A Multi-Voiced Monograph
Grayson Publishers has just produced our firm’s third monograph – the most unique of the three volumes. David M. Schwarz Architects 2008-2014 presents our recent works in beautiful photographs, just as the first two books did, but this time each project’s narrative exposition is written by a different author. The authors are a varied group, … Continue reading
Performance Hall Tuning: Ensuring the Sound is Sound
As thrilling as the design and construction of buildings are for architects, the life their creations take on when they start to be used for their intended purpose is even more interesting. Before occupation, though, there is an important intermediate step, known as commissioning. This is when all of the systems, mechanical and otherwise, are tested, balanced … Continue reading
Q&A With 2015 Travel Fellow Valerie Sherry
Valerie Sherry, 2015 David M. Schwarz Architects Traveling Fellow from the University of Maryland recently completed her travels through India and Turkey before starting her 10-week internship here in our Washington, D.C. offices. Valerie will be heading back to the University of Maryland to complete her Master of Architecture program. We caught up with Valerie to … Continue reading
Q&A With 2015 Travel Fellow Maggie Holsinger
One of five recipients of the DMSAS Traveling Fellowship 2015, Maggie Holsinger traveled to the United Kingdom and Ireland before beginning her 10-week internship in our Washington, D.C. office. Before she heads back to Notre Dame to finish the final year of her undergraduate studies, we caught up with Maggie to talk about her travels and … Continue reading
Our Favorite Vacation Destinations
With the official start of summer only five days away and summer trips already underway, we thought we would share with you some of our staff’s favorite vacation destinations. Ranging in draw from serene and isolated to lively and dense, our staff’s go-to get-away locations are sure to inspire even the most seasoned traveler. Chicago, Illinois (submitted by … Continue reading
Portland, Maine: An Old City Becoming New Again
It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since presenting my Graduate Thesis project at University of Maryland. My thesis was an urban renewal project focused on bringing housing and building mass to help re-define streets and park edges in a part of Portland, Maine, from 295 to the downtown waterfront, cut … Continue reading
Designing Contextually in a Place Without Context
Before pursuing the question of what it means to design contextually, we need to make sure we are on the same page about the term context. The dictionary shows it to mean “the circumstances, background or setting where a particular act or event occurs.” As far as architecture is concerned, the context is usually thought … Continue reading
The Architectural Image: The Collector’s View
The National Building Museum recently conducted an interview with DMSAS President & Founder, David M. Schwarz to discuss one of their current exhibits, The Architectural Image 1920-1950. The exhibit, which is on display from now until May 3rd, is comprised entirely of works from Mr. Schwarz’s personal collection. Washington Post art & architecture critic Phillip Kennicott reviewed the exhibit … Continue reading
A Toast to the Protector of the Body of Work
Loyal readers, It is with one part personal pride, one part personal joy and many, many parts appreciation that I dedicate this Parchment post to congratulate and celebrate our founder, partner and design leader, David M. Schwarz, the 2015 Richard H. Driehaus Prize Laureate. As most of you know, the Richard H. Driehaus Prize at … Continue reading
Parchment 
Places We Love
Posted by dmsarchitects on February 11, 2016 · 1 Comment
In honor of Valentine’s Day, our staff has compiled an addition to our ever-popular Places We Love series. The form and function vary from place to place, but across the board, these destinations occupy a special location in our hearts. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do, and we encourage you to share the … Continue reading →
Filed under Commentary · Tagged with architecture, design, DMSAS, placemaking, places, travel