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.
To explore original design solutions for every client.
To create meaningful experiences of place for you.
To transform disparate elements into beautiful forms.
It is
YENAGOA CITY CENTER | YENAGOA, NIGERIA
It is the possibilities that inspire us:
To explore original design solutions for every client.
To create meaningful experiences of place for you.
To transform disparate elements into beautiful forms.
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.
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.
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.
Established in the 1990s, our architectural division provides expertise in building design, including government buildings, commercial office buildings, private schools, colleges and universities, and churches.
We offer a full range of architecture and design services to create interiors that are both elegant and functional. Our clients include the commercial real estate community; federal government agencies; corporate, association, and legal enduser organizations; technology firms; and local, national, and international organizations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With 50 years of industry experience, DBI offers design services that provide architectural and interior solutions for any space.
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
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
GOOGLE, INC.
Channel 9 News Now, WUSA9.com, January 18, 2008
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
ABC World News Tonight, October 22, 1999
DBI continues to develop a deep portfolio of projects achieving various levels of LEED certifications.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It comes down to caring.
At DBI, we work to create award-winning projects with every design – regardless of the budget.
We work to ensure that the client receives the best value for their investment. We understand that our clients have two budgets: the dollars available for design and construction and the time allotted to get the job done. DBI keeps a close eye on both.
With DBI, you can expect in-depth engagement from project initiation to completion. We’re here to help visualize your “organizational truth” in a physical space that will facilitate the productivity and employee engagement objectives you’ve established.
We’re here to help you more fully understand and interpret that truth in an environment that infuses brand and culture into every aspect of the workplace –immediately engaging staff, visitors, and clients and presenting the best representation of organizational values and goals.
The process that DBI follows is not dissimilar to the process many design firms might follow. It’s what we bring to the process that sets us apart.
Beginning with test-fitting, visioning, and programming, we work to understand the corporate culture. We work to develop standards, based on what we’ve learned, to provide a sense of consistency throughout the finished space.
From the beginning, we’ll discuss branding, and the discussion will bear on and influence design development. More than a logo on a wall, more than a set of corporate colors, branding is that difficult-to-define set of qualities, characteristics, ideals, and other criteria that define an organization and what it stands for. DBI works with you to identify the details that tell your “brand story.” From these observations, a palette of colors, textures, finishes, and furniture will be developed to create a space that boldly states the organization’s identity.
We pride ourselves on delivering on-time, on-budget, and with “no surprises.” Using tools such as Revit allows us to provide clients with 3-D views from the very early stages of the project so you won’t have to try to interpret
flat representations of your space. And, DBI will develop different scenarios to make the way to proceed more clear.
DBI engages in an inward-facing value engineering throughout the design process. We understand that opportunities for cost savings and schedule management are greatest in the early stages of the project and diminish as work progresses. As a result, emphasis is placed on controlling these aspects during the schematic design and design development phases of a project. At these stages, factors that may adversely affect the cost of a design can be identified and alternative action taken, if necessary.
Cost control and time management are fundamental and continually monitored.
We include value-priced alternatives as we develop the palette. We’re also careful to seek out solutions that will not be bogged down in supply-chain bottlenecks. We want you to “spend wisely” – in your budget and in your schedule.
As we develop construction documents, we engage the client in “page turn” sessions. These sessions are high-level but in sufficient depth and detail to be sure that the needs of the project are being met. During this phase
DBI gathers bids from general contractors, evaluates the proposals submitted, and provides recommendations on general contractor selection.
Construction administration is a critical phase of the process. DBI remains fully
engaged at this stage, ensuring that everything reflected in the construction documents is built to specifications. DBI remains highly involved throughout construction administration, advocating for our client and making sure their needs are met.
During move in and even post-occupancy, DBI provides customer service as needed, perfecting the design, and gathering feedback to make adjustments, as necessary. Our work does not end when the punch list is completed.
We’ll be there to assure design, functionality, branding, fit, and finish meet or exceed expectations. Because when all is said and done, it comes down to caring.
SIZE
2,500,000 SF on 16.85 Acres
LOCATION Ashburn, VA
Adjacent to the Ashburn Metro Station (the terminus of the Silver Line) in Loudoun County, and less than 10 miles from Dulles International Airport, Gramercy District is a transit-oriented development on 16 acres fronting the north side of the Dulles Greenway. The site is the western-most anchor on an axis of major employment centers between Loudoun County and Washington DC, potentially providing 300,000 SF of retail and office space, 1,000 apartments, and central pedestrian plaza. Gramercy is positioned to be a major gateway to Loudoun County, the fastest-growing region in the Washington Metropolitan area. Gramercy will foster an amenity-rich, worklive-play environment, while also providing the convenience of direct access to mass transit via the Silver Line. 2,500,000 SF on 16.85 ACRES
GRAMERCY DISTRICT ASHBURN, VA
Outstanding Property Award, London2021 Environmental/Sustainable Architectural Design Award PROJECT TEAM Boggs & Partners Architects
A 135-acre mixed-use parcel in Gaborone, Botswana that is a unique design to symbolize the diamond production heritage of the region and to provide a city centre to attract international business. This centre creates a ‘place’ within the adjoining area for international development to thrive and become the new iconic symbol of the region. The careful integration of public/private spaces and open areas infuse a certain vitality to the complex. The centre is ‘green’ as a development and the twin ‘freedom towers’ become the new symbol of the region.
CITY OF DIAMONDS RESORT
On Africa’s Niger delta, the new urban enclave known as Yenagoa City Center will provide a carefully designed mix of high-end retail, cultural and entertainment venues, and dining options, as well as world-class office buildings, a secure luxury residential complex (2,500 residents), a clubhouse, a school, and two boutique hotels. The City Centre will provide its own power and water, enabling it to be a completely self-sufficient community. Neighborhoods are organized around a biaxial parkland arrangement that provides a unique sense of place and beautiful public amenities. The developer sought to create a self-sufficient community for mixed-use development with a strong and sophisticated open space network. The community should provide a secure environment with clear division among public, semi-public and private areas. Features taken into consideration are the demand for highquality modern living and the local climate conditions. Yenagoa City Centre is a unique development that is the first of its kind, meant to set the standard for others.
YENAGOA CITY CENTER YENEGOA, NIGERIA
To design a state-of-the-art medical facility in Lagos, Nigeria, the architect’s objective was to create a self-contained, easily accessible campus that provides functionally separate, yet stylistically integrated, medical and residential structures. Consisting of three buildings, the campus features a large medical building that serves as the main interventional platform and provides 150 in-patient beds; a second medical building that accommodates 150 beds; and a 26-floor high-rise residence for staff. Channeling ocean crosswinds through the campus, the facility’s north-south orientation creates a sense of respiration and healing. The facility will modernize Nigeria’s health system and offer new opportunities for medical professionals.
EKO ATLANTIC MEDICAL CENTER LAGOS, NIGERIA
The 104.79 acres site will be developed primarily as a residential complex consisting of 44 villas, 32 duplexes, 160 condominiums and 48 town homes plus an additional 80 apartment units. Various housing types will be strategically integrated throughout the project to accommodate permanent and transient residents. Among other functions that will support residents and visitors are a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art Health and Wellness Spa facility. A private school for primary and secondary education will provide families with quality education.
Winneba will include a technologically suitable facility designed to accommodate a student body of 600 persons. A 15,000 square foot play zone and open areas including parks, playgrounds, activity/sports fields, and walking paths will be incorporated within the design; Churches will be included as the population requires, Retail areas, Government services will include Police, Fire and Medical Emergency services, maintenance, and trash removal.
GHANA WINNEBA PROJECT WINNEBA, GHANA
LOCATION Baltimore, MD
The goals of the master planning process included: defining physical resources, determining the location of future campus projects, establishing a framework for growth, improving the current campus facilities, promoting an atmosphere of security, enhancing the urban setting and public image, and promoting a campus adaptable to changing methods of providing education.
DBI was hired to create a vision and strategy for redeveloping and revitalizing the existing Fairfax Towne Center, a 23-acre retail development at the intersection of West Ox Road and Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway (Route 50) in Fairfax County, as a more modernized and attractive mixeduse development. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors agreed to consider a Comprehensive Plan amendment for the development up to a 1.2 Floor Area Ratio. DBI sought to balance retail and residential uses, increase parking, and create a walkable, multi-use Center that is easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods and poised to reap the benefits of access to the planned Orange Line Metro rail system extension. This Center will compliment nearby Fair Oaks Mall and Fairfax Corner as suburban Fairfax County’s new downtown.
Loudoun County, VA
Claude
Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum
OBI
Clark Construction
LCTC is not simply a building, but rather a community defining civic destination. Located at the transit center of the planned Moorefield Station development, LCTC is not just commuter-accessible, but a regional multimodal transportation hub. LCTC’s proposal includes land not only to accommodate immediate office needs and transit support, but also arts, entertainment, and other community serving facilities.
Set close to the existing National Harbor, the concept for National View is to develop a uni fied, multiuse community that is walkable and bikeable, and which takes into consideration the rich history of the surroundings, as well as minimizing its environmental impact. The site leverages stunning views of Washington DC, Alexandria VA, and the Potomac River.
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