DBI Designer Spotlight: Sarah Gottlieb

/ 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.

DBI DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SARAH GOTTLIEB

SARAH GOTTLIEB SENIOR MANAGER, INTERIORS

With her masterful portfolio of corporate and institutional interiors, Sarah offers sophisticated and creative design expertise that demonstrates thoughtful consideration of every client’s needs. During her time at DBI, she has not only progressed from Intern to Senior Manager, but also had an important role in the optimization of architectural design technology within the firm. Sarah is an expert at three-dimensional modeling in Revit and Photoshop to assist clients with visualizing projects, ensuring that designer and end-user share a consistent and coherent design concept. In addition to her considerable institutional work for the World Bank and, presently, for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Sarah has contributed significantly to the success of several industry award-winning interiors projects, including the American Counseling Association, FN America, and Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

American Counseling Association | AIA Northern Virginia – 2022 Award of Merit | LEED® Gold

FN America, LLC | AIA Northern Virginia – 2019 Award of Merit | NAIOP Northern Virginia - 2019 Award of Merit

American Clean Power (formerly American Wind Energy Association) | NAIOP DC | MD – 2017 Award of Merit | LEED® Gold

Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. | IIDA – 2016 Award of Merit

Summit Consulting, LLC | NAIOP DC | MD – 2015 Award of Excellence | AIA Northern Virginia – 2015 Award of Merit | LEED® Certified™

Certified Planner Board of Standards, Inc. | IIDA – 2015 Citation Award

GetWellNetwork, Inc. | AIA Northern Virginia – 2014 Design Award | IIDA – 2014 Silver Design Award

SELECTION OF PROJECTS

Ambu New US Headquarters / Columbia, MD / 25,689 RSF

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) Headquarters / Arlington, VA / 14,907 RSF

Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) Headquarters / Washington, DC / 9,699 RSF

Goel & Anderson LLC / Reston, VA / 8,361 RSF

Fletcher Heald & Hildreth / Arlington, VA / 11,584 RSF

American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Headquarters Expansion / Manassas, VA / 34,500 RSF

Smartronix Corporate Headquarters / Herndon, VA / 21,888 SF

Standard Solar Corporate Headquarters / Rockville, MD / 16,375 SF

The Donohoe Companies, Inc. Headquarters / Bethesda, MD / 40,356 SF

KLNB / Washington, DC / 8,610 SF

American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Headquarters / Silver Spring, MD / 6,408 SF

School Nutrition Association / Arlington, VA / 13,219 SF

National Association of Manufacturers Headquarters / Washington, DC / 41,732 SF / LEED Silver ®

Renaissance Strategic Advisors / Rosslyn, VA / 15,899 SF

Acumen Headquarters, 8th/9th/10th Floors / Washington, DC / 32,000 SF

Siemens Government Technologies, Inc. Headquarters / Arlington, VA / 13,738 SF

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum / Third Floor (Administrative Level) Design / Washington, DC / 65,000 RSF

PORTFOLIO

SIZE

25,689 RSF

LOCATION

Columbia, MD

COMPLETION

March 2023

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 collaborate zones , to promote collaborative teamwork. A core number of assigned offices is 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 “brandforward” 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.

SIZE

9,512 RSF

LOCATION

Alexandria, VA

COMPLETION

April 2022

CERTIFICATIONS

LEED Gold

AWARDS

2022 NAIOP Northern Virginia Award of Merit

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

DFS Construction

BlueMoon Engineering Officeworks

DESCRIPTION

At ACA, the workplace has been reinvented for the post-COVID world. The design of this highly adaptable and flexible hybrid workplace is 50% collaborative and 50% offices/workstations, treating the office as a “destination” for meetings and collaborative work. The fresh, new space is open and airy. Vibrant teal, deep blues, chartreuse green, and gray set off breakrooms, huddle rooms, and conference rooms, bringing a playful yet concentrated vibe to smaller areas within the larger space. Glass walls ensure that natural light from the perimeter permeates to the core. Innovative solutions were used for accent and direct lighting. All seating is comfortable and attractive, yet ergonomically designed. All desking is height adjustable, with ample built-in plugins for electronics. Desking throughout must be reserved, and lockers are provided to minimize clutter.

SIZE

34,500 RSF on 2 floors

LOCATION

Manassas, VA

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

SIZE

15,849 RSF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

July 2017

CERTIFICATION

LEED Gold

AWARDS

2017 NAIOP DC|MD Award of Merit

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

HITT Contracting

GPI Engineerimg

Bialek - Herman Miller

TESTIMONIAL

“With our office build-out project complete, I can wholeheartedly endorse the work of DBI. Our effort presented a somewhat challenging assignment. We were shifting the team from two floors to one for better cohesion and wanted more options for collaboration with flexible workspace. While we had little change in overall footprint, we wanted to move from a very hierarchical structure to one that was a bit more dynamic, and stay LEED Gold in the process. The team—even those moving from offices to open workspace—are enjoying the outcome! The space works well for us, balancing polish and fun, and conveys the energy that we try to bring to our mission.”

Pam Poisson

CFO and Sr. Vice President, Operations American Wind Energy Association

GETWELLNETWORK, INC.

SIZE

26,476 R SF

LOCATION

Bethesda, MD

COMPLETION

October 2013

AWARDS

2014 IIDA Silver Award

2014 AIA Award of Merit

PROJECT TEAM

JLL

Rand Construction

WFT Engineering

WGS - Teknion

TESTIMONIAL

“Michael Boyer and the DBI team nailed it. We set out to create a space that embodied the purpose-driven mission of GetWellNetwork, and a culture built on innovation, collaboration, and teaming. From the architectural design, to the space layout, to the furniture The DBI team delivered on our vision. They were a great partner in our journey to our new home.”

Michael B. O’Neil, Jr. Founder & Chief Executive Officer GetWellNetwork, Inc.

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

February 2015

CERTIFICATION

LEED Certified

AWARDS

2015 AIA Award of Merit

2015 NAIOP DC|MD Award of Excellence

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa Bognet Construction

Blue Moon Engineering

OEII - Allsteel

TESTIMONIAL

“From start to finish we were totally delighted and impressed with every aspect of our experience with Michael Boyer and his team from DBI. Each was creative, thoughtful and fully responsive to our questions as the design and build out process moved forward. The DBI team continually thought “out-of-the-box” and encouraged us to do the same in order to create a unique, modern, bright, functional space that inspires our employees to look forward to coming to the office each day. We highly recommend DBI Architects, Inc.”

Anthony Curcio Principal Summit, LLC

SIZE

124,734 RSF

LOCATION

Gaithersburg, MD

COMPLETION

November 2018

AWARDS

2016 IIDA Award of Merit

PROJECT TEAM

HITT Construction

GPI Engineering

Price Modern - Haworth

DESCRIPTION

From visioning kick-off meetings to actual move-in, DBI worked with Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBSI) on every aspect of its new corporate headquarters. DBI successfully maintained EBSI’s high level of corporate professionalism while transforming the workspace from an enclosed, nonwindowed office into an open, collaborative, and functional environment that infused the company’s scientific brand into all aspects of the space. A 30’ x 30’ opening was created within the fifth-floor slab to allow for a twostory reception and atrium space, a feature that connects the work flow of the fourth and fifth floors via the new monumental staircase.

SIZE

52,000 SF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION 2025

PROJECT TEAM

Quinn Evans Architects

DESCRIPTION

DBI was hired by Prime Contractor Quinn Evans Architects to manage the interior transformation of the entire third floor (administrative) of the Air and Space Museum on the Mall. This project is one component of the Museum’s approximately $1 billion overhaul. A renovation of existing space, this project required DBI to provide schematic design, design development, construction documents, and FF&E services. DBI’s design of the third floor will transform NASM’s work environment into an updated, vibrant, and modern facility that will enrich occupants’ experiences; foster a creative and welcoming work culture (as an effort to attract top-notch talent); encourage the continuing advancement of pioneering research; and be consistent with the design of the rest of the building interiors, as well as the base building renovation.

ACUMEN, LLC

SIZE

23,806 RSF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

November 2016

PROJECT TEAM Cresa

DFS Construction

GPI Engineering

OEII - Allsteel

TESTIMONIAL

“Acumen is very pleased with the quality of services and the professionalism of the DBI staff. We enjoyed working with a team that truly listened to and recognized our needs while providing solutions based on professional knowledge and experience. The cooperation and collaboration that Michael Boyer and his team brought to our project everyday was greatly appreciated. Not only were RFIs and submittals reviewed and returned quickly, but DBI staff regularly visited the job site to help coordinate any required field changes as they were discovered, so that the design intent was upheld while ensuring that the construction schedule was never compromised.”

Mark L. Bates Office Operations Manager Acumen, LLC

CFP BOARD CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER BOARD OF STANDARDS, INC.

SIZE

26,712 R SF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

February 2014

AWARDS

2015 IIDA Design Award

PROJECT TEAM Cresa

Coakley Williams

Loring Engineering

Price Modern

TESTIMONIAL

“CFP Board’s new office space sets the standard for a working environment that is both practical and pleasing to work in. From the clean lines of the design and layout to the open spaces and vibrant colors, our workspace emits good, positive energy. It is the perfect environment for our team to do their very best work—and for our guests to enjoy when they come here.”

Kevin Keller Chief Executive Officer CFP Board, Inc.

SIZE

16,372 RSF

LOCATION

Rockville, MD

COMPLETION

March 2020

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

HBW Construction

GPI Engineering

Officeworks - Teknion

DESCRIPTION

The main objective was to create a space embodying the purpose-driven mission of its staff and culture, built on innovation, collaboration, and teaming, while infusing a clean design with an energy, brightness, and warmth that is reminiscent of solar rays themselves. You are immediately welcomed at Standard Solar with rich hues and vibrant yellow tones, crisp high-gloss whites, warm walnut veneer, exposed polished concrete floors, and a custom reception desk that incorporates actual solar panels. The open studio space was broken into five main neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a vibrant backdrop of color with custom graphics that tie into Standard Solar’s branding. All workstations were designed with height adjustable desks to maximize human ergonomics and to allow access to natural light and views.

ASPEN

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PARENTERAL AND ENTERAL NUTRITION

SIZE

6,408 RSF

LOCATION

Silver Spring, MD

COMPLETION

November 2017

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

Bognet Construction

GPI Engineering

Bialek - Herman Miller

DESCRIPTION

The design objective for ASPEN’s new headquarters was to create a space that embodies the organization’s dedication to improving patient care by advancing the science and practice of clinical nutrition, and reflects and fosters its innovative and collaborative work culture. To establish an energizing yet soothing work atmosphere, DBI implemented a palette of deep blue, plum, and tangerine, punctuated by warm whites and accents of light oak and dark walnut wood tones. This resonant combination is set off by a custom wheat grain-inspired donor wall that serves as the backdrop within the reception space and complements ASPEN’s branding colors.

ASPEN - AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PARENTERAL AND ENTERAL NUTRITION SILVER SPRING, MD

SIEMENS GOVERNMENT TECHNOLOGIES

SIZE

13,738 RSF

LOCATION

Arlington, VA

COMPLETION

December 2015

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

Bognet Construction

Blue Moon Engineering

Evenson Best - Knoll

DESCRIPTION

Initiating design outside the boundary of Siemen’s new office space allowed DBI to bisect the main entry glass wall with a custom “sculptural word wall feature” that visually pulls visitors into the space. Inspired by key words related to its corporate goals, values, and service commitments and constructed out of medium-density fiber board, using 4 different-height letters, 3 different thicknesses, and 2 finishes (matte and gloss) with Siemen’s corporate Pantone color. Pairing this wall with a warm gray ceramic tile floor, rich green furniture, a classic chandelier centrally located over the seating, and a visually floating reception desk sets the stage for a forwardthinking, cutting-edge company and design.

THE DONOHOE . COMPANIES, INC.

SIZE

40,356 RSF

LOCATION

Bethesda, MD

COMPLETION

July 2016

PROJECT TEAM

Donohoe Construction

GHT Limited WGS

TESTIMONIAL

“Successfully relocating your corporate offices after 38 years in the same location can be a significant challenge for any organization, unless you assemble the right team. The Donohoe Companies, Inc. did just that with the guidance and collaboration of DBI. Through strategic design, to support updated work flow processes and the creation of a highly efficient office environment, DBI was able to provide expertise that yielded an excellent result.”

Mark Barry Senior Vice President The Donohoe Companies, Inc.

40,356 RSF

SIZE

15,899 RSF

LOCATION

Arlington, VA

COMPLETION

November 2018

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

DFS Construction

BlueMoon Engineering

Price Modern - Haworth

DESCRIPTION

Renaissance Strategic Advisors (RSA) develops industry-leading insights for the national security market. Supporting premier firms in aerospace, defense, space, intelligence, and the government service industry, the RSA team sees themselves as “renaissance men.” For their new home at 1300 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, VA, the theme was to create a sophisticated modern space with a subtle nod to classical Renaissance art and architecture. A chevron marble reception floor sets the stage for RSA’s new home and is accompanied by a palette of deep navy blue, crimson, warm whites, raw steel, and accents of rich walnut, creating a timeless space. The breakroom encourages collaboration and communal connectivity for both professional and interpersonal dialogue. It was designed to function as two separate environments: one with casual lounge seating and banquette seating and the other with a large custom “family style” table made of planks of reclaimed wood and raw steel. A freestanding custom entertainment center divides the space and houses AV requirements for impromptu meetings.

KLNB, LLC

SIZE

8,610 RSF

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

November 2017

PROJECT TEAM

DFS Construction

GPI Engineering

Price Modern - Haworth

TESTIMONIAL

“Michael Boyer and his staff of talented architects have been a pleasure to work with during the process of relocating two of our offices at KLNB, which included the relocation of our Companies headquarters. Throughout the entire process, they managed to provide premier design services and impeccable construction coordination all while keeping our budget constraints a top priority. Moving two major offices at the same time could have easily been a very stressful and unpleasant experience. However; with Michael and his team at DBI Architects, we had the peace of mind all along that we were in great hands.”

Marc A. Menick President KLNB

LOCATION

Arlington, VA

COMPLETION

November 2018

PROJECT TEAM Cresa

HBW Construction

GPI Engineering

WGS - Teknion

DESCRIPTION

While working with SNA on their new headquarters, the main objective was to create a space that combines the playful and the professional and supports their assertion that “well-nourished students are prepared to succeed.” The logo provided inspiration for the palette, including lime green, turquoise, and vibrant apple red, paired with golden yellow, warm whites, and light oak and walnut wood accents, creating a lively, warm, and welcoming atmosphere. The backdrop to the reception area is a state-of-the-art reconfigurable conference room with the latest audio-visual technology, adjacent to a catering pantry and phone booth that create an all-inclusive conference zone separate from the studio. The break room is centrally located among the open office layout and is truly the heart of the studio, encouraging collaboration and communal connectivity, featuring a wraparound lime green wall and large-scale graphic fruit tree wallcovering, flanked on either side by custom wood slat ceilings and a vinyl wood tone floor.

SMARTRONIX, LLC

SIZE

21,888 RSF

LOCATION

Herndon, VA

COMPLETION

January 2021

PROJECT TEAM

Cresa

HITT Contracting

KTA Engineering

OEII - Allsteel

DESCRIPTION

DBI was engaged to perform this renovation in place for Smartonix, LLC. The concept of the new design emphasizes the curved ceiling design of the existing space, expanding it and mirroring the circle in a wood luxury vinyl plank tile on the floor below. The clean, crisp design makes use of rich hues and vibrant blue tones, crisp high-gloss whites, warm gray washed woods, and walnut toned floors. A nine-inch-thick floor to ceiling royal blue branding wall is the backdrop to the reception area and caries a new stainless “Smartronix” logo. The breakroom is designed not only as a reprieve from the general office space but also an area that could host impromptu meetings and scheduled events. The space offers different seating zones for both dining and collaboration. Workstations in the open office area feature functional 6’x6’ desks designed with efficient built-in storage solutions and features to maximize human ergonomics. All the existing conference rooms as well as the newly designed conference room incorporate acoustic panels at the TV wall to help with sound transfer and utilize the latest in audio-visual technology, allowing Smartronix to collaborate with its staff and clients both in the office and through the ever-growing video calls.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS

SIZE

41,732

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPLETION

April 2012

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 costeffective operations are the hallmarks for this new headquarters.

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

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 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

PERMIT & G.C. SELECTION

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

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

CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION

POST OCCUPANCY FEEDBACK

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.