DS Architecture is committed to building a team of multi-disciplined staff, with diverse talents and expertise in a variety of project typologies. Working with clients at the forefront of their industries, we continually strive to be a premier design firm in Northeast Ohio.
PURPOSE
WE DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE AND HUMANITY
Facilities should naturally support human engagement in collaboration, service and discovery. Our goal is to enhance these experiences by breaking down both physical and perceived barriers to create a place in which individuals and groups can produce results and inspire together.
A functional space with flexible uses and a comfortable environment enables people to take ownership of their surroundings, stimulating focus and creativity. Because our designs have a direct influence on those experiencing them, we work diligently to understand all respective needs and goals so that each project is successful.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
•Professional Architectural degree from an accredited university
•Minimum architectural firm experience – 7 years beyond graduation
•Proficient in productivity software including Revit, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam Revu
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NOT MANDATORY)
•Adobe Creative Cloud competency (Primarily InDesign and Photoshop)
•NCARB certificate holder
•LEED Accredited Professional
•PMP Certification
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Ability to manage (often hands-on) all aspects of project design including:
•Feasibility analysis, program development, cost evaluations, site planning, schematic design, design development, interior design, construction documents, specifications, bidding and negotiations, and construction administration
•Knowledgeable in methods and materials of construction technology
•Experience in client coordination and presentations
•Experience in consultant coordination and management of a broad consultant team
•Exceptional communication and leadership skills to develop and implement a “team approach” as well as a cooperative attitude
•Ability to effectively manage budgets, schedules and teams
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Leadership + Management = Accountability (LMA): Leadership creates a vacuum for success while management provides the necessary tools for achievement. These two critical success factors generate accountability for the team and will result in a successful project.
Project Management and Accountability Process (PMAP): Oversight of this organizational tool provides the pathway of required elements for a project. Based upon our technical fee proposal it breaks down each task for a project, allowing the Project Manager to assign appropriate accountability for each component. Tasks include but are not limited to schedules, consultant coordination, submittal review, meeting minutes, design process and general project oversight.
Project Huddle Leadership: A weekly project huddle creating an opportunity, once a week, for the project team to coordinate the current status of the project. The use of a standard huddle meeting agenda, to create consistency within the firm, is encouraged.
Primary Client Contact (PCC): A good working relationship between the project manager and client is crucial to the success of any project. As professionals we have a responsibility to coach our clients about the architect’s role and responsibility as well as the design and construction process. Cultivating an environment of education fosters trust, creates good communication, relieves frustration, and builds successful relationships with our clients. We should be initiating 80% of client communication ensuring a great client experience (Cx).
Software Proficiency: Have a working understanding of Revit modeling / drafting tools and features required to open, navigate, and review a project in Revit. Key abilities include manipulating visibility graphics, creating views and sheets, annotation using dimensions / keynotes / text notes, and printing. General knowledge of Revit’s capabilities and limitations as they pertain to managing / maximizing the team’s productivity. Ability to utilize Bluebeam tools and studio sessions to review project documentation and provide real-time markups to production staff. Familiarity with spreadsheet platforms such as Microsoft Excel.
FIRM PROFILE
In 1983, David Sommers founded our firm on the simple value of “people come first.” In 2010, inspired by the notion of a firm rooted in culture, Jeffrey Meyers became a partner with hopes of providing others the opportunity to truly enjoy the architectural profession. In 2011 the firm supplemented culture with design by hiring Eric Pros, who embraces and emphasizes the principle that design matters. Today the firm considers itself a culture-based design firm, led by six studio directors with diversity of thought, typology, and approach. Together we strive to shape the world by inspiring the next generation of architectural professionals to embrace an unparalleled commitment to both culture and design.
OUR PROVEN PROCESS
Our ultimate purpose is to inspire together.
We strive to cultivate an environment of trust and genuine care, where everyone is committed to knowledge. This has generated a firm of dedicated and unabashedly collaborative people who enjoy working together and bringing out the best in each other. We are never finished improving. We pursue excellence on every project and are transformed by each experience.
We are organized internally to respond to change and growth, and to foster innovation and creativity. Guided by our shared core values, we each contribute our talents and strengths to the whole. Leaders support and mentor individual development, promoting the advancement of the entire organization.
Our projects are a testament to our values and tell our story.
OUR CULTURE
WHO WE ARE
David Sommers founded the firm on a principle that remains essential today – family.
We are a family that works together and grows together; we are rewarded by the process of creating architectural design excellence together (and we have a lot of fun along the way).
OUR CORE VALUES
FAIRNESS. Our way is fair, and benefits all concerned. We operate by understanding that everyone is a true team player, working for the greater good of all. We expect everyone to stay humble and take the initiative to contribute when help is needed.
TRUSTWORTHINESS. We believe that trusting and empowering each other will lead us all to success. We expect honesty and integrity. We own up to mistakes, recognize our strengths and acknowledge our weaknesses, so that we can improve together.
CONVICTION. We possess a passion to solve any problem and accomplish any challenge. From engaging in the design process to positively receiving criticism, we persevere, and face obstacles head on for the greater good of all.
COLLABORATION. Teamwork is paramount to our design process and enhances solutions to complex problems. We expect everyone to share ideas and experiences, and to listen to the contributions of others. None of us is as smart as all of us, and from the most unexpected voices may come the biggest ideas.
COMMITMENT TO KNOWLEDGE. We are always eager to learn and willing to teach; this differential
core value continually pushes us to the forefront of our industry. We seek out growth opportunities and use our knowledge to lead and inspire.
WHY
INSPIRING TOGETHER
By engaging others through the architectural design process, we aspire to spark imagination, creativity, and originality in ourselves and others.
HOW
Idea Conception| Idea Exploration | Idea Refinement | Idea Finalization | Idea Realization
WHAT
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE
We strive to ignite the passion for design in everyone involved while developing innovative solutions for the built environment.
OUR DIFFERENCE
We listen. We encourage the sharing of information, ideas and goals. This collection of input at the outset of the process lays groundwork for a solution that best meets the budget, schedule, form and functional needs.
We lead. We guide discussion and promote collaboration between all team members to generate the best possible solution.
We innovate. Every project is unique. Reaching the optimal solution for each requires a team committed to studying, assessing and developing the most efficient and enduring design.
OUR UNIQUES
DS Architecture is a relationship-focused firm. The connection between us and our clients builds the foundation for a successful project. Being passionate for innovation and thoughtful about creative yet contextually appropriate solutions produces a trusting environment of unabashed collaboration. Openly sharing all ideas leads to the most productive team engagement, which we believe produces better ideas. We embody the opportunity given to us by understanding your critical success factors, allowing them to drive the design process. This creates a customized solution that is specific to your needs.