/ 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.
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
SELECTED PORTFOLIO
EVERBROOK ACADEMY
LOCATION
Woodbury, MN and nationwide
DESCRIPTION
GF designed the first completed Everbrook Academy in Woodbury, Minnesota, a 21st Century Preschool created by Learning Care Group (LCG). GF worked hand-in-hand with LCG to incorporate the “Everbrook” theme and S.T.E.M.-based learning elements.
The building’s exterior is representative of a contemporary school with the entrance highlighted by a full height glass curved wall and a glass waterfall feature.
The waterfall feature represents a living brook and the nurturing flow of ideas in the learning environment. The interior incorporates technology, graphics, millwork, and finishes that exemplify the contemporary preschool model.
RISING STARS DAYCAREHERNDON
SIZE 5,757 SF
LOCATION
Herndon, VA
PROJECT TEAM
Cushman & Wakefield
Bognet Construction
DDG Engineering
DESCRIPTION
DBI Architects renovated this existing daycare facility for a new daycare tenant, Rising Stars Daycare. DBI worked with Rising Stars to develop new branding standards for the space, including various colors for wayfinding and classroom delineation and new logo wall graphic for branding. The space includes five classrooms for five different age groups, from infant to 5 years of age. Each classroom has an activation corner with a designated color that adds visual interest to the space and assists with the separation of activities. The new design utilized existing children’s restrooms and adult restroom with upgraded finishes. A glass wall was inserted between two classrooms to improve natural light in a space with limited windows. Existing pantry was refreshed for use in food preparation.
RISING STARS DAYCAREFAIRFAX
LOCATION
Fairfax, VA
PROJECT TEAM
Cushman & Wakefield JOBS
GPI Engineering
American Energy Restaurant Equipment
DESCRIPTION
DBI Architects combined four existing, vacant suites on the ground floor of 4035 Ridge Top Road in Fairfax, VA into a single, large suite for Rising Stars Daycare. A separate entrance was built on the rear of the building to serve as the primary entrance for the new space to improve ease for drop-off and pick-up of the children. DBI worked with Rising Stars to develop new branding standards for the space, including various colors for wayfinding and classroom delineation and new logo wall graphic for branding. The space includes five classrooms for five different age groups, from infant to 5 years of age, each with child ADA-compliant restrooms and cubbies for organization. Each classroom has an activation corner with a designated color that adds visual interest to the space and assists with the separation of activities. The space also has a private office and meeting room to facilitate staff meetings with parents, and a new adult ADA-compliant restroom with shower. A kitchen with industrial-grade equipment was created to enable meal preparation for each classroom.
ACADEMY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
SIZE 35,537 SF
LOCATION
Reston, VA
PROJECT TEAM
The Magellan Group K3 Construction Group
DESCRIPTION
This project facilitated the relocation of the Academy of Christian Education (ACE), an existing private school in Reston, VA, to a larger facility. The school, which serves preschool through elementary school, can now accommodate increased enrollment for the existing grade levels and additional upper grades. Bright, colorful design in the classrooms serves to stimulate creativity and curiosity, encouraging growth and learning.
THE GODDARD SCHOOL
LOCATION
Greenville, SC
DESCRIPTION
GF was tasked with designing multiple early childhood education facilities to create engaging and well-equipped environments for young learners from 6 weeks to 12 years old. The Early Child Development School on Woodruff Road in Greenville is a 16,000 SF education center featuring 16 classrooms, a library, a STEAM lab, an indoor gymnasium, and five secure outdoor play areas, including an outdoor classroom, sports court, and soccer field.
The recently completed Goddard School on Pelham Road in Greenville, SC, is a 15,650 SF daycare facility serving infants to fiveyear-olds as part of The Goddard Schools franchise. Designed to foster early learning and development, it features 16 classrooms, an arts room, a library, a warming kitchen, and three playgrounds.
Scheduled for completion in late September 2025, The Goddard School of Simpsonville (Harrison Bridge) mirrors the Pelham Road location, reinforcing GF’s commitment to creating inspiring educational spaces. Together, these projects reflect GF’s dedication to designing environments that nurture creativity, exploration, and early childhood development.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LOCATION
Georgetown, SC
DESCRIPTION
GF designed the renovation and addition to McDonald Elementary School, which included the addition of a Media Center. The existing media center was converted into classroom space. The new Media Center accommodates books, computers, seating, and student work/activity space. Technology was utilized to allow the Interactive Classroom to be directly accessed and controlled via the main Media Center area. The addition also includes a student video room, A/V storage, and circulation/offices.
Sustainable elements such as natural daylighting were incorporated to add interest to the space and control costs. The addition features a separate entry into the Media Center, allowing the community to make use of the Media Center outside of school hours.
MARYVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
LOCATION
Georgetown, SC
DESCRIPTION
GF designed the media center additions at Maryville Elementary School, featuring open layouts that integrate books, computers, seating, and student activity areas. Sustainability was a key focus, with daylighting enhancing natural light use to reduce energy costs while adding visual interest. To maximize space, the existing media centers were converted into classrooms.
To further connect the new spaces with the surrounding environment, an elevated garden was designed to complement the site’s slope, offering a natural view through a large, curved picture window.
EARLY LEARNING CENTER
FOUNDATIONS
SIZE 10,800 SF
LOCATION
Greer, SC
Moncks Corner, SC
Simpsonville, SC
Sherrills Ford, NC
DESCRIPTION
The designer was tasked with the design of a new facility prototype (10,800 SF) for Foundations Early Learning Center. In addition to childcare services, Foundations provides licensed, STEAM-focused early education programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, pre-K, and after-school and summer camp programs for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years old. GF provided architectural and interior design services for this prototype, which has been built in three locations in South Carolina and one in North Carolina.
BIBLE CHURCH
RESTON
SIZE
65,000 SF on 22.6 Acres
LOCATION
Dulles, VA
COMPLETION
April 2010
PROJECT TEAM
JFW, Inc.
FACE Associates
GeoConcepts Engineering
ADTEK Engineering
Creative Technologies
TESTIMONIAL
“The church building is serving exactly as it should. It is beautiful, functional, warm, inviting, and a fabulous physical anchor for our spiritual needs, as well as a place to serve others. The back storage and food storage areas are the key to the ministry that is feeding hundreds of families a week. The Youth Building not only perfectly serves the Youth on Sunday, but also budding Spanish and Arabic bible churches under the RBC wing.”
Matt Haley Advisor to Reston Bible Church
TWO BIRDS
LOCATION
Alexandria, VA
PROJECT TEAM MGAC
GPI Engineering
DESCRIPTION
Two Birds combines the sophisticated and the whimsical to provide a fused daycare/ co-working space, reimagining childcare and remote working for modern families. This Scandinavian-inspired design features light wood tones, bright pops of color in the wayfinding and branding, and playful wallcoverings throughout. The daycare, for children ages 0-5, focuses on quality education and creativeness in their childcare approach, bolstered by lively colors and wall coverings. Daycare facilities include 3 studios for arts, crafts, and other types of creative education. The connected coworking space has open collaboration spaces with touchdown points, 8 reservable private offices, 2 conference rooms, and a shared pantry/ breakroom. As a woman-centric business, Two Birds also provides mothers rooms for staff and guests.
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.
BRANDING
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.
