.

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

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

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.

LOUDOUN TECH CENTER

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 4

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

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.

PRESTON WHITE DRIVE

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

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

DESCRIPTION

An open and airy atrium design welcomes the visitor with plenty of light, activating the space in a human-scale, collaborative, multifunctional design that is flexible enough to accommodate anything from an intimate collaboration to large events. Positioning the brick construction elements as a “feature” in the stairway, penthouse, and common areas resonates with the historical importance of the site, near the center of the City of Alexandria, VA, at the original location of the Alexandria Hospital. Acoustic challenges in the atrium were addressed, through the use of rugs which delineate areas, movable media towers, and sound-absorbing furniture. An amenity room at the penthouse level includes a Golf Simulator lounge.

LOOKOUT AT 6400

PROJECT TEAM

Boundtrain

LF Jennings

Metropolitan Engineering

Price Mode0rn

DESCRIPTION

The revivification of the outdated former headquarters at Lookout at 6400 in Falls Church, VA has seen the transformation of dark and dated spaces into welcoming, light, and bright tenant amenity spaces. The tenant lounge, located on the penthouse level, showcases the building’s panoramic views of Northern Virginia. Elements such as hardwood floors, fireplace, and crown molding were retained, adding warmth and charm to the design. On the lower levels of the building, the bank vault has been repurposed into a bike room, adjacent to a fitness center and locker rooms. Custom megagraphic wallcoverings in the building’s color palette and custom neon sign declaring the new space “The Vault” add a fun flair to the black metal and light wood tones of the bike room, which features wall-mounted bike racks and a bike repair station.

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 cutting-edge, 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 midsized 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 postoccupancy space and asset management.

WWW.DBIA.COM

ROSEANNE BEATTIE, AIA | Principal

Over my 40-year career at DBI, I have worked my way up the ladder from entry-level architect to principal architect. Along that path, I was afforded the same opportunities as my male counterparts. I have been financially compensated the same as my male colleagues. Since starting at DBI in 1981, I have never felt the slightest discrimination based on my gender.

DBI has always been welcoming. Over the course of my career, I've had two children, taken 12 weeks of maternity leave each time, and was welcomed back to my job after each pregnancy. DBI has always been accommodating to families, providing temporary part-time and permanent part-time positions based on family obligations.

MICHAEL HARTMAN, AIA | Principal

In my 35 years at DBI, diversity has been consistently at the core of the firm, yet never consciously imbued in its daily life. It has simply been a part of us. In fact, when working to create a diversity and equity policy for the firm, it seemed as if we were just documenting what already existed. Always strong with strong women, the firm has embraced those from all races, ethnicities, religions, most all continents, LGBTQ identifying, and even straight white men!

When DBI President Alan Storm wanted to bring on partners to the firm some twenty years ago, he chose two women and me, a gay man, to join him to carry the firm forward. These partners were chosen simply for their contributions to the firm, the practice of architecture, and humanity. This remains strong at the core for all.

FELIPE TURRIAGO-BORRERO, LEED AP | Managing Director, Architecture

Coming to the United States from Columbia in early 2000, I had a vision of a “land of opportunity” – as many immigrants do. I found myself lucky enough to come on board with GAA first and later with DBI, where, under Alan Storm’s leadership, the place of my birth is seen as an opportunity to broaden the organization’s worldview.

DBI’s commitment to diversity has led to an expanded design vocabulary, as each of us brings our own experiences to the vernacular of the firm. The diversity that Alan promotes extends to gender, age, ethnicity, and country of origin, all working toward a common goal.

EBONG UKOR, AIA, NCARB | Senior Manager

Over my fifteen years as an architect with DBI, diversity has always been firmly and warmly embraced. Leadership has always made it clear – through word and deed – that the talent, energy, and results of architects and designers are the primary criteria for measuring success. But more than that, DBI has embraced diversity as key to unlocking the greater aspirations of the firm. In my career at DBI, with colleagues from South America, the Middle East, eastern Europe, and – yes – the United States, I have found that everyone’s opinion matters, and each of those opinions is valued. Where you are from is important, but what you bring to the table in terms of innovative design is what really sets the firm apart. As a Nigerian immigrant to the United States, and as a Black man in America, I can say that these things are of the utmost importance. At DBI, I truly feel I am among family, and am valued as such.

DIVERSITY

DBI Architects brings to the field of architecture and interior design an inspired, inclusive, and forward-looking design methodology. DBI presents one of the longest continual legacies of diversity in the industry – we embraced multiformity in the workplace decades before its importance was seen in the industry at-large. With inclusion of women in leadership roles, representation of minorities at all levels of management and staff, and the welcoming of differences as the rule rather than the exception, DBI has, over the years, become a crucible where talent and initiative are the defining factors. That talent and initiative have borne out in groundbreaking, award-winning designs.

SERVICES

With 50 years of industry experience, DBI offers design services that provide architectural and interior solutions for any space.

MASTER PLANNING

From the beginning of a project, our master planning services comprehensively evaluate the characteristics of a specific property and, 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 often arise during complex projects.

ARCHITECTURE

Established in the 1990s, our architectural division provides expertise in building design, including government buildings, commercial office buildings, private schools, colleges and universities, and churches.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

We offer a full range of architecture and design services to create interiors that are both elegant and functional. Our clients include the commercial real estate community; federal government agencies; corporate, association, and legal enduser organizations; technology firms; and local, national, and international organizations.

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 close-out 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. 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

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

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

GETWELLNETWORK, INC.

AIA Northern Virginia - 2014 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors

IIDA - 2014 Silver Design Award

MANDIANT CORPORATION

NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2013 Award of Merit

GEOEYE, INC.

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, Virginia Exceptional Design Awards Program2007 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

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.

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 difficult-to-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, 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.

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.