What are your core values and mission? What drives you and your team to do what you do?

 We exist to be a conduit of high-quality work that creates success for our clients, to be a company that creates real and authentic relationships - not just contacts, and to be a workplace that appreciates all positions in our organization, no matter the title.

Our three tenets at DDG are: Innovation, Transformation, and Expectation.

 1 - To embrace a culture of innovation and agility.

In today's dynamic business environment, adaptability and innovation are key to success. We seek to encourage a culture that embraces new ideas, fosters continuous improvement, and allows for experimentation to stay ahead of the competition.

2 - To transform the design experience.

The built field is changing.

One of DDG’s major objectives is to continuously keep our clients and team aware of soft and hard costs throughout the design process. Another objective is the reduction of design time via the implementation of AI-generative solutions in our processes, thus limiting design revision time. Additionally, our team is experienced with a host of delivery systems for project deployment (fast tracking, design/build, CmaR, IPD, etc.). These unique methodologies can also limit design and construction time.

3 - To redefine expectations.

What is your definition of a successful project? How can this project help you be more successful?

Finding solutions and guiding you to success is our goal. This is why we do what we do. You should expect more.

 At DDG, our clients can expect real and authentic relationships, the integration of superior quality control measures in all our work, a full-team approach on every project, cost monitoring at regular intervals, and above all, you should expect us to really listen to your needs.

What trends do you see in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction industry?

The built field is seeing some noticeable trends:

Costs: rising project costs, inflation, escalation, logistics and long lead times

Finance: higher design fees, higher labor multipliers, higher overhead

Quality Control: Little to no recognition of scope creep, not collaborating with the client for a more accurate definition of scope, not relating to changing needs, value engineering at incorrect design intervals

Incomplete Corporate Initiatives: Not meeting Sustainability objectives, energy conservation, keeping up with recommended regulatory setpoints or internal goals

Technology: Innovations in building information modeling (BIM), selection of more resilient building materials, more pre-engineered building system options being selected.

How does DDG address these trends?

Costs: DDG can provide methodical, real-world costing strategies that inform you at each critical project interval.

Finance: Select an experienced design firm that relies on low overhead, efficiency and modern technology to reduce waste, capture revisions faster, and implements lower overall labor multipliers

Quality Control: DDG provides professional peer review and quality control checks with signoffs for each milestone, assuring our clients that the highest standards are met.

Corporate Initiatives: We must Understand and Plan. Sustainability Initiatives, Energy and Conservation Objectives, and Financial Control Measures are all a facet of global corporate strategy now. Planning ahead and integrating this into the design philosophy is the first step to realizing these goals.

What types of projects does DDG specialize in? Do you focus on a certain architectural style, budget range, or building type?

DDG specializes in Commercial, Aviation, and Industrial Markets. Our project experience reflects 25+ years of providing a diverse array of building types. Some examples of project types completed by our team are:

• Aviation General Support Equipment (GSE) Facilities

• Commercial Mixed-Use Design (Test Fits, Concept Packages, Full Design)

• Administration / Office Buildings (Core + Shell, Tenant Fit-Up)

• Distribution and Logistics Facilities (Warehouse, Automation, Conveyance Design)

• Hospitality Design

• Food and Beverage Plant Expansions (Feasibility Studies through full design)

• Interior Architecture Design (Office Build Out, Medical Office Build Out)

• Design / Build Services with our General Construction Partners

• Pre-Engineered Building Coordination

What is your design process like? 

Our design process is one of continuous collaboration with our clients and team, scrutinizing costs at every milestone throughout the design process, and providing extensive and thorough construction assistance.

What specific services does DDG offer?

 DDG offers all aspects of architectural/engineering, and construction project management including A/E construction document coordination, project costing services, and site visits with corresponding field reports. Our design services are as follows:

• Conceptual Design

• Costing Services (Rough Order of Magnitude and Final Costing)

• Site Planning / Test Fits / Feasibility Studies

• Programming Services (Space Allocation/Adjacency Studies)

• Construction Documents

• Construction Bidding and Negotiation Services

• Permitting Services

• Construction Administration

• Technical Drafting Services / As-built Document Creation

• Interior Architecture / Design Services

• Sustainable design Services (LEED, Comcheck Energy Modeling)

• Building Condition Audits

What’s our process for delivering these services?

Our process for delivering quality services starts with client engagement. We consider the needs of our clients and their business goals paramount to the success of our work. Understanding our clients' goals thoroughly through pre-design meetings and interactive surveys guides us to what is important. Our design process is as follows:

• Client Engagement / Evaluation of Success Factors

• Solicitation of Design Partners (Consultants)

• Review and Clarity of Project Scope of Work (approval by Client)

• 30%, 60%, 90% design milestones

• Quality Control/Quality Assurance/Internal Reviews in place

• All team members and client page-turn review prior to submittal of project milestones

• Final qualitative reviews before jurisdictional submittal

• Client guidance and collaboration through permitting and construction activities

Who are your ideal clients? What needs do you fulfill for them that other firms might not?

Our ideal clients are those that see our experience as a vehicle in which to help them solve problems and aid them in being more successful. We have years of experience dealing with unique designs that add value, efficiency, and creativity but are not without a series of challenges. This is where we thrive. We offer some of the A/E industry’s most competitive fees and lower design durations mean your projects are in construction faster.

What is your firm culture like? Is it collaborative, competitive, or something else?

Our firm culture is built on authenticity, equality, and fair management practices. We believe all positions in our firm have value, and ideas are not only reserved for specific titles. We believe in creating an environment that betters the design community, mentors young design professionals, and serves our clients.

How does DDG stand out? Do you have a team with specialized knowledge or experience in a particular area?

DDG has over 25 years’ experience practicing architecture for groups such as:

Army Corps of Engineers

Delta Air Lines

LOEWS + Universal Studios

Omni Hotels

Coca – Cola

Healthcare Call Centers and Medical Office Buildings

NAVFAC

United Parcel Service

Colonial Pipeline

We have specialized knowledge in aviation ancillary facilities, commercial office and multi-use projects, high-end and unique hospitality projects, and large-scale logistics / warehousing properties for e-commerce and distribution.

Are you using cutting-edge design tools or technologies?

Our team at DDG believes in the spirit of architectural innovation, blending our creative touch with cutting-edge technology. Here are a few examples of what DDG is striving towards:

Design Process:

• AI-powered design tools: Algorithms assist in analyzing vast datasets, optimizing layouts, and suggesting sustainable materials based on project goals and environmental factors.

• Generative design: AI algorithms help explore a wider range of design possibilities, iterating rapidly to find optimal solutions that meet complex criteria.

Building Technologies:

• 3D printing: Complex building components and even entire structures are printed using sustainable materials, reducing waste and construction time.

• Smart building systems: Buildings learn and adapt to their occupants' needs, optimizing energy use, regulating temperature, and even anticipating maintenance issues.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Cloud-based collaboration: Teams across disciplines and locations work seamlessly on shared models and documents in real-time, improving efficiency and communication.

• Interactive dashboards: Real-time data on building performance, energy consumption, and occupant well-being is readily available to all stakeholders.

Beyond Design:

• Knowledge sharing: Openly shares research and expertise through workshops, conferences, and online platforms, fostering innovation across the industry.

• Future-proofing: Designs with adaptability and resilience in mind, anticipating changing needs and evolving technologies.

Sustainability: Are you committed to environmentally friendly practices?

From using technology to create energy conservation models that predict reductions in energy to selecting building systems that are carefully sourced to providing predictive daylighting calculations that maximize employee comfort, DDG is finding a way to conserve and offer environmentally impactful solutions.

How do you build strong, personalized relationships with your clients?

As one of our core tenants at DDG, we believe in cultivating long-term relationships with our clients through compassion, understanding and listening to the challenges they have, and fostering a collaborative mindset to find solutions that align with their business needs.