DBI, a GF Company

“People say I design architectural icons. If I design a building and it becomes an icon, that’s ok.”
- Zaha Hadid

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day for our annual DBI Ladies’ Golf Clinic at the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, Virginia ☀️

More than 40 ladies gathered last Thursday for golf lessons with the pros in the morning and a networking lunch followed by 9 holes of play in the afternoon. Every year this event provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with our friends and partners in the industry, and we were so pleased to be able to gather once again this year for some fun on the green! 🏌️‍♀️

Thank you so much to all who attended!

DBI Architects is pleased to once again be named to the Washington Business Journal’s List of Largest Architecture Firms in Greater Washington, DC. This year, DBI appears at #31 on the List.

From our origins in 1973 as a commercial office designer and furniture showroom, DBI has grown by leaps and bounds over the past five decades, always providing excellent design and service, always working for the satisfaction of the client, always exceeding expectations.

Through the years the firm has been honored to work with many great clients. We’ve been rewarded by the return business of those clients again and again – the true test of success in our industry.

Thank you, Washington Business Journal, for naming us to this list. And thank you to each and every one of our clients. It is because of you that we celebrate this success!

On Monday, April 22, the DBI staff, in partnership with Ambiance Lighting, Inc and Benjamin Moore, celebrated Earth Day by decorating birdhouses! The birdhouses, provided by Ambiance Lighting, were painted using paints from Benajmin Moore’s Light & Airy and Spring palettes. DBI staff had a wonderful time gathering to paint and decorate the houses that can serve as homes for birds as well as lovely decorations!

DBI intern Lance Washburn has joined our staff as a full-time interior designer!

Lance embarked on his journey with DBI as an interior design intern in the spring of 2023, swiftly immersing himself in the realm of materials and finishes. With a sharp focus on innovation, Lance has consistently stayed ahead of industry trends, continuously enhancing the firm’s expertise with the most up-to-date resources available.

As an intern, Lance refined his skills in selecting finishes and providing invaluable support to project managers across a diverse range of commercial projects. His expertise in workplace design and proficiency in integrating branding into interior environments have set him apart. Lance’s philosophy is beautifully straightforward yet deeply influential: to empower individuals to cherish the places they call home or work. Lance’s unwavering dedication extends beyond aesthetics; he prioritizes safety and welfare, ensuring that every space he shapes is not just visually appealing but also conducive to the well-being of its occupants.

Congratulations, Lance!

DBI is pleased to announce the promotion of interior designer and project manager Sarah Harrelson, IIDA Allied!

Sarah received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Marymount University in 2016, specializing in commercial office, hospitality, and health care design. As an interior designer and project manager, Sarah is involved in all phases of corporate interiors projects, including site verifications, programming, and schematic design, utilizing Revit, Enscape, and Creative Cloud programs. Sarah has also developed her expertise in production of construction documents, using Revit with support of AutoCAD backgrounds and working with the owners and contractors from visioning and programming through construction administration.

Her recent projects include building improvements at 4501 N Fairfax Drive in Arlington, Virginia, dining facilities at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and various tenant outfits and speculative suites for KBS Reality, Bridge, and Maunlife in the DC Metro Area. She also has been involved with the Volunteer Mentor Program at Marymount University since 2018 and has helped organize workplace sustainability programs.

Congratulations, Sarah!

DBI is excited to announce that interior designer and project manager Kinga Wojtusiak has been promoted!

Kinga began her design career 16 years ago with an internship with DBI. After graduating from Marymount University in 2012 with her Master of Arts in Interior Design, she joined the firm as a full-time staff member. Kinga is resourceful and hard-working, with a keen eye for finish selection and specification that have been crucial to the success of many projects.

During her time at DBI, Kinga has worked on projects large and small, including large-scale building improvements at Ballston Station and Lookout at 6400, office re-designs for Coca-Cola and Aflac, and experiential spaces for Cookology, Caboose Brewing, and Mustang Sally Brewing.

Congratulations, Kinga!

The Federal government is setting the stage for a sea-change shift in what leases will look like in the not-so-distant future by mandating ambitious requirements, now being implemented by the GSA. For new lease solicitations of 25,000 rentable square feet or greater, and where the federal government leases at least 75% of the total building square footage, Executive Order 14057 will soon require that those leases be in buildings that have achieved net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (NZE), as well as meeting overall GSA green lease requirements.

Private sector corporations are following suit – or perhaps more appropriately, are leading the way – issuing their own stringent requirements for the spaces they inhabit. Google, for example, aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all operations by 2030. Google’s objective is undergirded by “an ambitious clean energy goal to operate our offices and data centers on 24/7 carbon-free energy, such as solar and wind.”

Building owners and their representatives need to be aware of the coming trends. DBI can help bring some clarity to the issue. Contact DBI to learn about our Net Zero initiatives.

Maybe you've heard – DBI Architects has become a GF company.

Since 1974, GF (Greenberg Farrow) has provided world-class architectural and engineering services, and brings a wealth of experience and expertise, with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Columbus, Charlotte, Greenville, Somerville, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston, as well as Mexico City, Hong Kong, and Singapore. This additional leverage, nationally and internationally, means DBI can provide clients with a new level of confidence and satisfaction.

By coming on-board with GF, DBI can offer an even greater depth of expertise, adding:
• International Multi-Family
• Large-Scale Retail
• MEP and Structural Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Landscape Architecture
• Surveying

DBI’s location in the National Capital Region, and our own experience and expertise in commercial interiors and multi-use planning and architecture adds yet another facet of A/E services provided by GF.

You will notice very little change through the transition, and please note that:
• You will continue to work with the same people. The key leadership and all employees at DBI have joined GF and will operate under the brand DBI Architects, a GF Company.
• The Team and the services that DBI has provided you in the past will continue to be provided by GF, under the brand DBI Architects, a GF Company.

Our offices remain in Reston, and your day-to-day contacts are unchanged. If you have questions about this, please reach out.

We look forward to providing you with the same level of service you have enjoyed in the past -- and more! We are confident that the combination of our Firms will continue to serve us all well under the brand DBI Architects, a GF Company.

In the workplace, branding is key to creating an awareness of mission and goals – both for staff and for visitors. Branding is at the heart of every bit of an organization’s messaging. Graphics can underscore that effort, delivering a holistic experience of the brand. Graphics can enliven, stimulate creative thought, and provide a consolidated, concentrated experience of space.

DBI designers are expert with branding and graphics. Find out more by visiting us online (www.dbia.com) or by calling us at 703-787-0882.

DBI Architects sends its heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s CREBA Annual Award Winners!

⭐ Individual Recognition Awards
◾ Brendan McCarthy Memorial Award | Katie Yanushonis, TMG
◾ James L. Eichberg Broker of the Year | Evan Behr & Doug Mueller, JLL
◾ Joseph Stettinius Jr. Leadership Award | Brad Flickinger, CBRE
◾ Rising Star Award | Max Planning, Newmark

⭐ Leasing Transactions of the Year
◾ DC: Crowell & Moring – Elizabeth Cooper, Tom Doughty, Greg McCavera, JLL; Scott Frankel, Carroll Cavanagh, Dimitri Hajimihalis, Emily Eppolito, DJ Callahan, CBRE
◾ MD: NCI Headquarters – Scott Johnston, Liz Cumberbatch, Cushman & Wakefield; Henry Chapman, Richard Downey, Sarah Pollack and Will Faliault, CBRE
◾ VA: Arcfield - Katie Yanushonis, TMG; Matt Gallagher, Matt Owens, John Dragelin, JLL; Brian Heatherington, Mike Christian, Cushman & Wakefield

⭐ Leasing Transaction of the Year Under 75,000 SF
◾ Regional: The Cadmus Group – Andrea Murray, Brian Cotter, JBG SMITH; Michael Goldman, Kamis Lawrence, Transwestern

⭐ Sales Transaction of the Year
◾ Regional: 1771 N Street – Stream Realty Group

⭐ Finance Transaction of the Year
◾ Regional: 1425 New York – Marshall Scallan, Michael Zellin, Cushman & Wakefield

⭐ Retail Transaction of the Year
◾ Regional: Water Park at National Landing – JBG SMITH

⭐ Top Agents of the Year
◾ DC Leasing: Evan Behr & Doug Mueller, JLL
◾ MD Leasing: Danny Sheridan, JLL
◾ VA Leasing: Tim Summers, Cushman & Wakefield
◾ GSA Leasing: Scott Johnston, Cushman & Wakefield
◾ Developer/Landlord Agent: Kaitlyn Rausse, CARR Properties
◾ Retail Leasing: Dave Dochter & Matt Alexander, Dochter & Alexander
◾ Top Leasing Agent 35 Years Old or Younger: Harry Stephens, CBRE

⭐ Best In Industry
◾ Developer of the Year| Federal Realty Investment Trust
◾ Project of the Year | 20 Mass Redevelopment
◾ Architecture Firm | OTJ Architects
◾ Contractor | rand* Construction
◾ Flexible Office Space Provider | Space+ by Brookfield Properties
◾ Furniture Vendor | Washington Workplace
◾ Law Firm | Greenstein DeLorme & Luchs PC

Building the Better Workplace – what does that look like?

For some companies, it may mean amenities, like fitness rooms, or a well-appointed break room, or outdoor facilities. Other companies might focus more on other things, like flexibility, hybrid environments, or ergonomics. Sill others might be driven by sustainability – LEED, green building, sustainable design, or net zero certification.

Whatever your vision of building the better workplace is, DBI can handle it. We have a long list of LEED projects, green building, and sustainable design. We have been trailblazers in flexibility and the hybrid workplace. And DBI amenities are second to none. Find out how DBI can help. Contact us at 703-787-0882, or by visiting us online at www.dbia.com.

What’s your favorite shade of blue? Or yellow, orange, or red?

Whether it’s underscoring branding by matching corporate colors, or subtly delineating spaces, or simply “popping” to add interest, color can improve productivity, support health and wellness, and just make a place more beautiful.

Bring some color to your spaces. Start by contacting us at 703-787-0882, or by visiting us online at www.dbia.com.

There’s something new on the horizon for DBI!

DBI’s portfolio is deep and broad: Master Planning and Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, Repositioning and Amenities, Retail and Experiential – these are the market sectors DBI has provided services in over the past five decades.

But there’s more – and it’s just around the corner!

Watch this space to find out what’s coming up at DBI. We won’t disappoint!

In the workplace, branding and graphics can serve many purposes. Branding reinforces the mission and goals, both with staff and with visitors. Graphics can serve as wayfinding aids, or they can create spaces within spaces. They can enliven, and they can stimulate creative thought. They can help promote productivity, and they can promote health and well-being.

DBI designers are expert with branding and graphics. Find out more by visiting us online (www.dbia.com) or by calling us at 703-787-0882.

Spring is here and everyone is dreaming about being outside…

What could the underused outdoor space around your building look like?

DBI is expert at bringing outdoor amenities to life – from simple furniture and palette selection, to complete rooftop renovations. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.

The time is right for outdoor time for 2024! Contact DBI today.

They say you only have one chance to make a first impression. For a business, non-profit, or government agency, Reception is the place to put the “best foot forward.”

DBI is skilled in helping businesses, non-profits, and government agencies make that great first impression. Have a look at some of the public-facing spaces DBI designers have created.

Then give us a call, to see how we can help you “put the best foot forward.”

Blue Monday? It’s still a COLORFUL Monday!

Color in the workplace can provide focus, create space, promote productivity, and can even encourage teambuilding.

Reach out to DBI, and LET’S TALK COLOR!

Give us a call today to get started – 703.787.0882.

On November 14, DBI Architects won NAIOP Northern Virginia’s Award of Merit for our design of Octo’s oLabs Innovation Hub. This custom-designed 11,296 sf space in Reston, VA is the largest privately-owned R&D facility in the DC metro area dedicated to the federal government, and represents a $10 million investment in specialized research and development tools and computer power. The space includes a large interactive media screen, a studio room for video and photo, and testing night vision equipment – space where Octo’s “cross-functional teams of engineers, academics, technologists, thought leaders, and domain experts [can] rapidly prototype emerging technology solutions…”

Octo is a premier provider of emerging technology and modernization, and oLabs will be a hub for internal collaboration and product development focused on solving federal agencies’ most complex issues.

We’re proud that Octo chose DBI for this project, and that NAIOIP Northern Virginia chose us for this honor!

To learn more about Octo oLabs, visit https://olabs.octo.us/. For more information bout the project, visit https://www.dbia.com/portfolio-items/octo-olabs/. To see all of NAIOP Northern Virginia’s Award 2023 winners go to https://tinyurl.com/2s3azpv3

Do you DREAM IN COLOR?

DBI Architects can bring your dreams to life! Pops of pigment against neutral backgrounds, great swaths of color across a wall, informational color, wayfinding color… it’s all on the palette at DBI.

Contact DBI to find out how we can bring color to YOUR life. Give us a call at 703-787-0882. Or visit www.DBIA.com.

On Wednesday, November 1, at DBI Architects’ annual State of the Firm gathering, two staff members were recognized for “Outstanding Performance” over the course of the year. Michael Patton, AIA, and Kimberly Kim, LEED AP ID+C were each cited for excellence in performance, over the past twelve months.

Mike, it was noted, has exceptional client skills. Dedicated and liked by all, he is the one of the hardest working person contributing to the success of DBI. Mike is knowledgeable and always willing to help and offer project advice, and never fails to treat team members with the utmost respect and patience.

Kim was recognized as an invaluable contributor to project efforts, her attention to detail and task thoroughness a large part of what makes the team so successful. Possessing excellent client skills, Kim will take on any assignment with confidence and willingness.

We hope you will join all of us at DBI as we congratulate Kimberly Kim and Mike Patton on this achievement.

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Getting from here to there shouldn’t be a frightening experience. Our working environments should be a TREAT, not a TRICK.

At DBI, we’re experts at bringing light and life to spaces, making reception areas, passageways – even elevator lobbies – a level of interest and engagement.

To learn more about DBI’s approach to bringing imagination to every space, give us a call at 703-787-0882. Or visit www.DBIA.com/Portfolio/Repositioning-Amenities/

Reimagining and repositioning older buildings is a great strategy to increase a property’s value. Redesign of exteriors and interior spaces, and adding amenities like fitness rooms, tenant lounges, and terraces contribute to what essentially becomes “new” office, retail, experiential, residential, or multi-use space.

In the case of an office building, a repositioning might be about refreshing the look-and-feel, and adding value, to present the greatest potential to prospective tenants. Outdated factories and industrial buildings could see new use as a brewery, or shared workspace. Warehouses might get a new life as condominiums or apartments.

Over the past several years, DBI has been engaged to execute a range of reimagining and repositioning projects, including transitioning an abandoned building in a neglected industrial area into a state-of-the-art craft brewery in a thriving historical district, and reviving a 1970’s era Washington DC office building and turning it into an amenities-rich tenant magnet, among many others.

To learn more about DBI’s approach to reimagining and repositioning, give us a call at 703-787-0882. Or visit www.DBIA.com/Portfolio/Repositioning-Amenities/

Have a look at some of the work DBI has completed recently.

The projects – an iconic server room for Octo oLabs, the elegant lobby at Chevy Chase Plaza, American Counseling Association’s breakroom, amenity spaces at Reston Square and Dulles Station East, Smith Currie’s reception area, a graphic wall at Ambu, and the rooftop tenant lounge at 277 South Washington Street – each demonstrate the unique and impactful results DBI designers bring to every challenge. Each project is unique. There are no cookie-cutter approaches at DBI.

To learn more about DBI’s approach to design, give us a call at 703-787-0882. Or visit www.DBIA.com.

DBI is pleased to announce that Director of Interiors Leslie Davis, LEED AP, has been named Member of the Year by NAIOP DC|MD!

NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for office, mixed-use, industrial and retail developers, owners and related commercial real estate professionals. NAIOP provides industry networking, educational programs, industry trends and innovations research, and strong legislative representation. NAIOP advocates for the commercial real estate industry and responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live.

Over 20,000 NAIOP members are engaged as principals in all segments of the commercial real estate industry. DBI is proud that Leslie has been recognized among the elite!

Congratulations, Leslie!

It’s that time of year when outdoor spaces are looking better than ever!

As fall begins to creep in, exterior building amenities become attractive spots for team gatherings, flexible workspaces, or just relaxing. These features add value to a building or a workplace, making it more attractive – which is crucial, in the current environment!

To learn more about outdoor amenities, contact DBI today. We have lots of ideas to share!