/ 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
EXECUTIVE PLAZA | BETHESDA, MD
WHO WE ARE
Since its inception in 1973, DBI has provided full-service architecture and interior design services to clients who share our belief that beautiful environments foster meaningful human interaction and successful business outcomes. We have not only witnessed, but have been pioneers of, the evolution of design.
As a result, we have extensive and authentic knowledge of, and experience with, designing state-of-the-art building interiors. Our work embraces forward-thinking, contemporary design, so that our clients’ spaces exemplify the most cutting-edge, dynamic, and creative approaches. Our clients include the commercial real estate community; federal government agencies; corporations and technology firms; the hospitality and restaurant industry; and local, national, and international organizations. With our office in the Washington, DC region, DBI is ideally located to respond rapidly to project needs and to adhere to rigorous production schedules. Our midsized firm is able to meet the demands of large projects while being intimately involved in their design—we are large enough to deliver and small enough to care.
DBI recognizes that the design of our built environment has a lasting effect on the health of our natural environment. As a member of the US Green Building Council, DBI ensures that a significant percentage of our designers are LEED® or WELL accredited and, whenever possible, specifies materials, furniture, and other products that are sustainable and energy efficient.
To reduce and monitor the environmental footprint of our projects, we maintain a carefully planned and integrated technological design platform that harnesses state-of-theart architectural design software. In addition to conveying conceptual designs quickly and in great detail, we are able to perform building energy and performance analyses to determine which architectural designs have the least environmental impact. Our technological platform also enables us to create highly coordinated sets of construction documents that link building component information to external databases for postoccupancy space and asset management.
CLIENTS
Associations
Nonprofits
Corporations
Developers, Owners, Brokers
Property Managers
Government Agencies
Institutions
Religious Organizations
Schools
Technology Companies
1984 ISAAC NEWTON SQUARE WEST, SUITE 400 RESTON, VA 20190
WWW.DBIA.COM
703.787.0882
ROSEANNE BEATTIE, AIA | Principal
Over my 40-year career at DBI, I have worked my way up the ladder from entry-level architect to principal architect. Along that path, I was afforded the same opportunities as my male counterparts. I have been financially compensated the same as my male colleagues. Since starting at DBI in 1981, I have never felt the slightest discrimination based on my gender.
DBI has always been welcoming. Over the course of my career, I've had two children, taken 12 weeks of maternity leave each time, and was welcomed back to my job after each pregnancy. DBI has always been accommodating to families, providing temporary part-time and permanent part-time positions based on family obligations.
MICHAEL HARTMAN, AIA | Principal
In my 35 years at DBI, diversity has been consistently at the core of the firm, yet never consciously imbued in its daily life. It has simply been a part of us. In fact, when working to create a diversity and equity policy for the firm, it seemed as if we were just documenting what already existed. Always strong with strong women, the firm has embraced those from all races, ethnicities, religions, most all continents, LGBTQ identifying, and even straight white men!
When DBI President Alan Storm wanted to bring on partners to the firm some twenty years ago, he chose two women and me, a gay man, to join him to carry the firm forward. These partners were chosen simply for their contributions to the firm, the practice of architecture, and humanity. This remains strong at the core for all.
FELIPE TURRIAGO-BORRERO, LEED AP | Managing Director, Architecture
Coming to the United States from Columbia in early 2000, I had a vision of a “land of opportunity” – as many immigrants do. I found myself lucky enough to come on board with GAA first and later with DBI, where, under Alan Storm’s leadership, the place of my birth is seen as an opportunity to broaden the organization’s worldview.
DBI’s commitment to diversity has led to an expanded design vocabulary, as each of us brings our own experiences to the vernacular of the firm. The diversity that Alan promotes extends to gender, age, ethnicity, and country of origin, all working toward a common goal.
EBONG UKOR, AIA, NCARB | Senior Manager
Over my fifteen years as an architect with DBI, diversity has always been firmly and warmly embraced. Leadership has always made it clear – through word and deed – that the talent, energy, and results of architects and designers are the primary criteria for measuring success. But more than that, DBI has embraced diversity as key to unlocking the greater aspirations of the firm. In my career at DBI, with colleagues from South America, the Middle East, eastern Europe, and – yes – the United States, I have found that everyone’s opinion matters, and each of those opinions is valued. Where you are from is important, but what you bring to the table in terms of innovative design is what really sets the firm apart. As a Nigerian immigrant to the United States, and as a Black man in America, I can say that these things are of the utmost importance. At DBI, I truly feel I am among family, and am valued as such.
DIVERSITY
DBI Architects brings to the field of architecture and interior design an inspired, inclusive, and forward-looking design methodology. DBI presents one of the longest continual legacies of diversity in the industry – we embraced multiformity in the workplace decades before its importance was seen in the industry at-large. With inclusion of women in leadership roles, representation of minorities at all levels of management and staff, and the welcoming of differences as the rule rather than the exception, DBI has, over the years, become a crucible where talent and initiative are the defining factors. That talent and initiative have borne out in groundbreaking, award-winning designs.
SERVICES
As a GF Company, DBI can provide a broad range of architectural, engineering, and design services, including:
MASTER PLANNING
From the beginning of a project, our master planning services comprehensively evaluate the characteristics of a specific property and, then, illustrate the design concepts that work best for the site. Our experience and expertise provide a reliable guide through the range of land use, zoning, traffic, environmental, and demographic issues that often arise during complex projects.
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
DBI’s architectural division provides expertise in building design, including government buildings, commercial office buildings, mulitfamily and mixed-use buildings, private schools, colleges and universities, churches, and more.
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. more.
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.
With engineers licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, our projects span the U.S. coast to coast within most primary and secondary markets. Through early and strategic involvement, our engineers provide the expertise that identifies critical issues at the outset and allows for timely, economic, and creative solutions during the entire design process.
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.
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.
SERVICES
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. The goal is to re-imagine the site as a series of rooms, or spaces, or alternatively, as a stage for a great building. Our work is always collaborative and true to task of bringing a shared vision to life.
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
We offer a full range of architecture and design services to create interiors that are both elegant and functional. Our clients include the commercial real estate community; federal government agencies; corporate, association, and legal end-user organizations; technology firms; and local, national, and international organizations.
STEALTH DESIGN
Beginning with the design of computer rooms in the early 1980s, we have created a variety of technology-oriented spaces, including network operation centers, switch sites, data centers, advanced concept laboratories, and video teleconferencing centers.
FURNITURE MANAGEMENT
From systems furniture and casegoods for office spaces to complex solutions for operations, command, and conference centers, we can coordinate furniture requirements for all spaces. In addition to creating a furniture plan tailored to the specifications
of any project, we offer guidance in manufacturer selections and workspace designs; handle procurement and installation processes; and manage all vendors on-site.
EXTENDED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
To ensure that a project is completed according to the price agreed upon during bidding, we provide extended part- or full-time representation at the construction site. We monitor the project’s progress and quality of work, as well as the contractor’s construction schedule; respond to requests for information; maintain project records; evaluate shop drawings, product data, and samples; review the contractor’s applications for payment; conduct inspections to determine substantial and final completion; and administer project close-out procedures.
MOVE MANAGEMENT/FACILITY MANAGEMENT
We provide consulting and on-site facility management services to corporate, institutional, and government clients. Whether moving a bookcase or coordinating an entire office relocation, we successfully implement move and facility management policies by partnering with our clients to understand their organization’s structure, business goals, and culture. Projects encompass both daily moves and complete reconfigurations due to growth, contraction, or mission changes, as well as special projects that support the client. Specific tasks have included “box” moves for thousands of people to different locations within the same building, or between different facilities, as well as consolidation or expansion of space between floors, or from building to building.
DBI continues to develop a deep portfolio of projects achieving various levels of LEED certifications.
LEED Gold
American Counseling Association | Alexandria, VA
American Wind Energy Association | Washington, DC
AOL/Mapquest | Lancaster, PA
DBI Architects | Washington, DC
Marine Corps Reserve Center (MCRC) | Baltimore, MD
Twinbrook Place Office Building | Rockville, MD
LEED Silver
Intelligence Community Campus – Bethesda | Bethesda, MD
BAE Systems – Newington | Lorton, VA
BAE Systems – Quantico Corporate Center, Building G | Quantico, VA
BAE Systems – Redland Corporate Center | Rockville, MD
National Association of Manufacturers | Washington, DC
USAID Training Facility | Arlington, VA
LEED Certified
Undisclosed Government Agency | Washington, DC
1425 K Street | Washington, DC
AOL | Nashville, TN
GeoEye | Herndon, VA
Subway Café | Washington, DC
Summit Consulting, LLC | Washington, DC
The Tower Companies – 1909 K Street Speculative Office | Washington, DC
U.S. Consulate | Mumbai, India
SUSTAINABILITY
DBI recognizes that the design of our built environment has a lasting effect on the health of our natural environment. DBI Architects is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, and a significant percentage of DBI’s design staff are LEED® or WELL accredited. All DBI staff are committed to the importance of environmental issues and their impact on the design of our built environment.
When specifying finishes, fixtures, materials, or furniture, DBI specifies recycled materials wherever possible, does not consider woods from endangered rain forests, and avoids materials that have a long-term, detrimental effect on the environment. The firm’s goal is to incorporate goods that are sustainable, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly.
AWARDS
AMERICAN COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2022 Award of Merit
CITY OF DIAMONDS RESORT
Outstanding Property Award, London - 2021 Environmental/
Sustainable Architectural Design Award
COOKOLOGY
Associated Builders and Contractors, Metro Washington - 2020
Excellence in Construction Award
CABOOSE COMMONS
James M. Scott - 2019 Exceptional Design Merit Award
FN AMERICA, LLC
AIA Northern Virginia - 2019 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2019 Award of Merit
AMERICAN WIND ENERGY ASSOCIATION
NAIOP DC|MD - 2017 Award of Merit
INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY CAMPUS–BETHESDA
USGBC – 2017 Innovative Project of the Year Responsible Design Award
Design-Build Institute of America – 2017 National Award of Merit,
Rehabilitation / Renovation / Restoration
Building Design and Construction – 2017 Building Team Award, Bronze
AIA Northern Virginia – 2016 Award of Merit, Excellence in Architecture
AIA Potomac Valley Chapter – 2016 Honor Award
EMERGENT BIOSOLUTIONS, INC.
IIDA - 2016 Award of Merit
CABOOSE BREWING COMPANY
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2015 Award of Excellence
SUMMIT CONSULTING, LLC
NAIOP DC|MD - 2015 Award of Excellence
AIA Northern Virginia - 2015 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER BOARD OF STANDARDS, INC.
IIDA - 2015 Design Award
GETWELLNETWORK, INC.
AIA Northern Virginia - 2014 Award of Merit, Commerical Interiors
IIDA - 2014 Silver Design Award
MANDIANT CORPORATION
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2013 Award of Merit
GEOEYE, INC.
WBC - 2012 Craftsmanship Award
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2011 Award of Excellence
BAE SYSTEMS
NAIOP DC|MD - 2011 Award of Excellence
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Associated Builders and Contractors - 2011 Craftsmanship Award
CLAUDE MOORE ACADEMY
Associated Builders and Contractors - 2011 Craftsmanship Award
DBI ARCHITECTS, INC.
GWCAR - 2011 Architecture Firm of the Year
Fairfax County, Virginia Exceptional Design Awards Program2007 Merit Award
WBJ - 2006 Best Real Estate Deal for Interior Design
IIDA - 2006 Bronze Design Award
TWINBROOK PLACE
NAIOP DC|MD - 2010 Award of Merit
UNIWEST GROUP
IIDA - 2010 Bronze Design Award
Fairfax County, Virginia Exceptional Design Awards Program2009 Honor Award
CASSIDY TURLEY’S VIRGINIA HEADQUARTERS
Fairfax County, Virginia Exceptional Design Awards Program2010 Honor Award
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2009 Award of Excellence
GRAPHIC DESIGN FIRM
NAIOP DC|MD - 2008 Award of Merit
LOCKHEED MARTIN CENTER FOR INNOVATION
HRACRE - 2007 First Honor Award
CARANA CORPORATION
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2006 Award of Merit
STUDLEY’S NORTHERN VIRGINIA OFFICE
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2005 Award of Merit
US ARMY INFORMATION DOMINANCE CENTER
NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2000 Special Recognition Award
IIDA - 2000 Gold Design Award
PROCESS
TEST- FIT PROGRAMMING
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
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.
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, onbudget, and with “no surprises.” Using tools such
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
PERMIT & G.C. SELECTION
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.
MOVE IN
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION
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.
SELECTED PROJECTS
LOCATION
Columbia, MD
COMPLETION
March 2023
AWARDS
2023 Associated Builders and Contractors: Greater Baltimore - Excellence in Construction Award
PROJECT TEAM
CK Commercial COPT
TAI Engineering Officeworks
DESCRIPTION
Ambu, the global market leader in single-use endoscopy, including the world’s first single-use bronchoscope, the Ambu® aScopeTM, chose DBI to create their United States headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. This hybrid office, promoting maximum flexibility, offers an abundance of huddle spaces, phone booths, and open collaboration zones to promote teamwork. A core number of assigned offices are provided, as well as ample “nomadic” workstation seating. DBI designers worked diligently to develop a comprehensive understanding of the client’s culture, bringing the Ambu brand to the space through the use of custom graphics and coral and teal corporate colors. A simulation lab was created as part of this “brand-forward” approach. Displaying much of Ambu’s groundbreaking technology for outpatient care, operating theater, and emergency room, the sim lab is integrated into the reception area, through a glass partition. A very low construction cost was achieved through salvage of 80% of lighting fixtures and ceiling tiles from the original space.
EDEN HEALTH
LOCATION
Arlington, VA
COMPLETION
February 2022
PROJECT TEAM
Clune Construction
GPI Engineering
DESCRIPTION
Direct-to-employer medical provider Eden Health hired DBI to provide extended design services for their new space within the Ballston Quarter mall. Located on the second floor with an outdoor glass-pane storefront, Eden Health’s office opens into a light and airy patient check-in and waiting area. The office features an exam room, lab, workroom, storage, and private restroom. Soft white, warm wood tones, and pops of teal are coupled with modern artwork and minimalist signage give the boutique space a luxe and welcoming feel.
THE MERIDIAN AT BRANDON
SIZE
117,350 SF
LOCATION
Brandon, FL
COMPLETION
Fall 2021
PROJECT TEAM
Meridian Senior Living StuidoSIX5 Diaz Fritz Group Atlas Design and Engineering
DESCRIPTION
The Meridian at Brandon is a senior living community that includes 102 Independent and Assisted Living Units and 30 Memory Care Units. Designed like a boutique hotel, The Meridian at Brandon features elegant decor, grand spaces, and resort-style features and amenities. Well-designed apartment homes with upscale features are convenient to dining and daily activity offerings. The 2-story concrete construction is designed to withstand winds up to 140 mph.
THE OFFICE OF DR. JOSEPH MICHAELS, MD
SIZE 2,588 SF
LOCATION
Rockville, MD
COMPLETION
March 2020
PROJECT TEAM
Polinger Company
GPI Engineering
DESCRIPTION
A DBI brought a light and elegant touch to a new medical office for Dr. Joseph Michaels, MD, a board certified plastic surgeon in Rockville whose private practice serves Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC and beyond. The neutral tones and rich textures create a welcoming environment for patients. The openness of the space makes for a productive and healthful work enviornment for the doctor and his staff.
THE OFFICE OF DR. JOSEPH MICHAELS, MD ROCKVILLE, MD
SIZE 2,325 SF
LOCATION
Sterling, VA
RIDGETOP
COMPLETION
July 2015
PROJECT TEAM
Benchmark Construction
Cetech Engineering
DESCRIPTION
After DBI’s successful completion of the Pond Building entry & 1st floor Lobby, Ridgetop Dental approached DBI to join their Design Build team under the leadership of Benchmark Construction. Ridgetop Dental loved the serene and modern warmth of the Pond Building’s lobby, and wanted DBI to recreate the feel in their new space. DBI encouraged Ridgetop Dental to create their own brand for their new space to distinguish themselves from other tenants, while still maintaining key design features they were attracted to from the building lobby. In the end, DBI designed a modern, airy, and attractive boutique dental office.
ATCC
SIZE
34,500 SF Offices, 2,300 SF Lab
LOCATION
Manassas, VA | Gaithersburg, MD
COMPLETION
November 2021
PROJECT TEAM
DPR Construction
Ewingcole
RMF Engineering
Officeworks - Teknion
TESTIMONIAL
“ATCC embarked on a design of its corporate administration offices beginning November 2019. This included an open office plan, conference rooms, break areas, private offices and data center. Consistent with our company policy, the project required the cooperation of several contractors, so it was necessary to go through a rigorous, open-bid process. As a result, DBI was selected as the best choice. We were particularly impressed by Michael Boyer, as he merged his modern thinking and experience with his highly functional sensitivity to the design features we were hoping to achieve in this project. These features were proposed before the challenges of a global pandemic and evolved to become what ATCC views as even better improvements to house its employees under one roof for optimal company collaboration, safety and health and wellness. Although the project is moving swiftly toward completion, we can state without any reservations that choosing DBI was the right fit for ATCC. We look forward to debuting the new face of its corporate offices for its employees, customers, partners and the Northern Virginia community.”
Raymond H. Cypess, DVM, Ph.D Chairman and Chief Executive Officer American Type Culture Collection
RAVEN VA COMMUNITY LIVING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
LOCH
SIZE
30,000 SF
LOCATION
Baltimore, MD
COMPLETION
April 2012
PROJECT TEAM
Ernest Bland Associates
DESCRIPTION
EBA hired DBI to provide programming and interior design services for the 30,000-SF building addition to the Loch Raven Virginia Community Living Center. The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center owns the CLC. This project involved a variety of space types: elevator lobbies, offices, conference rooms, exam rooms, physical therapy rooms, corridors, pantries, and medical-focused spaces. The addition also houses suites for physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, occupational therapy, and recreation therapy.
LOCATION
Rockville, MD
COMPLETION
August 2007
DESCRIPTION
USP converted half of the laboratory spaces to open office with systems furniture, and demolished most of the remaining individual lab spaces to create one open laboratory. As part of the scope, DBI and Allen & Shariff designed and installed additional hoods to supplement the existing hoods, new snorkels, exhaust for balance enclosures, a walk-in refrigerator, a dehumidification chamber, safety showers, and eye washes throughout the lab. DBI also reconfigured all of the existing lab benches into the new open environment bench layout. USP wished to occupy the space as quickly as possible. To meet that goal, the design team delivered the space in two phases.
