History
Design Story Architects was started in October 2010 around the idea that early and complete collaboration between owners, architects and contractors is an idea whose time has come. Collaboration at all levels builds trust and confidence in the team, and the long-range benefits are many: better designed projects, projects that come in at or under budget, projects that are completed on time and in many cases, ahead of schedule. An example of this approach in action is one of the firm's current projects, just completed - the third phase of renovations of the historic Immaculate Conception Chapel at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD. The university hired us to manage the process of selecting and hiring artisans for the renovations, which underscores the value of this collaborative approach. In a world where owners are increasingly demanding a better integrated design and construction process, we have formed strategic alliances to work in this new and innovative way.
Specialties
Design Story is a design-based architectural firm providing specialized consulting services in an open studio setting. Focus areas are community-based architecture: churches, schools, libraries, urban housing and community centers with expertise in historic preservation, adaptive re-use, and master planning. Corporate work is also a specialty. Areas of service are in and around the Frederick and Baltimore regions as well as suburban Washington, D.C. Sustainability is a core belief and is practiced as a baseline for the office, including in its own internal practices. A history of personal commitment to the community is reflected to serving in the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, on non-profit Boards of Directors, as well as in Pro Bono design work for groups such as Middletown Boosters, the Gaddy Center for Women & Children, among others.