DAG Celebrates 40 Years Of Design Success

Relationships The First Forty Years

1981-2021

Relationships The First Forty Years When Sam Blimling and I started Destin Architectural Group, we shared many of the same goals and aspirations. We sought to do good work, focused on well-designed projects that met our client’s vision, and always did what we said we were going to do.

On the following pages is a chronicle of just some of the projects and people that represent 40 years at DAG Architects. On behalf of the leadership, we thank our employees for their dedication and enthusiasm, for that is what keeps us motivated to pursue even greater things. As well, to our many consultants with whom we work every day, our success is in part dependent upon you and the fine work we challenge you to do for our clients. Lastly, we would be remiss to not thank our clients for giving us the many opportunities to serve you. Your desire to build spaces and places that will impact people for years to come always encourages us to strive to do even greater design work.

We hope you will enjoy this brief stroll with us down memory lane. Thanks for the many opportunities and we look forward to the next 40 years with you!

All the best,

Charlie Clary Co-Founder

C E L E B R ATI N G

40

Y E A R S

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1981 In 1977 Charlie Clary graduated from Auburn University and returned to his hometown of Destin, Florida to pursue his dream of becoming an architect. Landing a job with the local architectural firm, R.R. Moore, Charlie began his career under Reggie Moore’s tutelage. He began working with many of the local developers, designing hotels, condominiums, and small office buildings that even today are hallmarks of the growth of Ft. Walton Beach and Destin.

It was this early foundation that would serve him well and as time passed, Charlie began to dream about what his life as an architect might be were he “on his own”. “I was definitely searching for what more architecture could offer”, says Charlie. “I loved my job, but I had an entrepreneurial spirit, probably passed down from my dad who had several successful businesses in the area. I was also intrigued by the thought of designing many types of buildings”.

On the front porch of the little red house in Seaside, Charlie, Sam, Robert Davis, Seaside’s co-founder, and noted architect Robert A. M. Stern, met to discuss the vision for Seaside.

1981 In 1980 Charlie met Sam Blimling through their barber. Sam had relocated to Destin from Connecticut, where he had worked for the design firm, Roche-Dinkeloo. Over a few short months, Charlie and Sam became good friends and ultimately decided to join forces and start an architectural firm. So, in December of 1980, they leased a tiny office above Sailing South, and the following January, Destin Architectural Group (DAG) was open for business. Their first design project in 1981, Destin Architectural Group’s 1,500 square foot office, would be ample for two people, and who knows, maybe one day they would need one or two more people to fill that space.

One of DAG’s first projects in 1981 was Greenreef, a townhouse community on the beach in Destin. Greenreef catapulted DAG into the resort world, affording the young firm more design commissions. Even today, some units in Greenreef will rent for over $1,100 per night.

1982 The following year, in 1982, DAG designed their first office/manufacturing building for Keltec, a Ft. Walton Beach electronics company. DAG was also awarded an office project for Gulf Power in Niceville, FL and an addition to the iconic Walton-Defuniak Library. The firm was taking hold in the community.

Just 25 miles from Destin, the first new urbanist community, Seaside, was selling lots and DAG landed its first single family residence, the Campbell House. As time went on, the firm would design other homes and commercial buildings in this iconic beachside community, further bolstering its ability to develop long-lasting relationships with clients.

Most likely, DAG has more design projects in Seaside than any other design firm.

The Tolbert House

1983 It has been my pleasure to know and work with Patrick L. Ballasch, and his team with DAG Architects, Inc. Mr. Ballasch and his team always conducted themselves in a professional and courteous manner and promptly responded when called upon by me or others. They diligently worked to provide the City with valuable suggestions, and creative ideas, to assist us in reaching our desired outcome.

Kim Kirby City of DeFuniak Springs

DAG was making a name for itself, and by 1983 with twelve employees, Charlie and Sam needed more space, so they designed and built a building. The Clary Building, also dubbed the Destin Deco Building, was lauded by the local paper. The two-story, 8,400 square foot stucco building on Hwy. 98 had “expanses of tile, wood accents and skylights”. That same year, the firm entered the Campbell House, the Clary Building and the Walton-Defuniak Library in the annual AIA awards. All three won.

In 1984, Pat Ballasch, a local high school student with a gift for drawing, approached the firm that year to inquire about opportunities to sketch for them. Charlie met with Pat, admired his skills and hired him as a freelance sketch artist. Five years later Pat joined the firm full time as an architect. Today, he is a partner in the firm and serves as its Design Principal. If you are ever in the Destin office, you might see Pat hovered over a desk with a young architect doing what he still loves, drawing and teaching.

Walton-DeFuniak Library Addition

1987 Now that Charlie and Sam were becoming noted for their unique approach to design, work continued to flow in and in 1987 DAG and co-design firm, Deborah Berke Designers, received a Design Award of Excellence from the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA for the Seaside Market Building which would house Modica Market, a throwback to grocery stores from years past, featuring floor to ceiling shelves lined with all sorts of food and drink staples. Through the years, untold hundreds of thousands have made Modica Market their place to visit at Seaside, due in no small part to the building’s towering presence in the sleepy little village. Three years later, the firm would co-design with Machado and Silvetti Associates another award-winning mixed-use building in Seaside, Twenty-Five Central Square with retail on the ground floor and residences above.

Seaside had become a legacy client

Modica Market, Seaside

1990’s Your design for the FY 88 Golf Course Clubhouse at Eglin AFB, Florida, was selected as one of the top designs in the Eastern Region for 1987. In November, we submitted your design in our 1987 Air Force Awards Program (Air Force-wide).

While the design did not place in the Air Force Awards Program, we consider it to be one of the best in our region in 1987.

Charles R. Smith, P.E. Department of the Air Force

As the new decade began, DAG celebrated its first ten years in business with more awards, clients and challenges. With a commitment to mentoring young design students, DAG established an intern program with the University of Cincinnati in 1990. But before the end of the year, Charlie and Sam saw their first economic slow-down, going from 15 employees to the two of them. Coming out of the recession, they committed to two things: (1) never have all your eggs in one basket; (2) never be so financially strapped that you can’t take care of your employees. It’s a motto the firm still lives by today.

After pursuing several local government projects to no avail, Charlie decided to run for city council in Destin, believing this would give him an inside look at how architects won government projects. In 1990 he was elected to the Destin city council. This would be the beginning of a successful political career for him and a pivotal point for the firm.

Twenty-Five Central Square Building, Seaside (with Machado & Silvetti)

1990’s I am writing to thank you for your participation in the creative process which has produced what I feel is the most attractive high-rise structure in Destin. I continue to receive a great number of compliments on our building at Pelican Beach Resort.

We can most certainly be very proud of what we have done there.

James F. Adams Pelican Beach Resort Developments, Inc.

In 1991 DAG completed the design of the noted Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island, designed a substantial Georgia Style residence in Destin and received an award in 1993 from the Association of Building Contractors for its design of the Pelican Beach Resort in Destin.

East Pass Towers, completed in 1995, is a 46-unit condominium complex overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and the East Pass into the Choctawhatchee Bay. Each 8-story tower houses residential units varying in size from 1,200 SF to 2,700 SF, with private interior landscaped balconies. In additional, the firm designed the adjoining marina taking advantage of its location and proximity to both the Gulf of Mexico and the bay.

Other project amenities include swimming pools, barbeque areas, fitness center, and a club room.

Pelican Resort EastBeach Pass Towers

1995 In 1995, DAG designed Destin Middle School, its first school project for the Destin school system. The next year, 1996, would prove to be pivotal for the firm. Having gained a reputation in the city council for being a good listener who was highly ethical and trustworthy, Charlie was encouraged to run for the state senate, which he did and won. He became the first architect to ever serve in the Florida State Senate. Throughout the ensuing ten years, Charlie would spend most of his time in Tallahassee attending to state business. When he wasn’t in senate-related meetings you could find him in a small office the firm opened there so he would have a place to work. Tom Miller later came aboard to manage the office and is still there today. In Ft. Walton Beach stands the First Baptist Church with its steeple beckoning people to come. That building was designed by DAG in 1996 and in 1997, the Clary-Cobb office building was completed, along with The Willows office building, also in Destin.

The Willows office building

1998 Destin Library

Meigs Executive Park

In 1998, The Beach Club in Gulf Shores wins two awards from the Association of Building Contractors. Florida has term limits for officials elected to the house and senate and Charlie served until he could not run again. When he returned to the Destin office “full time”, Charlie and Sam decided that if they were going to “leave a legacy” the firm needed more partners to sustain and grow the firm.

About this time in 1999, Jack Baker was working for a design-build group,Toler Trammell.

Jack would engage the firm to design a project from time to time. He not only was liked by his clients, but Jack was also highly respected by Charlie and Sam. He knew what it took to bring a project out of the ground and get it built. Jack was approached by either Charlie or Sam on a regular basis. They both wanted him to come to Destin and become a partner. It just seemed the timing was never right until one day Jack called and suggested a meeting to discuss the future. A deal was struck, and the two partners now had a third. Once again, an enduring relationship resulted in another building block being laid at the Destin Architectural Group.

Northwest Florida State College Observatory

DAG still needed someone who could create a process whereby things moved smoothly across the firm and to the client’s desk. Jack and Bob Johnson were good friends. Bob was working for a design firm in Montgomery, Alabama where he was known as “Mr. Process” because he was very capable of causing things to happen in order and free of chaos. After months of cajoling, Bob took a look at the firm and saw what most did…a group of professionals who held strong beliefs, had a sense of family, mutual respect and an endearing approach to client satisfaction. Bob joined the firm in 1999 as a principal.

Our experience with DAG Architects is they manage every project with the highest level of professionalism. DAG always exemplifies the team approach, and they have the understanding, knowledge and experience needed, in whatever delivery method the Owner chooses, to bring to completion a project that is on time, within budget and meets the Client’s expectations and vision. Hewes and Co. has worked closely with DAG during all phases of construction and they go above and beyond to help ensure that every step and detail is not overlooked.

Max Saam Hewes and Co.

2000’s Airport Plaza Office Building

Beach Community Bank Headquarters

In 1999, the first high school project in Pensacola, West Florida High, opens. Needing larger office space once again, firm leadership decided to design and build a new office on airport road in Destin. Airport Plaza, as it is called, opened in 2000 and subsequently won a Silver Award from the Northwest Florida AIA chapter and an Award of Excellence in Design from the Florida AIA. The firm designed two bank buildings in 2000, Beach Community Bank and Regions Bank. The next year Gail Ennis joins the firm as a bookkeeper. Her increased attention to detail and rigor to the financial side of the growing design firm helped it migrate from a paper trail to a digital warehouse. Gail became a principal in 2019.

As Destin continues to grow in resort properties, DAG designs the Marbella condominiums followed the next year in 2002 by Blue Heron Beach Resort in Orlando. While the firm is beginning to venture to other locales, it continues to expand its local presence, especially in education with the design of the Gulf Coast Community College Language Arts Building and Vernon High School.

Blue Heron Beach Resort

The firm received the Honor Award of Excellence form the Florida AIA and a Silver Award for Excellence in Architecture from the Northwest Florida AIA chapter in 2003, followed by two design awards in 2004 for the Northwest Florida State College Observatory from FEFPA and the Florida AIA.

Gulf Coast State College Language Arts Building

Congratulations on the Northwest Florida AIA Award of Merit your firm received for Northwest Florida State College’s South Walton Campus! We know it is a beautiful, well designed campus in every sense, but it’s nice to know that others agree and have chosen to recognize DAG for its fine work. My very best to you and the entire team who worked to make this design functional, aesthetically pleasing, and noteworthy!

Ty J. Handy Northwest Florida State College

2002

In 2002, the WaterColor Firehouse opened and would later earn two awards: Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA Honorable Mention and the Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization’s Fire Facilities Design Award.

WaterColor Fire Station

2005 Believing that the firm’s greatest opportunity for growth rested in being a part of the communities it served, DAG opened the Pensacola office in 2005, tapping Dave Luttrell to join as the office leader. Having spent several years at the University of West Florida as the campus facilities director, and prior to that managing the architectural division of an engineering firm, Dave knew what was required to manage successful design projects. Dave would later be named a principal in 2018.

The firm has put an indelible print on many projects along the noted 30-A corridor, many being recognized for excellence in design. The Watercolor Fire Station, Cassine Station condominiums and the Nature Walk Sales Center are but a few examples.

Cassine Station Condominium

2005 NatureWalk Sales Center

As the popular resort area, 30A, continues to develop, the firm is engaged to masterplan and design a significant portion of the 155 acre tract near the Gulf of Mexico. About 50 percent of NatureWalk is dedicated to preserving the wetlands and ecosystem, he notes. Plans included some 291 single-family lots; nature, bike and walking trails; an aquatic center; and a clubhouse called the Gathering Place; as well as beach access, and the longest wooden bridge in the State.

NatureWalk Sales Center

2005

Warren Averett / O’Sullivan Creel Office Building

Gulf Coast State College Health Science Center

In addition to Dave joining DAG in 2005, so did Roger Godwin. Roger and Charlie had been friends while in design school at Auburn University. Roger earned degrees in both architecture and interior design, graduated and went to Atlanta where he joined tvsdesign. After a few years he started a design firm, and subsequently sold it to the international firm, Gensler. Not to be complacent, after a few years he started HLG Studio with two partners. In 2005 Roger decided to move to the Florida Panhandle and after a lot of discussion, Charlie convinced Roger that he should become a partner at DAG, keep his interiors firm and help lead both. It seemed a natural fit since interiors certainly complemented architecture projects. That same year, Gulf Coast State College opened its Health Sciences Building and the O’Sullivan Creel office building in Ft. Walton Beach opened. DAG continued to grow and prosper with quality staff and great clients.

DAG was selected to provide the professional services for the site and helipad design, and to incorporate the relocation of the unit’s existing building into the project.

The project was completed successfully, timely and within budget, and has been operational since 2011.

DAG has been a great partner for GCSC, has been extremely responsive to our needs, and is currently continuing to provide services at the college.

John D. Mercer Gulf Coast State College

2006 In 2006 the Florida Department of Revenue began construction of their 467,000 square foot building in Tallahassee. Designed by the firm, the building was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council for achieving LEED Gold.

DAG has always considered itself a “generalist” firm, not wanting to be slotted in any one design silo. As such, it designed the Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf in 2006. The small hospital is located in Port St. Joe and would later be recognized by the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA with an Award of Excellence Merit Award for design. Adjacent to the hospital, the firm designed a 24,000 square foot medical office building that would house several physician’s practice.

State of Florida Department of Revenue Offices

2007 We found you to be a very competent, creative and friendly landscape architect.

Since Carmen and I moved from such a different growing zone as Washington State it was nice to have you design and implement such a beautiful landscape design for our house. We also appreciated the fact that you supervised the plantings and structures during construction to make sure they were done correctly. We hope to have an opportunity to do another house with you in the future.

Scott and Carmen Skrien

In 2007, Bay County turned to the firm to design an emergency operations center at Gulf Coast State College. The facility was a first of its kind, used jointly by the county and school, and it demonstrated the firm’s ability to work with a diverse stakeholder group. That same year, Landmark Center I in Ft. Walton Beach was designed to be a large mixed-use project aimed at the burgeoning tourist market. Then came, Northwest Florida State College which challenged the firm with the design of its Walton campus building in Santa Rosa Beach. That building would later be recognized by the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA chapter with a Merit Award for Design.

However, designing large scale projects didn’t preclude the firm from turning its attention to smaller ones like the Horton House in Destin. In fact, the firm has designed multiple single family residences in its forty years.

2007

Our experience with DAG Architects is they manage every project with the highest level of professionalism. DAG always exemplifies the team approach, and they have the understanding, knowledge and experience needed, in whatever delivery method the Owner chooses, to bring to completion a project that is on time, within budget and meets the Client’s expectations and vision. Hewes and Co. has worked closely with DAG during all phases of construction and they go above and beyond to help ensure that every step and detail is not overlooked.

Max Saam Hewes and Co. Northwest Florida State College South Walton Campus

2007

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf

2008 The City of Panama City Beach has worked with the DAG team over the past several years on projects varying from the master planning of a municipal complex to the designs of a new city hall building and new fire station. The City has outgrown most of its facilities and needed more modern, secure and functional workspaces. We could not be more pleased with the services given by DAG. The designs provide for maximum satisfaction and comfort while giving city employees and citizens city facilities of which they can be proud.

Mario Gisbert City of Panama City Beach

Florida A&M University Gore Education Center

Business was booming in 2008; Chipola College opened its Center for the Arts in Marianna.

The 655 seat theatre was a welcomed addition to the campus and community and continues to promote the performing arts throughout the region. It was awarded the 2013 Excellence in Construction Eagle Award by the Association of Building Contractors. The firm designed several significant projects before the economic downturn in 2008. Among those, it completed the renovation of the Gore Educational complex at FAMU. The significance of the firm’s contribution would later be recognized by the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA chapter with a Merit Award and an Honor Award for Excellence in Renovations in 2015.

Continuing its presence in the design of public safety buildings, DAG introduced the Perdido Key fire station and community center which also received an Award of Excellence Merit Award for design excellence from the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA chapter.

2008

Chipola College Center For The Arts

Chipola College Center For The Arts

Chipola College Center For The Arts

2008

Florida A&M University Gore Education Center

“V” Restaurant

2009

Clients will often ask the architect to create a vision for what a building could be and then may become. Such was the case with a building in Seagrove Beach, Florida. The Hotel Viridian was a boutique hotel concept the firm designed for a client. While the hotel didn’t come to fruition, the “V” Restaurant did in 2008.

The popular restaurant in the 30-A corridor received the Award of Excellence Merit Award from the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA chapter in 2011. Several years later, condominiums would be built above the r estaurant, due in large part, to the firm initially designing it as a multi-story building.

The Viridian

2009 The design of buildings for education seemed to capture a lot of the firm’s attention in 2009.

FAMU opened its largest dormitory of 800 beds that year. The FAMU Village Dormitory as it is known, has been a bellweather for what student living spaces could be. In Tallahassee, the Griffin Middle School renovation also included an addition and down the road, the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) engaged the firm to design its office building in Gainesville, Florida. That building was later recognized by the NW Florida chapter of AIA with a Merit Award for Design Excellence.

With a continuing commitment to sustainable design, the firm was recognized in 2015 by the Green Building Initiative for its design of the Molino Civic Complex, which opened in 2009.

The award, in particular, highlighted “Environmental and Energy Efficient Design” under the Green Globes New Construction System.

Florida A&M University Residence Hall

2011 DAG Architects did an excellent job in creating a brand new, exciting learning environment within the forty-year-old walls of Bay County’s largest high school; over 4 acres under one roof. Students, faculty, staff, parents, and the community are all very pleased with the result of their efforts. This was an intensive interior renovation project that included upgrading lighting, heating and cooling, and classroom technology systems that was completed with a minimum of classroom disruption. From the design and throughout the construction process, DAG Architects displayed the highest level of professionalism possible. Great success story!

Bill Husfelt Bay District Schools

As the firm continued to grow and expand its design capabilities, the Aaron Bessant Park amphitheater was completed in 2011. Located in Panama City Beach, the project is part of a large master-planned community activities venue that hosts thousands of guests annually.

Leveraging its experience in designing urban spaces, the firm designed Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville transforming it from a less than desirable hang-out to a modern, energetic park and performance venue. In fact, AIA Florida recognized the firm with an Honor Award of Excellence for the project.

As Florida’s charter school program began to take flight, the firm was commissioned to design the North Bay Charter School in Lynn Haven, Florida. The 91,000 SF building includes classrooms for middle and high school students, a mediacenter, science labs, kitchen, cafeteria, and other academic spaces.

Bo Diddley Plaza

2012 As 2012 closed, the firm completed the Okaloosa Administration Building in Shalimar.

The 63,500 square foot building is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a vast number of resources to the community. That same year, another charter school, University Academy opened. Demonstrating the value to adaptive reuse, the building was converted from an abandoned 68,000 square foot airport terminal.

DAG had long been designing resort properties, but the Rosemary Beach Owners Club in Rosemary Beach, Florida took design tenets to a new level. The project features a member’s club, oasis-style pool with private cabanas and a performance stage with amphitheater. It was so well received that it received three awards form the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA. The firm also began work on the WaterSound Beach Club in Santa Rosa Beach. The large renovation and expansion included a new owners and guest pavilion, lazy river and outdoor bar.

WaterSound Beach Club

2012

Rosemary Beach Owners Club

2013 I, along with my students, faculty and staff are all quite proud of our "new" high school.

On the first day of school this fall, more than one student was overheard saying "Wow" and "It looks like a hotel" (referring to the corridor lighting and new paint scheme.) One of our tile contractors told me a student came up to him as he was installing the front of the cafeteria serving line, shook his hand and said "thank you for making my school look great." As I see Mosley graduates in the community, they express jealousy that this great remodel didn't happen while they were students.

Sandy Harrison Mosely High School

As communities grow, so too do their schools. Such was the case with Mosley High School which received a Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations from the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA in 2013. For many years the area between Seaside and Alys Beach was devoid of any major development. However, in 2013 all that changed when The Hub, a mixed-use project opened. The mixed-use project is comprised of small retail buildings, restaurants and a large entertainment venue with stage, large projection screen and lots of comfortable seating. The Hub has become the preferred place to gather with friends and family to grab a meal, catch Saturday’s game on the big screen or groove to the sounds of a popular band.

Mosely High School Mosely High School

2013

The Hub

2015 Continuing with its plan to open offices in markets where it was doing substantial work, the Panama City office opened in 2015 and Owen Gipson transferred from Pensacola to Panama City as the office leader.

Of particular note in 2015 was the opening of Beulah Middle School in Pensacola, the firm’s first “ground-up” education design project. The school has been recognized with numerous awards and has certainly elevated a great sense of pride in the community. A few of the awards include Honorable Mention, Healthy and Safe Facilities Award by the Healthy Facilities Institute, First Place Award, Middle School Category Florida Educational Facilities Planning Association, and a Merit Award of Excellence for Unbuilt Work by the Northwest Florida Chapter of AIA.

Beulah Middle School

2016 Bringing its design experience with performing arts to Lynn Haven, Florida resulted in the design of the Gretchen Nelson Scott Performing Arts Center, now a beacon to the arts in that community.

In 2016, the firm ventured to Grenada in the West Indies to design a large dormitory for St. George’s University. It is comprised of a five-story building with 240 dorm rooms organized into 80 suites on four floors. The dorm floors all have two glazed curtain wall study rooms with toilets, laundry rooms, janitor rooms, storage rooms and a studio for the resident advisor. The ocean views are priceless.

St. George’s University Fitness Center

2016 Gretchen Nelson Scott Performing Arts Center

DAG would also begin design work on a new student union at FAMU as well as a “Live/ Learn” community concept.

We have highlighted the importance in having Legacy Clients if you are a design firm. One of those such clients for DAG is Pen Air Federal Credit Union. The firm has designed several buildings for Pen Air, including their headquarters in 2016.

Mixed-Use projects incorporate many building types as was the case with Cascades in Tallahassee. The massive project spans several blocks and is described as a vibrant, urban environment that connects the soul of the community to the heart of the city. Cascades has set a new standard for design excellence in urban planning and placemaking.

Pen Air Federal Credit Union

Student Union at FAMU

We have been in partnership with DAG since June 2016.

I cannot express enough how pleased I am with the quality of their work and level of service. Each employee I have had the privilege to work with is very professional, attentive to my requests, and always follows through on commitments. The projects they have helped us deliver attest to this. One such project was a three-story, twenty-one-thousand square foot, branch and office building located on Airport Boulevard. DAG worked with us through concept, detailed design, and permit documents to include interior design and furnishings.

The result was a beautiful building in both function and design.

Angie Crosby Pen Air

2016 Starbucks for the St. Joe Company

Once again, as growth in the Panama City Beach market explodes, the firm is selected to design a free-standing Starbucks for the St. Joe Company, a long-time client. This wasn’t the firm’s first venture into this building type, but it has resulted in other design opportunities including The Shoppes at Inlet Beach.

In 2016, DAG was awarded the design of a new elementary school in South Walton.

Dune Lakes Elementary received lots of attention before, during and after construction.

Many are already saying the school, in large part due to its design, has become the pattern for the fabric that brings a community together. Housing more than 1,000 students, Dune Lakes far exceeded expectations and is now the hallmark for great school design. Its’ wonderful color palette, innovative encounter spaces and inviting design all serve to form a new way of fostering learning.

› The Shoppes at Inlet Beach

Horton Residence

2016

Dune Lakes Elementary School

We would like to extend our sincere recommendation on behalf of DAG Architects. Childers Construction has had the pleasure of working with Jack Baker and his design team on several past and current projects including, the Freeport Transportation Facility, Tyndall Academy, and Dune Lakes Elementary School.

Sam Childers Childers Construction

Dune Lakes Elementary School

2017 The City of Panama City Beach has worked with the DAG team over the past several years on projects varying from the master planning of a municipal complex to the designs of a new city hall building and new fire station. The City has outgrown most of its facilities and needed more modern, secure and functional workspaces. We could not be more pleased with the services given by DAG. The designs provide for maximum satisfaction and comfort while giving city employees and citizens city facilities of which they can be proud.

Mario Gisbert City of Panama City Beach

The firm collaborates with Hart Howerton on the design of The Whitby and The Camden, two new condominium buildings at Alys Beach. The iconic buildings frame the northwestern side of the Amphitheatre, a large green space that serves as a venue for a wide range of musical and theatrical performances. North Bay Haven Charter School taps DAG to design a new administration building. The school sits on a 40 acre tract that was formerly the Panama City Airport.

Bud & Alleys, a very popular restaurant in Seaside, engages the firm to design a renovation and expansion and the Seaside School selects the firm to begin design work on a new classroom building. This 23,000 SF expansion is to be completed in two phases constructed strategically between school years so student instruction is not affected.

One of the goals of this project was to connect the buildings of the campus while still maintaining an active outdoor and creative arts-focused learning style. The addition of a new classroom building, designed specially for Chef Emeril Lagasse’s Culinary Arts School, will be seamlessly connected to the rest of the campus.

Late in the year, the firm undertakes a major re-branding program which it introduced to the employees at their annual meeting in early 2018.

The Whitby and The Camden, Condominiums at Alys Beach

2017 Inneraity Park

Capitian Leonard Park

2018 As the firm continues to grow, it creates the “leadership team of tomorrow” and names seven Associate Principals.

Promoting the concept of adaptive reuse, an old warehouse building was converted into a modern two-story research and development space for Arete, a Destin government contractor.

In late 2018, Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc on the Gulf Coast, coming ashore near Panama City. The DAG office on Harrison Avenue was heavily damaged and the team had to relocate to a new location in Panama City Beach. It would take well over a year for the Harrison office to reopen. In less than 12 hours after the storm passed, employees gathered there to assist in the recovery efforts.

Panama City City Hall

2019 The firm is engaged to design a free-standing Starbucks building at Beckrich office park. As a result of Hurricane Michael, the firm undertakes numerous projects offering professional opinions on various items from damage assessments to complete redesign of buildings. The firm designs new space for Rainbow Pediatrics at Breakfast Point and adds another Surf Style building design for the legacy client.

Legacy client, North American Properties purchases land in Melbourne and asks the firm to design an office building and an apartment building as a start to a large project similar in size and scope to Cascades in Tallahassee.

2020

existing site organization diagram

culture

engaged

connected

- SITE PLAN GATES OFFICE BUILDING Lots of milestones make this a most memorable year. The year started with the largest backlog 2 of work in the firm’s history. The firm added 13 associates, gained 29 new clients and began work on 100 new projects in four states. Most notably, it was also recognized by the Florida AIA as Firm of the Year. exterior courtyard concept | march 23, 2021

“DAG Architects exemplifies the best of Florida Architecture. To be Firm of the Year, a firm must demonstrate three things, excellent culture, strong design, and dedicated community service. DAG Architects excels in each of these areas.

As a firm, they have a strong culture that promotes consistent quality design work throughout the Florida Panhandle.

Community participation is one of their core values which helps to enrich life through good design. Congratulations to being Firm of the Year and a stellar example of our profession.”

Stephen Panzarino, AIA, NCARB 2020 AIA Florida President

FEBRUARY, 26, 2021

Deeply committed to the employees, DAG hosts an annual meeting to inform everyone about the previous year’s successes and to recognize employees for a job well done. Many years ago, the Impact Awards were introduced. Highlighting the Five Pillars of the firm, individuals are selected who have demonstrated a noticeable passion for Design, Innovation, Family, Diversity and Legacy.

The Hub, Austin

2020

AL CONDO / OFFICE BUILDING

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In October of 2020, DAG opens an office in Atlanta, GA. Larry Sweat joins the firm as a Principal and office leader there. Larry’s deep bench experience in retail, lifestyle, malls, multifamily and museum design sets the stage for the firm to grow its presence in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Within a few months, the Atlanta office was awarded several EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE projects through clients that Larry brought over.

EXTERIO

OR PERSPECTIVE

Campbell House

JUNE, 10, 2021

SCHEME ‘A’

2020

I selected DAG as the lead architectural firm due to their creative process, local and regional knowledge, strong community presence and ability to carry the project through permitting and construction. The project was named Cascades is now open to an incredible success in leasing and acceptance by the community. Throughout the process, NAP and DAG collaborated in all phases to refine the mixed-use design to a development with definitive architecture, arrival experiences, street presence and incredible

tenant and public spaces. As with all projects, the budget pressure was strong; however, NAP and DAG were able to work within the design finding areas of savings without sacrificing the quality and overall appearance of the project.

Shawn R. McIntyre North American Properties

Cascades

2021 The Atlanta office is selected by a mall owner to redesign a mall in Birmingham, Alabama.

The massive project will include the demolition of at least two of the department stores, removing the roof to bring the outdoors in and the addition of of an office building and apartments.

The firm is engaged to continue designing mixed-use entertainment projects for the developer of The Hub, Austin, Texas will be the next location for this highly successful complex that offers retail, restaurants and entertainment geared to the family. The City of Destin taps the firm to design a new fire station and Alys Beach asks the firm to design a new tennis pavilion.

Brookwood Mixed-Use Concept

WOOD MIXED-USE CONCEPT - MASTER PLAN

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Charlestown Westedge Mixed-Use Concept

2021

CE BUILDING - EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE (ENTRANCE)

Gates Office Building

The firm continues to see significant growth in every office, with projects spanning a number of building types. For instance, leaning on our experience in designing retail malls, developers are turning to our team to reimagine the mall into a 21st century space that is more open and exterior courtyard concept | march 23, 2021 inviting. Other clients are responding to the market and asking us to apply the concepts of hospitality design into their office development. Even the education market is challenging our design teams to expand the design precepts for their campus, encouraging learning in new and imaginative ways. Throughout our history, we have intentionally not placed limits on design. Our “generalist” philosophy promotes the idea that as designers we are expected to be capable of looking at most opportunities, and along with the client explore the many possibilities.

Exterior Courtyard Concept

Brookwood Mixed-Use

BROOKWOOD MIXED-USE CONCEPT - AERIAL PERSPECTIVE SKETCH APRIL, 15, 2021

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2021 Epilogue Companies do not succeed without the dedication, experience and knowledge of their employees. Throughout our forty years, we have been fortunate to recruit and retain some of the best designers and professionals in our industry. We value and treasure each and every one as we well know that their commitment to great design is only superseded by their love for the profession and clients they serve. And speaking of clients, as we look back over the years, we are profoundly grateful to have been given so many opportunities to shape the built environment that is the result of a small idea with big aspirations.

Our goal has, and always will be, to listen to every client as an idea about a particular space or place takes root and blossoms into a full-fledged vision that will impact people’s lives. In reflecting back over our history, we are touched by the many accolades our projects have received. While we enjoy the recognition from our peers and the industries in which we design, we are more impacted by the results from interacting with one of our projects. Whether it’s a school building, resort property, office building, public safety facility or residence, we appreciate that we have played some small part in the community.

So, what will the next forty years look like for DAG? It is our belief that the leaders of tomorrow will carry on the tradition of excellent client service, creative placemaking and concern for their fellow designers, clients and communities. If they achieve this lofty expectation, then we can truly say that the legacy going forward will be one of mutual respect, love of the profession and dedication to doing what’s best for those we serve.

DAG PARTNERS: Charlie Clary Jack Baker Pat Ballasch Gail Ennis Owen Gipson Roger Godwin Bob Johnson David Luttrell Larry Sweat

C E L E B R ATI N G

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Y E A R S

OF SU CCE SS

AWARDS 2021 Trust for Public Land, Innerarity Point Park AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award for New Work FAMU Dining Hall AIA Florida Northwest Award of Citation for Unbuilt Design Mexico Beach Residence AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award for Interiors 2020 Firm of the Year, AIA Florida DAG is the first firm to have ever won this award twice.

AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award for New Work Viera Corporate Offices AIA Florida Northwest Award of Citation for Unbuilt Design 2019 Dune Lakes Elementary School AIA Tallahassee Award of Excellence, Honor Award HD Supply Leadership Development Center AIA Tallahassee Interior Design Award, Merit Award FAMU Food Services Design AIA Tallahassee Unbuilt Award, Merit Award Florida A&M University Entomology Research Lab Facility AIA Florida Northwest Award of Merit for Unbuilt

Gulf Shores Mixed-Use AIA Florida Northwest Honorable Mention for Unbuilt Pen Air Federal Credit Union Back Campus AIA Florida Northwest Award of Honor for Unbuilt Pen Air Federal Credit Union Car City Branch AIA Florida Northwest Award of Merit for Unbuilt Beulah Middle School AIa Florida Northwest Award of Merit for New Work The HUB Pavilion AIA Florida Northwest Award of Merit for New Work

Beulah Middle School Healthy Facilities Institute Healthy & Safe Facilities Award, Honorable Mention Bo Diddley Plaza AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence for Renovations / Additions Honor Award for Masonry in Design St. George’s University Lecture Hall AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for Unbuilt Florida A&M University 800-Bed Dormitory AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award of Excellence for Masonry

Thirty-One on 30A AIA Florida Northwest Honorable Mention for New Work

McIlroy Residence and Addition AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award of Excellence for Renovations & Additions

Panama City City Hall AIA Florida Northwest Honorable Mention for Masonry

McIlroy Beach Penthouse AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award of Excellence for Interiors

HD Supply Leadership Development Center AIA Florida Northwest Award of Honor for Interiors

2017 Dune Lakes Elementary School AIA Tallahassee Merit Award

Panama City City Hall AIA Florida Honor Award for Masonry in Design 2018 Dune Lakes Elementary School AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for Unbuilt

Bay County Courthouse Addition AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award of Excellence for Interiors Perdido Key Community Center and Fire Station Fire Industry Equipment and Research Organization FIERO Merit Award for Fire Station Design Excellence

Beulah Middle School Florida Educational Facilities Planners Association Architectural Showcase First Place Award for Middle School Bo Diddley Plaza AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence for Renovations / Additions Honor Award for Masonry in Design Bo Diddley Plaza AIA Tallahassee Honor Award Rosemary Beach Owners’ Center AIA Tallahassee Honor Award Commanding Officer’s Compound Outdoor Archaeological Museum Exhibit, University of West Florida Historic Trust Florida Educational Facilities Planning Association Architectural Showcase First Place Award for Special Facilities DAG Architects Emerald Coast Magazine Best Architect on the Emerald Coast 2015 Sherwin Williams Store in Destin Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida Chapter Merit Award for Commercial Less than $1 Million Okaloosa County Administration Building Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida Chapter Merit Award for Institutional Over $10 Million

McIlroy Residence AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award of Excellence for New Work Rosemary Beach Owners’ Center AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for New Work The HUB AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for New Work Bo Diddley Plaza AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for Unbuilt 2014 Perdido Key Community Center and Fire Station Mason Contractors Association of America TEAM Award Florida A&M University Gore Educational Complex AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for Renovations A. Crawford Mosley High School Building 1 Renovations AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for Excellence in Renovations 2013 Perdido Key Community Center and Fire Station AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for New Work Rosemary Beach Owners’ Center AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award of Excellence for Unbuilt

Chipola College Center for the Arts Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida Chapter Eagle Award for Institutional $10 to $30 Million 2012 Viridian Sunrise House AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for New Work DAG Architects Emerald Coast Magazine Best Architect on the Emerald Coast 2011 The “V” Restaurant at the Viridian AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for New Work Gainesville CRA Office Building Southeast Building Conference Aurora Award for Commercial Building Gainesville City Beautification Board Award for Excellence in Design Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for New Work 2010 Gainesville CRA Office Building AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for New Work Cassine Station AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award for New Work Northwest Florida State College South Walton Campus AIA Florida Northwest

AWARDS Merit Award for New Work Gainesville 13th Street Pedestrian Bridge AIA Florida Northwest Merit Award for Unbuilt

WaterColor Fire Station Fire Industry Equipment and Research Organization FIERO Merit Award

Cassine Station AIA Florida Northwest Silver Award for Excellence in Unbuilt Architecture

NatureWalk Welcome Center AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award for New Work

DAG Architects Emerald Coast Magazine Best Architect on the Emerald Coast

DAG Architects Emerald Coast Magazine Best Architect on the Emerald Coast

2006 NatureWalk at Seagrove “Patterns for Placemaking” Development Guidelines American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Merit

2002 DAG Architects Emerald Coast Magazine Best Architect on the Emerald Coast

2009 The Viridian AIA Florida Northwest Honor Award for Unbuilt Cade Exhibit and Event Building AIA Florida Northwest Honorable Mention Award for Unbuilt WaterColor Fire Station AIA Florida Northwest Honorable Mention Award for New Construction 2007 DAG Architects Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects Firm of the Year NatureWalk Welcome Center Southeast Building Conference Grand Aurora Award for Commercial Project Associated Builders and Contractors North Florida Chapter Excellence in Construction Eagle Award Southeast Construction Magazine Merit Award

2005 Destin Librar 2004 Northwest Florida State College Observatory and Classroom Florida Educational Facilities Planning Association Architectural Showcase Award of Merit 2003 Airport Plaza / DAG Architects Office AIA Florida Northwest Silver Award for Excellence in Architecture Commercial Project Clary Residence AIA Florida Northwest Bronze Award for Excellence in Residential Architecture Destin Library AIA Florida Northwest Silver Award for Excellence in Commercial Architecture

2001 Airport Plaza / DAG Architects Office AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence Northwest Florida State College Observatory and Classroom AIA Florida Unbuilt Design Award AIA Florida Honor Award of Excellence 1999 Information Kiosk and Wildlife Sanctuary Overlook AIA Florida Northwest Recognition of Design Excellence, A New Twist “Unique” 1997 Seaside Mixed Use Building AIA Florida Northwest Unbuilt Design Award 1996 Ship’s Chandler Walkover and Docks AIA Florida Unbuilt Design Award

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