From Bowties to Brushstrokes: Traditional Tools for Contemporary Architects
In the days before computers (ancient history for young architects today) architects wore bowties to avoid smearing their drawings, smoked pipes to keep drawings safe from falling ash and were exposed to potentially dangerous ammonia to make blueprints on a daily basis. Things have certainly changed in the architectural world. Software has brought about a … Continue reading
Our Favorite Vacation Destinations
With summer nearing a close and labor day just around the corner, we thought we would share with you some of our favorite vacation destinations from this summer and past vacations. An adventurous group, our staff has knack for finding, exploring, and relaxing in some of the most amazing places around the world. Northern Minnesota/Ontario … Continue reading
Travelogue: Celebration and Sightseeing in Chicago
I recently returned from a quick jaunt to Chicago. While it was at the start of the AIA’s National Convention at McCormick Place, the actual impetus for the trip was, in fact, a much more celebratory occasion. David M. Schwarz’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, designed for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, is a 2014 recipient of a … Continue reading
Our Favorite Buildings in D.C.
Last week, DCist posted a list of their favorite buildings in D.C, which got us thinking – what are our favorite buildings in our hometown? So we polled our staff and, in a city of great monuments and lots of limestone, got quite the interesting mix of buildings. Ranging from notorious to humble, historic to utilitarian, we … Continue reading
Celebrating Retail Innovation in Las Vegas
Recently, two occurrences converged to create a great excuse for a party – not that one ever needs an excuse for a party. This past winter and early spring, our Las Vegas retail, dining and entertainment (RDE) project for Caesars Entertainment, the LINQ, had what can best be described as a soft opening. From late … Continue reading
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of The Ballpark in Arlington
The following was authored by DMSAS Architect Jon Zubiller. Jon attended Carnegie-Mellon University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering and Bachelor of Architecture. Jon joined the firm in 2001. As we finally (hopefully) break away from this long-winter’s grip, our attention turns to the boys of summer, as they take … Continue reading
What Makes a Building Modern? A Few Words on Architectural Language
Architects often talk about architecture in what amounts to a unique language. This language is used to describe everything from historical styles (Art Deco, Beaux-Arts), to individual buildings and abstract concepts (contextual, tectonic). We tend to assume that non-architects – clients, consultants, relatives – not only understand us, but also speak the same language. This … Continue reading
Is THAT Building Worth Saving? The Metrics of Preservation
The following post was authored by Principal Craig Williams, and states positions on a few current controversial issues. The positions are those of the author. Friends and followers of the firm know that our practice was founded 35 years ago when we worked in many of Washington’s historic districts doing townhouse renovations and additions, along … Continue reading
Chance Discoveries in the GPS Age: Nelsonville, Ohio
It happens that the state of Ohio has only one National Forest, and in the midst of that forest, nestled among the hills of the Hocking River Valley, is a small city called Nelsonville. It is seemingly unremarkable – it has a population of just over 5,000 and a technical college, but on a long … Continue reading
Parchment 
Evolution of Today’s Architect: From Master Builder to Master Team-Builder
Posted by dmsarchitects on September 25, 2014 · Leave a Comment
What do architects really do? I’ve found that the public perceives architects in a few ways: we’re sometimes the brash genius like Frank Lloyd Wright (or lone genius like Howard Roark) pursuing a singular vision and driving budgets through the roof. Or we’re clients’ lap dogs, designing bland residential buildings that tower over their neighbors … Continue reading →
Category Commentary · Tagged with architecture, cities, design, education, Frank Lloyd Wright, Howard Roark, Washington