DBI Designer Spotlight: Kinga Wojtusiak

/ To explore original design solutions for every client.

/ To create meaningful experiences of place for you.

/ To transform disparate elements into beautiful forms. YEARS

It is the possibilities that inspire us:

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.

KINGA WOJTUSIAK

PROJECT MANAGER, INTERIORS

Over the last 13 years, Ms. Wojtusiak has established herself as a resourceful and hard-working designer whose keen eye for finish selection and specification are instrumental to any project. With her adept skill in, and versatility among, Revit and other architectural design software, she is able to apply her talents across many design disciplines, liaising between clients and consultants with ease. Kinga enjoys working on complex, large-scale projects that introduce her to new design solutions, thereby broadening her professional experience and knowledge base.

AWARDS

Caboose Commons | 2019 Exceptional Design Merit Award

GeoEye, Inc. (now DitigalGlobe) | WBC - 2012 Craftsmanship Award | LEED Certified

GeoEye, Inc. (now DitigalGlobe) | NAIOP - 2011 Award of Excellence | LEED Certifed

SELECTION OF PROJECTS

Boundtrain Lookout at 6400 / Falls Church, VA / 430,000 SF

Rubenstein Partners 11493 Sunset Hills Road Building Repositioning / Reston, VA / 188,000 SF

Cookology Recreational Culinary School at Ballston Quarter / Arlington, VA / 5,600 SF

Caboose Commons / Fairfax, VA / 8,400 SF

Mustang Sally Brewing Company / Chantilly, VA / 14,800 SF

Coca-Cola / Washington, DC / 5,406 SF

AFLAC / Washington, DC / 5,536 SF

SAIC (formerly Engility-TASC) 80 M Street SE / Washington, DC / 44,509 SF

Lockheed Martin Corporation Headquarters Modernization / Bethesda, MD / 275,000 SF

mHelpDesk / Fairfax, VA / 8,456 SF

iDirect Technologies, Inc. / Herndon, VA / 75,000 SF

National Association of Manufacturers Headquarters / Washington, DC / 40,000 SF / LEED Silver

Reston Bible Church / Dulles, VA / 45,000 SF Main Building & 9,200 SF Youth Building

PORTFOLIO

LOOKOUT AT 6400

SIZE

3,450 RSF

LOCATION

Falls Church, VA

COMPLETION

Multiple Projects, 2020-2021

PROJECT TEAM

Boundtrain

LF Jennings

Metropolitan Engineering

Price Modern DESCRIPTION

The revivification of the outdated former headquarters at Lookout at 6400 in Falls Church, VA has seen the transformation of dark and dated spaces into welcoming, light, and bright tenant amenity spaces. The tenant lounge, located on the penthouse level, showcases the building’s panoramic views of Northern Virginia. Elements such as hardwood floors, fireplace, and crown molding were retained, adding warmth and charm to the design. On the lower levels of the building, the bank vault has been repurposed into a bike room, adjacent to a fitness center and locker rooms. Custom megagraphic wallcoverings in the building’s color palette and custom neon sign declaring the new space

“The Vault” add a fun flair to the black metal and light wood tones of the bike room, which features wall-mounted bike racks and a bike repair station.

SIZE

10,000 SF

LOCATION

Arlington, VA

COMPLETION

June 2022

PROJECT TEAM

Cushman & Wakefield

KNS Construction

GHT Limited

DESCRIPTION

The revivification of the main lobby and vestibule of 4301 N Fairfax Drive, a Class-A office building in downtown Arlington, was undertaken to make the space more attractive to visitors, current and prospective tenants, and elevate the building among its peers on Fairfax Drive. The main lobby was updated to a modern yet timeless aesthetic with warm wood paneled walls contrasting with opaque, corrugated metal and back-painted glass. Lighting was a key feature in this design, as the building’s entrance is recessed off Fairfax Drive. A backlit 2-story feature wall draws the eye, creates visual interest, and integrates with the postmodern light fixture of the exterior facade.

SIZE

3,200 SF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

June 2022

PROJECT TEAM CBRE

Metropolitan Engineering

DESCRIPTION

This project encompassed a complete rethinking of the very traditional style Coca-Cola DC office conference spaces and commons spaces to incorporate the new corporate workplace strategy and vision. Here is where Coke meets Washington, therefore, reception areas and conference spaces are designed to highest standard. The design is transparent to promote cultural openness; clean lines and modern/natural finishes act as the perfect background to a blend of vibrant current/historical branding, including an art collection. The design addresses business and people needs; it is authentic, functional, and dynamic, with technology supportive of Coca-Cola’s sustainable culture, promoting collaboration and growth.

SIZE

5,536 SF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

December 2021

PROJECT TEAM

JLL

MW Murray GHT Ltd.

SKA Engineers

DESCRIPTION

Working with DBI Architects, insurance giant Aflac sought to liberate themselves from an existing dark, enclosed space, heavy with traditional furniture and lacking equitable access to daylight across the organization. With a goal of creating a contemporary yet timeless design that would serve them for the term of their 11-year lease, Aflac embraced an industrial vibe, featuring exposed concrete floors and metal-and-glass interior office fronts. To achieve the desired aesthetic for this 5,536 square-foot office, DBI’s design team selected a neutral palette of soft whites and greys accented by warm wood tones. Then, the neutral palette was accented with Aflac’s corporate color palette – but still providing the flexibility for those accent colors to change as the brand evolves. The design of the new space focused on creating a balance of public space where Aflac can entertain clients, with private spaces for staff to conduct business. To that end, the reception area and conference room can be combined or divided with the use of a retracting glass wall, allowing the flexibility to host various sized events, delivering on a frequent need of the company. The transparency of the glass wall and the wood slat feature on the ceiling serve to connect the space, both visually and architecturally.

SIZE

10,000 SF

LOCATION

Herndon, VA

COMPLETION

March 2021

PROJECT TEAM

Bristol Capital Corporation

HITT Contracting

Girard Engineering

Linton Engineering

THA Furniture - Price Modern

DESCRIPTION

DBI was approached by Bristol Capital Corporation to renovate the building’s main lobby and bring new purpose to the outdated space. Prior to renovation, the lobby space was primarily a sitting area with no significant functionality for the tenants of the building. The main lobby is fragmented into three unique pockets of space by the two separate elevator towers. DBI’s designers envisioned the three connected spaces each with their own function. A palette of bright white, exposed concrete, specialty prefinished metals, and warm wood tones is highlighted by furniture in bold accent colors that bring a bright and vibrant energy that invites users into the space. Design in the north lobby included a reception desk at the main entrance to accommodate security needs and a multifunction seating area. The south lobby was equipped with banquette and bar-height seating that can accommodate dining, working, relaxation, or small meetings. The central lobby was completely reimagined, turning it into a well-lit multifunction area with banquette seating built into the stairs and adding a lighted design element that span across the ceiling and along both walls, creating visual interest, drawing users into the space, and connecting the north and south lobbies and improving the flow and cohesiveness of the space.

SIZE

5,565 SF

LOCATION

Arlington, VA

COMPLETION

December 2018

AWARDS

Associated Builders and Contractors: Metro Washington2020 Excellence in Construction Award

PROJECT TEAM

Patner Construction

GPI Engineering

Rathberger Goss

DESCRIPTION

Cookology is a recreational culinary school offering professionally taught, hands-on cooking classes for the public, as well as professional training for food service industry specialists. The space is comprised of five separate commercial kitchens that can be joined into a single space for large events. The project is a reflection of the Cookology culture, with an affordable elegance, contrasted by an industrial aesthetic, balancing form and function – with an infusion of fun and playful elements. This balance is immediately apparent at the storefront, creating a warm and welcoming feel with the use of lighttoned ash wood, offset by cold-rolled steel around the door and windows. Inside, the industrial vibe is underscored with the use of a clean palette of desaturated blues and gray, echoing the tone of the resturant-grade stainless steel working surfaces and cookware. Bare blue-tinted concrete floors affirm the space as a working enviornment. Sliding woodframed glass panels that can be opened partially, by section, or fully opened and stowed against the wall, create a highly efficient, yet flexible layout. Contemporary light fixtures and pops of color give an up-to-the-minute, yet timeless feel.

SIZE

12,600 SF

LOCATION

Fairfax, VA

COMPLETION

Spring 2018

PROJECT TEAM

KBR Construction

KTA Engineering

Alliance Engineering

Dewberry

DESCRIPTION

Building on the success of the first DBI-designed Caboose Brewing Company taproom, a new brewery and coffeehouse was brought to the Mosaic District of the City of Fairfax. Reclaimed wood, clerestory windows, new glazing elements at the storefront, and a beautiful steel staircase and catwalk leading to two mezzanines combine to bring a fresh, relaxed feel to Caboose Commons. Much larger numbers can be accommodated in this new space that includes a full-service kitchen serving farm fresh food, and both indoor and outdoor tasting rooms, making Caboose Commons ideal for any occasion.

SIZE

14,500 SF

LOCATION

Chantilly, VA

COMPLETION

December 2015

PROJECT TEAM

Russell Gage Corporation

Bluemoon Engineering

DESCRIPTION

With a vision and purpose in mind, DBI transformed three tenant bays of industrial warehouse space into a one-of a-kind new production brewing facility and restaurant. With an indoor beer garden feel, the 4,000SF tasting room was designed as an open shell. The tasting room has a main bar area which ideal to grab a Sunday brew and bite. It also has a side wing which has the intimacy to private events or family gatherings. The 10,000- SF brewing facility is the largest in the area. The brewing facility has pragmatic layout to facilitate the most efficient process for production. This includes delivery ingredients, fermentation process, and storage.

SIZE

110,587 SF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

March 2018

PROJECT TEAM

Donohoe Real Estate Services

Normandy Real Estate Partners

DDG Virginia Engineering

ETC, Inc.

DESCRIPTION

Repositioning/upgrade of a 1970s-era, 11-story, precast concrete office building. Replaced dated front façade with sleek modern design; renovated the main lobby, restrooms, and elevator lobbies; and added 3,700 SF of habitable space at the penthouse level for conference center, restrooms, wellness center, and roof terrace. New features include energy-efficient, structural silicone-glazed curtain wall system; signage and canopy for stronger street presence; and ultra-clear glass to promote visibility and create a more inviting space. Façade’s new structure, placed over three colors of glass, creates a “super grid” of alternating hues that divide planes along a cascading scale of color.

SIZE

19,750 RSF

LOCATION

Reston, VA

COMPLETION

February 2019

PROJECT TEAM

Rubenstein Partners

Newmark Knight Frank KTA Group

Linton Engineering

DESCRIPTION

Rubenstein Partners undertook the transformation of a 188,000-SF outdated office building into a Class A, amenity-rich asset. The project’s objective was to create sophisticated, vibrant, and collaborative environments that accommodate various work styles and tenant activities. The scope included the renovation of a 5-story atrium lobby, featuring stone floors, custom millwork, and a sleek glass vestibule; a new, reconfigurable conference facility; a new elevator and upgrades to existing elevators and restrooms; an exterior terrace; a new fitness center; and a new mechanical system. The project’s showstopping element was the adaptive reuse of a 5-bay loading dock into a 4,000-SF tenant lounge. “The Dock,” as the space is known, includes a barista station, food service bar, and central “hang-out” hub with bleacher-style seating.

ENGILITYTASC)

SIZE

79,768 SF

LOCATION

Chantilly, VA

COMPLETION

July 2016

PROJECT TEAM

HITT Contracting

Arbee Associates

Caliber Design

WGS

DESCRIPTION

The DBI team redefined and implemented new workplace standards for Engility, both locally and nationally. Engility’s objective was twofold: to transform its primarily closed office plan into a more open and welcoming one, and to create more workspaces for staff. This “office of the future” workplace design incorporates new 6’ x 6’ benching workstation standards with glass wall office fronts for internal offices, filling the entire space with natural light. Phone booths, team/video teleconferencing rooms, and conference rooms are located along the internal ring to provide privacy for individual or group calls or meetings. DBI selected a neutral finish palette as the basis of design while providing colorful accents that can be easily changed over time (e.g., painted walls and furniture fabrics). The project resulted in a space that Engility enjoys being in—a space that enables the company to work in the most creative and productive way.

SIZE

275,000 SF

LOCATION

Bethesda, MD

COMPLETION

July 2008

PROJECT TEAM

Boggs & Partners Architects

GHT Limited

Macris, Hendricks and Glascock

Sustainable Design Consulting

Cagley & Associates

Rolf Jensen & Associates

Lewis Scully Gionet Landscape Architects

DESCRIPTION

Retained by the Defense Contractor to provide complete design and administration services for the modernization of its existing headquarters, the DBI/Boggs & Partners Architects Team managed the interior renovation of all business and office support spaces. The Team also transformed an existing open-air courtyard into an enclosed atrium, expanded and improved the building’s main entry and lobby, and completely replaced the exterior glazing system.

NAM

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS

SIZE

41,732 RSF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

April 2012

CONSTRUCTION COST

$62/RSF

CERTIFICATION

LEED Silver

PROJECT TEAM Cresa

HITT Construction

Tolk (now Dewberry)

American Office - Herman Miller

DESCRIPTION

The design philosophy for NAM’s new headquarters was to keep the palette simple, using only a few materials and focus on the architectural details while infusing natural light into the space. Walnut veneer creates an executive feel and floor-to-ceiling photography captures images of the past 130 years of manufacturing. Use of glass creates a visual connection among interior spaces and between the interior and exterior environments. New ways of working, rapid and concise communications, and cost-effective operations are the hallmarks for this new headquarters.

GEOEYE, INC. (NOW DIGITALGLOBE)

SIZE

81,236 SF

LOCATION

Herndon, VA

COMPLETION

September 2010

CERTIFICATION

LEED Certified AWARDS

2011 NAIOP Northern Virginia Award of Excellence

2012 WBC Craftsmanship Award

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa Rand Construction Corporation

Cad-Con Consulting

Washington Workplace

TESTIMONIAL

“DBI Architects has designed a great, contemporary interior space for us with an impressive look that truly captures who we are and how far we’ve come: it says GeoEye is a growing high-tech company that’s here to stay… The unique architectural details command your attention the moment you step off the elevators …The space has a sleek, clean, and energetic vibe, and we could not be happier with the results.”

Matt O’Connell President and CEO, GeoEye

GEOEYE, INC. (NOW DIGITALGLOBE)

HERNDON, VA

SIZE

8,465 SF

LOCATION

Fairfax, VA

COMPLETION

November 2015

PROJECT TEAM

Spectrum Inc. General Contracting

DDG Virginia Engineering

DESCRIPTION

mHelpDesk’s CEO requested that DBI design an “office with no boundaries” for the startup’s new headquarters. Bespeaking the company’s casual yet fast-paced culture, its workspace reflects the authenticity of the mHelpDesk brand and steers clear of typical office space design. DBI avoided placing any physical barriers that would indicate job hierarchy in the space—a design strategy to encourage teaming and creativity among employees. Thus, the space does not have enclosed offices, even for the owner; all design decisions and material selections were made to ensure that this vision was implemented consistently. Because mHelpDesk is a call center, creating an open concept workplace with limited noise pollution was one of the project’s key challenges, which DBI overcame through several acoustical absorption techniques.

RESTON BIBLE CHURCH

SIZE

65,000 SF on 22.6 Acres

LOCATION

Dulles, VA

COMPLETION

April 2010

PROJECT TEAM

JFW, Inc.

FACE Associates

GeoConcepts Engineering

ADTEK Engineering

Creative Technologies

TESTIMONIAL

“The church building is serving exactly as it should. It is beautiful, functional, warm, inviting, and a fabulous physical anchor for our spiritual needs, as well as a place to serve others. The back storage and food storage areas are the key to the ministry that is feeding hundreds of families a week. The Youth Building not only perfectly serves the Youth on Sunday, but also budding Spanish and Arabic bible churches under the RBC wing.”

Matt Haley

Advisor to Reston Bible Church

FIRM PROFILE

WHO WE ARE

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.

CLIENTS

Associations and Nonprofits

Corporations

Developers, Owners, Brokers

Property Managers

Government Agencies

Institutions

Religious Organizations

Schools

Technology Companies

1984

SUITE 400

RESTON, VA 20190

ISAAC NEWTON SQUARE WEST

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.

With 50 years of industry experience, DBI offers design services that provide architectural and interior solutions for any space.

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.

ARCHITECTURE

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.

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 enduser 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

SECURITY 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.

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

FURNITURE

development. More than a logo on a wall, more than a set of corporate colors, branding is that difficultto-define set of qualities, characteristics, ideals, and other criteria that define an organization and what it stands for. DBI works with you to identify the details that tell your “brand story.” From these observations, a palette of colors, textures, finishes, and furniture will be developed to create a space that boldly states the organization’s identity.

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

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

PERMIT & G.C. SELECTION CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

POST OCCUPANCY FEEDBACK

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 valuepriced 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.