/ 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.
It is the possibilities that inspire us to :
EXPLORE / CREATE / TRANSFORM
April 18, 2025
DBI offers specialized design services for military and intelligence agencies, as well as for companies and organizations in the private sector that require advanced communications environments. For many years, our stealth team has provided innovative architectural and engineering solutions for those who protect our Nation. Our portfolio demonstrates a high degree of versatility and expertise in command and control center design, and includes network operations centers, business continuity and disaster recovery facilities, and security operations and warfighter command centers.
DBI is proud to provide stealth design services to clients whose missions are often critical and complex. Projects have included the White House Situation Room, Lockheed Martin’s Center for Innovation, and the Intelligence Community Campus - Bethesda [ICC-B], as well as secure spaces for Siemens Government Technologies, SAIC, BAE Systems, and many others.
We create spaces that speak directly to the needs of the organization and the project at-hand, while working to promote the company’s distinctive brand and culture. We are committed to bringing that same exceptional dedication to every project we undertake.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 202.255.6860 or via email at RBeattie@dbia.com.
Sincerely,
Roseanne Beattie, AIA Director of Business Development
DBI Architects, a GF Company
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION | SUFFOLK, VA
FIRM PROFILE
SMITH CURRIE | MCLEAN, VA
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 stateof-the-art building interiors. Our work embraces forwardthinking, 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 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-the-
art 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
OFFICES
Government Agencies
Institutions
Religious Organizations Schools
Technology Companies
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 | Reston, VA
Mexico City | Singapore
11921 Freedom Drive, Suite 820 Reston, VA 20190 www.DBIA.com
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.
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.
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
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
A SELECTED PORTFOLIO
LOCKHEED MARTIN | SUFFLOK, VA
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS
For more than 20 years, DBI has provided specialized design services for government and intelligence agencies, as well as private corporations whose operations require the most advanced rigors in communication environments. During that time, our secure team has provided innovative architectural and engineering solutions for the entities that protect our nation. Our portfolio demonstrates a high degree of versatility and expertise in command and control center design and includes network operations centers, business continuity and disaster recovery facilities, and security operations and warfighter command centers. DBI is proud to provide secure design services to clients whose missions are critical and complex.
Our secure space client list includes:
Accenture LLP / Reston, VA / 1,200 SF
Advance Technology Systems Corp. / McLean, VA
Akamai Technologies, Inc. / Reston, VA / 1,000 SF
Anteon Corporation / Northern VA and Washington, DC / 6,899 SF
Archangel, Inc. Carter House / The Plains, VA / 6,000 SF
Avaya, Inc. / Herndon, VA / 8,800 SF
BAE Dulles North / Sterling, VA / 124,000 SF
CSI Engineering / Springfield, VA / 1,540 SF
Cobham / Centreville, VA / 1,300 SF
Cobham / Centreville, VA / 2,989 SF
Constellis / Herndon, VA / 90,000 SF
Department of Defense / Fort Meade, MD / 40,000 SF
Department of Homeland Security / Arlington, VA / 35,000 SF
Defense Information Systems Agency / Arlington, VA / 9,100 SF
Department of Treasury / Vienna, VA / 7,000 SF
Department of Treasury / Vienna, VA / 5,000 SF
Emergent BioSolutions / Gaithersburg, MD / 54,000 SF
Federal Agency / Washington, DC Metro Area / Multiple Spaces
FGM, Inc. / Reston, VA / 800 SF
Fibertek / Herndon, VA / 400 SF
Gannon Technologies Group / McLean, VA / 7,000 SF
GeoEye, Inc. (now Maxar) / Herndon, VA / 1,182 SF
iDirect Government Technologies / 600 SF
Intelligence Community Campus / Bethesda, MD / 220,269 SF
Intelligence Community Campus / Bethesda, MD / 386,100 SF
L-3 Titan Group / Reston, VA / 48,000 SF
Lockheed Martin Corporate Headquarters / Bethesda, MD / 1,459 SF
Lockheed Martin / Fairfax and Suffolk, VA / 5,200 SF
MCI / Ashburn, VA / 40,000 SF
Miklos Systems / Fairfax, VA / 500 SF
Next Tier Concepts / McLean, VA / 150 SF
Northrup Grumman / Reston, VA
Practical Imagineering / Reston, VA / 1,000 SF
SAIC / Washington, DC / 44,509 SF
SAIC / Chantilly, VA / 79,768 SF
Siemens Governmental Technologies / Arlington, VA / 11,735 SF
SOS International / Reston, VA / 552 SF
U.S. Air Force / Colorado Springs, CO / 13,500 SF
Tera Research / Vienna, VA / 5,317 SF
Tenacity Solutions, Inc. / Reston, VA / 750 SF
Titan Technologies / Northern VA / 6,000 SF
Toyon / Sterling, VA / 800 SF
Two Defense Contractors / Washington, DC Metro Area / 3,000 SF
Unisys Corporation / Reston, VA / 500 SF
U.S. Investigations Services, Inc. / Falls Church, VA / 12,350 SF
While protocol requries that secure spaces not be photographed, the following pages depict several projects with areas that meet secure requriments.
OCTO o LABS
LOCATION
AWARDS
2023 NAIOP Northern Virginia Award of Merit
PROJECT TEAM
HBW Construction
GPI Engineering Dancker Steelcase
DESCRIPTION
Octo oLabs™ Innovation Hub, located at their headquarters in Reston, VA, is the largest privately-owned R&D facility in the DC metro area dedicated to the federal government, and represents a $10 million investment in specialized R&D development tools and computer power. To elevate the oLabs brand, the glass-walled server enclosure was purposely positioned to be the first element visitors encounter when entering the facility. The space includes a 24-foot wide interactive media screen, a studio room for video, photo, and testing of night vision equipment. The media-heavy design also required installation of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and generator. Octo is a premier provider of emerging technology and modernization for the federal government, and will be a hub for internal collaboration and product development focused on solving federal agencies’ most complex issues.
CONSTELLIS
SIZE 90,000 RSF
LOCATION
Herndon, VA
PROJECT TEAM
Cushman & Wakefield
HITT Contracting
GPI Engineering
MOI
DESCRIPTION
As Constellis looked to consolidate multiple offices across the National Capital Area into one centralized headquarters facility, DBI designed over 90,000 SF on 3 floors, including an Executive Suite, roomy and ample openplan workstations, and private offices ringing each level, with frosted glass fronts allowing sunlight into inner areas. Each floor includes “huddle spaces” – small 4-person conference rooms – as well as phone rooms and spacious break rooms. On the reception level, a Training/Conference Center can function as 3 smaller conference rooms, or can be expanded into one large event space. DBI designers infused the Constellis brand into the space by taking the company logo – a free-drawn star – and expanding on the angles. The faceted reception desk, open-plenum ceilings, dualtoned carpeting, and acoustical ceilings in the break rooms all leverage the star’s angles. A Feature Wall displays a star for each of the employees who has died performing security services their job has entailed.
SAIC
SIZE
79,768 SF
LOCATION
Chantilly, VA
PROJECT TEAM
HITT Contracting
Arbee Associates
Caliber Design WGS
DESCRIPTION
The DBI team redefined and implemented new workplace standards for SAIC (formerly Engility-TASC), both locally and nationally. SAIC’s objective was twofold: to transform its primarily closed office plan into a more open and welcoming one, and to create more workspaces for staff. This “office of the future” workplace design incorporates new 6’ x 6’ benching workstation standards with glass wall office fronts for internal offices, filling the entire space with natural light. Phone booths, team/video teleconferencing rooms, and conference rooms are located along the internal ring to provide privacy for individual or group calls or meetings. DBI selected a neutral finish palette as the basis of design while providing colorful accents that can be easily changed over time (e.g., painted walls and furniture fabrics). The project resulted in a space that SAIC enjoys being in—a space that enables the company to work in the most creative and productive way.
GEOEYE, INC.
SIZE
81,236 SF
LOCATION
Herndon, VA
CERTIFICATION
LEED Certified
AWARDS
2011 NAIOP Northern Virginia Award of Excellence 2012 WBC Craftsmanship Award
PROJECT TEAM Cresa
Rand Construction Corporation
Cad-Con Consulting Washington Workplace
TESTIMONIAL
“DBI Architects has designed a great, contemporary interior space for us with an impressive look that truly captures who we are and how far we’ve come: it says GeoEye is a growing high-tech company that’s here to stay… The unique architectural details command your attention the moment you step off the elevators …The space has a sleek, clean, and energetic vibe, and we could not be happier with the results.”
Matt O’Connell President and CEO, GeoEye
50,365 SF
LOCATION
Suffolk, VA
AWARDS
HRACRE First Honor Award
PROJECT TEAM
Applied Minds
KTA Group
Granzow Structural Engineers
Kimley-Horn and Associates
General Projection Systems
James G. Davis Construction Corporation
DESCRIPTION
This net-centric experimentation and analysis laboratory develops, models, tests, and simulates defense-related systems and products. The building’s hexagon shape provides six sectors. Four sectors are flexible and reconfigurable, while the remaining sectors contain fixed support spaces. The building is designed around a 65-foot-tall central atrium housing a 56-foot-tall lighthouse structure that serves as the facility’s symbol of vision and innovation.
REPRESENTATIVE APPROACH & METHODOLGY AND PROCESS
Representative Approach and Methodology
DBI proposes a tailored approaches for each secure space fit-out, leveraging 20+ years of Stealth Design expertise for secure environments and modern workplace strategies. Our methodology addresses ICD-705-02 compliance while supporting organizational growth through phased delivery:
1. Project Initiation & Strategic Alignment
• Validate Exhibit A test-fit against ICD-705-02 structural/technical requirements
2. Phased Design Delivery
Phase 1 (30% Design - Funded Scope):
• Existing Conditions Documentation:
• Base building systems analysis (MEP/FP capacity, structural loading)
• Schematic Design Package:
• Code-compliant egress plans with security check points
• MEP/FP routing aligned with TEMPEST isolation zones
• AV/low-voltage infrastructure planning with DT team
• Full door/hardware schedules
Phase 2 (30-100% Design - Contingent on Funding):
• Technical Design Development:
• Full ICD-705 wall assemblies with dielectric breaks
• Redundant HVAC systems for secure zones
• Biometric access control integration
• Construction Documentation:
• FM Global-compliant fire protection details
• UL-rated equipment specifications
• Shop drawings for specialty security elements
• Signage and branding plans, schedules, and schematics
3. Integrated Technical Solutions
• Audiovisiual Scope of Services
• Digital signage in lobbies, employee lounges, and similar shared spaces
• Conference Rooms:
• Small (~4 to 6-seats) and medium (~8 to 12 seats) with wired and wireless presentation and audio/video conference capabilities
• Large (~14 to 20-seat)s with wired and wireless presentation, audio/video conference capabilities and intuitive systems control interface.
• Information Technology Scope of Services
• IT Infrastructure (voice/data) requirements, including equipment spaces, racks, connectivity hardware, pathways, risers, empty conduit and cabling infrastructure throughout the new facility, including a Main Equipment / Server Room, and Telecommunications Closets.
• Requirements for IT Infrastructure related power, HVAC, fire suppression, empty conduit and grounding to be designed and specified by the MEP engineer.
• Security Scope of Services
• Access Control and Alarm Monitoring System (ACAMS)
• Video Surveillance System (VSS)
• Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
• Requirements for security infrastructure related power, HVAC, fire suppression, empty conduit and grounding to be designed and specified by the MEP engineer
• Acoustic Engineering Scope of Services
• Pre and Post Construction Testing has been provided as an additional service
• During Design:
• Review the need for a background sound masking system in the perimeter and interior
• office areas in order to meet speech privacy requirements established.
• Establish acoustical design criteria for occupied spaces, as appropriate.
• Review mechanical drawings for the type and size of supplemental equipment proposed Submit comments and recommendation
• Will need General Contractor on-board prior to completion of 90% Deliverable, to affectively mitigate length of schedule
• Pre-fab MEP racks for fast deployment
• Occupancy Continuity:
• Phased construction sequencing to maintain adjacent tenant operations
• Weekend work windows for high-impact activities
5. Compliance & Certification
• Third-party validation of client-provided or outside consultant not provided under this response:
• ICD-705 construction details
• TEMPEST and attenuation testing
• ADA/IFEQ compliance
• As-built documentation aligned with CAD standards
6. Change Management Integration
• Workforce transition support including:
• Attending Client All-hands meetings and information session outside of bi-weekly design mtgs (3 total)
• VR walkthroughs of new space configuration (?)
• Signage/branding aligned with client identity
• Post-occupancy space utilization analytics
This approach builds on DBI’s proven methodology, adapted for the client’s specific growth requirements. The phased delivery model ensures alignment with current funding constraints while maintaining readiness for full build-out authorization.
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.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
FURNITURE
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, on-budget, and with “no surprises.” Using tools such as Revit
IN CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PERMITTING & G.C. SELECTION CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
G.C. BID REVIEW
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.
