DBI - a GF Company

DBI - a GF Company Building on 50 Years 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 un

paralleled 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 offices in Reston, Virginia and Washington, DC, DBI is ideally located to respond rapidly to project needs and to adhere to rigorous production schedules. Our mid-sized 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 at least 30% of its designers are LEED® 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-the-art 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 post-occupancy space and asset management.

01/05/2026

After nearly two years since the acquisition, we’re excited to share that the DBI team, based in Reston, has officially and fully joined GF!

Known for bringing extensive interior design experience and a strong specialization in corporate exteriors, the studio adds depth and expertise to GF’s integrated design platform. This milestone reflects the collaboration, shared values, and alignment that have developed over time.

Watch the video to hear from Studio Director Beth Todd, along with designers Michael Boyer and Mandy Blumenauer, as they reflect on the journey and what it means to be part of GF.

Join us in welcoming the DBI team as they take this next step as GF!

“Architecture is an art when one consciously or unconsciously creates aesthetic emotion in the atmosphere and when this ...
09/10/2024

“Architecture is an art when one consciously or unconsciously creates aesthetic emotion in the atmosphere and when this environment produces well-being.”
~Luis Barragan

It's Jersey Day at GreenbergFarrow , and DBI is celebrating our favorite teams!Beth Todd gives a shout out to the Pittsb...
09/05/2024

It's Jersey Day at GreenbergFarrow , and DBI is celebrating our favorite teams!

Beth Todd gives a shout out to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mandy Blumenauer send up cheers for the Washington Capitals, and Mike Patton salutes the Virginia Tech Hokies. Go TEAM!

Who is YOUR favorite team?

“Building art is a synthesis of life in materialized form. We should try to bring in under the same hat not a splintered...
09/05/2024

“Building art is a synthesis of life in materialized form. We should try to bring in under the same hat not a splintered way of thinking, but all in harmony together.”
Alvar Aalto

Access to natural light in the workplace significantly enhances employee well-being and productivity. A survey found tha...
09/04/2024

Access to natural light in the workplace significantly enhances employee well-being and productivity. A survey found that 78% of employees believe that natural light and outdoor views improve their overall happiness and well-being, with 70% reporting enhanced work performance as a result. Natural light reduces issues like eyestrain, headaches, and drowsiness, which are common in environments with insufficient lighting. Furthermore, exposure to natural light is linked to better sleep quality, as employees working near windows tend to sleep longer and more soundly, translating into improved attentiveness and concentration during work hours.

The benefits of natural light extend beyond individual health to organizational outcomes. Employees with access to natural light experience increased engagement and commitment to their organization, and are less likely to take sick leave. Moreover, natural light can enhance mood and mental health, reducing risks associated with depression and boosting overall morale. Companies that prioritize natural light in their office design can also see financial benefits, such as reduced energy costs due to decreased reliance on artificial lighting. Overall, integrating natural light into workplace design is a crucial factor in promoting a healthier, more productive, and engaged workforce.

“All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in, and to have so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer.”~Wil...
09/03/2024

“All rooms ought to look as if they were lived in, and to have so to say, a friendly welcome ready for the incomer.”
~William Morris

It’s that time of year when outdoor spaces are beginning to look better than ever!With fall just around the corner, exte...
08/29/2024

It’s that time of year when outdoor spaces are beginning to look better than ever!

With fall just around the corner, exterior building amenities are 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!

“The role of the designer is that of a good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.”~Charles Eames ...
08/27/2024

“The role of the designer is that of a good, thoughtful host anticipating the needs of his guests.”
~Charles Eames

Color plays a significant role in workplace design, offering various benefits that can enhance both productivity and emp...
08/26/2024

Color plays a significant role in workplace design, offering various benefits that can enhance both productivity and employee well-being. The strategic use of color can transform an office environment from a bland, uninspiring space into a vibrant and dynamic setting that fosters creativity and efficiency. For instance, colors like blue and green are known to promote concentration and calmness, making them ideal for workspaces that require focus and attention to detail. Blue, in particular, is associated with trust and dependability, and has been shown to improve concentration and mental clarity, which can lead to increased productivity. On the other hand, colors like red and yellow can stimulate energy and creativity, making them suitable for areas where brainstorming and dynamic interactions occur. By carefully selecting and combining colors, businesses can create an environment that not only supports the tasks at hand but also aligns with the company's brand identity and values.

In addition to enhancing productivity, the use of color in workplace design can significantly impact employee mood and overall well-being. Colors have the power to evoke various emotional responses, and when used thoughtfully, they can create an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and reduces stress. For example, natural tones like green and brown can create a sense of harmony and connection with nature, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety. Similarly, soft blues and cool grays can evoke feelings of tranquility, enhancing relaxation and mental clarity. This, in turn, can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher levels of engagement, and reduced absenteeism. Furthermore, incorporating brand colors in office design can foster a sense of unity and professionalism, reinforcing the company's identity and making employees feel more connected to the organization. Overall, the thoughtful application of color in workplace design is a powerful tool that can contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

“Chairs are uniquely the best expression of design. They encompass more of the challenges by which I live and work than ...
08/23/2024

“Chairs are uniquely the best expression of design. They encompass more of the challenges by which I live and work than any other single component of furniture.”
~Vladimir Kagan

To effectively reduce noise in an open office, a multi-faceted approach that combines acoustic treatments, strategic off...
08/22/2024

To effectively reduce noise in an open office, a multi-faceted approach that combines acoustic treatments, strategic office layout, and cultural practices is often most successful. One key solution is to install acoustic panels on walls, ceilings, or as desk dividers, which absorb sound and prevent noise from bouncing around the room. Incorporating soft furnishings and materials, such as carpeting, rugs, acoustic ceiling tiles, and plants, can also help minimize sound reflection. Additionally, arranging furniture strategically, such as placing bookshelves or filing cabinets between workstations or organizing desks in clusters, can create physical barriers that block sound transmission.

Another important aspect of noise reduction is providing designated spaces for different activities. Creating dedicated quiet zones or focus rooms equipped with sound-absorbing materials allows employees to retreat when they need to concentrate on individual work without distractions. Conversely, having designated "loud" spaces for meetings or collaborative work helps contain noisier activities. Implementing sound masking systems that emit ambient background noise can also help cover up distracting conversations and improve focus. Finally, encouraging noise etiquette among employees, such as using headphones for music or videos, taking loud conversations or phone calls in designated areas, and being mindful of volume near others who are focusing, can contribute to a more peaceful work environment.

“Everything is about color. If you look at magazines and advertising and television, the thing you remember is the color...
08/21/2024

“Everything is about color. If you look at magazines and advertising and television, the thing you remember is the color.”
~Kelly Wearstler, American Interior Designer

Address

1984 Isaac Newton Square W, Ste 400
Reston, VA
20190

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+17037870882

Website

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