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DWL Architects Celebrates 75 Years

DWL Architects + Planners celebrated its 75th year by hosting a special event on March 1, 2024, paying tribute to the clients, consultants and contractors who played a significant role in the company’s achievements. This memorable occasion took place at Scottsdale Stadium’s new 1st Base VIP Deck, designed by DWL, during a Giants vs. Rangers Spring Training game.

Sandra Kukla (DWL president) said, “I am so proud to lead a design firm of DWL’s caliber and reputation. Every single team member carries such a strong commitment to our clients and communities. DWL’s 75-year legacy inspires us every day and I’m so eager to see what the next 75 years will hold.”

In recognition of its impressive past and promising future, DWL has introduced a new brand identity that honors its mid-century origins. In 2020, to enhance client service nationwide, DWL opened a second office in Columbus, OH, highlighting its commitment to existing regional clients and forging new partnerships.

As DWL has evolved, it has maintained their commitment to collaboration, stewardship and sustainability. The firm’s 75th anniversary was an opportune moment to reaffirm these values as it moves towards its 80th year. Over the decades, DWL has built a portfolio of enduring legacy projects like the ASU Hayden Library, Chase Bank @ 44th St. and Camelback, Mesa Arts Center, Light Rail extensions throughout the Valley, and the terminals at PHX Sky Harbor International Airport, multiple Valleywise Health Community Clinics and years of design work at Midwestern University.

The firm is currently working on significant projects such as the Queen Creek Recreation Center, Tempe Municipal Operations Campus, Sacramento Airport, The Ohio State University’s Marysville Veterinary Expansion and the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport’s Terminal Modernization, which was just completed last month.

The celebration also served as a ‘thank you’ to Steve Rao, who retired after 34 years with DWL.

“The weather was beautiful for game day and the new deck was perfect for sharing DWL’s milestone with old friends. I’m extremely grateful for the decades of projects I had the pleasure of working on that helped shape our community. I relish the lifelong relationships I have made with co-workers, our trusted partners and valuable clients. Thanks to everyone who shared the special day with me,” said Steve Rao in response to the retirement celebration.

Rao, whose career was marked by significant contributions to aviation projects, served as the firm’s president from 2009 to 2020, passing the leadership to Sandra. His most notable projects included PSHIA Terminal 4 Concourses and Terminal 3 Modernization, as well as Cubs and Giants Spring Training Facilities.

About DWL Architects + Planners, Inc.

DWL Architects + Planners has become one of Arizona’s most respected locally-owned and operated architecture firms. DWL has a long history of creating ‘people places.’ Their buildings and urban spaces respond to function, human scale and emphasize user-friendly design solutions. They have been fortunate to participate in some of the most complex and architecturally significant projects recognized locally, nationally and internationally. Their market sectors include aviation, higher education, municipal/civic and healthcare. DWL launched an office in Ohio to better reach and serve their clients across the country.

www.dwlarchitects.com

April 16, 2024 0 Comments

CANstruction 2023 – CANoodle Soup

DWL Architects participated in 2023’s Phoenix Canstruction with a Valentine’s Day structure! We received 2 awards for our 2023 design: People’s Choice and Structural Ingenuity!

Thank you to our team and sponsors who made this possible.

2021 Phoenix Canstruction Team:

DWL Architects + Planners, Inc.
Caruso Turley Scott Inc. Structural Engineers
JE Dunn Construction

Sponsors:

Caruso Turley Scott
JE Dunn Construction
Arizona Lighting Sales
LSW Engineers
CNC Lab Works
Jensen Hughes
Rider Levett Bucknall
CED Scottsdale
Closet & Storage Concepts

July 6, 2023 0 Comments

CANstruction 2022 – The Famished Gaze of Medusa

DWL Architects participated in 2022’s Phoenix Canstruction with a fantasy-themed structure! We received our 4 awards for our 2022 design: People’s Choice, Best Original Design and the 2022 International Winner for Best Original Design!

Thank you to our team and sponsors who made this possible.

2021 Phoenix Canstruction Team:

DWL Architects + Planners, Inc.
Caruso Turley Scott Inc. Structural Engineers
Chasse Building Team

Sponsors:

Caruso Turley Scott
Chasse Building Team
Kraemer Consulting Engineers
Arizona Lighting Sales
LSW Engineers
CNC Lab Works
AEI Affiliated Engineers
Jensen Hughes
Gannett Fleming
DHE Engineering
Fry’s Food Stores 
PRI Graphics

December 16, 2019 0 Comments

DWL Establishes Regional Office, Ohio

DUBLIN, Ohio – DWL Architects + Planners, Inc. announces their expansion to a new office in Dublin, OH. This new location strengthens the DWL regional presence and provides the opportunity to pursue, support and deliver more projects in the midwestern region. The location is ideal for its central position within Ohio – close to current clients like John Glen Columbus International Airport, Detroit Metro Airport and Midwestern University, and just an hour’s flight from Chicago Metro.

“Our foundation is built on relationships. We are excited to continue the relationships we have established with leaders in many industries throughout the Midwest, as well as develop new relationship with different clients in Ohio and beyond its borders,” said Steve Rao, DWL President.

Dublin is within the regional technology hub and is recognized as the “best connected community in Central Ohio.” The location positions DWL as a neighbor to major educational institutions such as Ohio State University, Ohio University and Wright State University. This new office is DWL’s second official, full-service office and will be led by Brad Swank.

Brad grew up in the suburbs of Columbus and graduated from The Ohio State University. After completing his Masters of Architecture he joined the DWL team in 2007. He later returned to Ohio to graduate again with an MBA and an interest in firm leadership. This year, DWL is proud to recapture his talent, enthusiasm, leadership and passion for Ohio as he takes on management of this expansion.

“I’m very excited to see the Dublin office open. It demonstrates DWL’s commitment to growth and expansion,” commented Brad Swank, Regional Director. “At DWL, we believe that successfully providing full-service planning and design solutions for our clients requires more than just knowledge. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our mission to deliver outstanding architecture, has earned our company the excellent reputation it holds today.”

Over the past 70 years, DWL has become one of the nation’s most dynamic and respected architecture firms thanks to our dedicated individuals who share a common vision to provide clients the best service and achieve distinctive, successful projects.

“I rejoined DWL because of their commitment to their clients. DWL’s collaborative designs push the parameters to exceed every possible expectation. DWL also is a place for me to blend high performance design with expert knowledge,” Brad…

Through decades of experience, DWL has grown to understand all facets of architecture. Their craft provides clients with a first-class, cohesive design. Responding to function first, the firm balances technical expertise with innovative design.

“We believe what sets us apart: we’re resolutely committed to helping our clients achieve their goals. Their success is our success. Trusted Legacy. Responsive Design. Exceptional Service,” said Rao. “Our staff is our key strength. We encourage and support our team in achieving their goals to become better architects. Because of our team’s broad expertise, we have been fortunate to participate in some of the most complex and architecturally significant projects recognized locally, nationally and internationally. Our culture enables our staff to align their talents with their passions – which is what makes Brad Swank the ideal leader for our Ohio expansion.”

August 19, 2019 0 Comments

2019 Canstruction – PokéStop Hunger

This past weekend DWL Architects participated in this year’s Phoenix Canstruction with a Pokémon GO themed structure! You can vote for this structure under the People’s Choice category at the link below! Voting ends Wednesday! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQQPX9D

And thank you to our team and sponsors who made this possible.

2019 Phoenix Canstruction Team:

DWL Architects + Planners, Inc.
Caruso Turley Scott Inc. Structural Engineers
Sundt Construction, Inc. 
Jensen Hughes
Coreslab Structures

Sponsors:

Sundt Construction
Caruso Turley Scott
Arcadia, Inc.
Premier Engineering Corp.
Hunt/Austin Aviation Builders
LSW Engineers
Western States Fire Protection Co.
Republic Bank of Arizona
James Cooke & Hobson
Fry’s Food Stores 
Gannett Fleming
PRI Graphics


Canstruction® is an international competition and exhibition of creatively designed structures built entirely of canned food. After the event, all food is donated to support St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

 

April 10, 2019 0 Comments

7th Annual Run the Runway

DWL attended this year’s 7th annual Run The Runway located at our recently completed project–Scottsdale Airport. Many members of our team, along with their families ran and walked directly on the airfield runway in the 10k-5k-kid dash to support Playworks Arizona and Scottsdale Airport.

All race proceeds benefited Playworks Arizona a nonprofit organization encouraging kids to stay active and build valuable life skills through play.

 

 


The Scottsdale Airport Redevelopment project was designed by DWL with Mead & Hunt and JE Dunn Construction. The project includes a new 23, 800 SF Aviation Business Center with restaurant and bar, multi-use conference space and two 30,000 SF Executive Hangars. The project is built to LEED Gold standards and is pending certification.

 

April 1, 2019 0 Comments

What an incredible night!

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate DWL’s 70th anniversary. From plane rides to our new logo reveal it truly was a spectacular night!

 

March 13, 2019 0 Comments

Here are three fun facts about DWL as we celebrate our upcoming 70th Anniversary!

1.) DWL was founded in 1949

2.) DWL was first known and established as Weaver & Drover

3.) We began operation from a garage studio (pictured below)

(Photo from left to right: Dick Drover, Herman Jacobi, & Frederick Weaver)

#7decadesofdesign #dwlcelebrates70years #dwlarchitects

 

March 7, 2019 0 Comments

DWL Architects Celebrates 7 Decades of Design [1949-2019]

#7decadesofdesign #dwlcelebrates70years #dwlarchitects

Dwight Todd’s Retirement Party

DWL Architects celebrates the retirement of longtime friend and principal Dwight Todd.

Todd has worked at DWL for nearly 30 years and contributed his lifework to the higher education and healthcare industries as our Executive Vice President. Since 1995, he has focused almost exclusively on projects at Midwestern University at both the Arizona and Illinois campuses. Todd leaves DWL strongly positioned and experienced in the relationship between educational facilities and the opportunities that lay for its students.

Thank you for all you have done, and we wish you all the best Dwight!

 

November 20, 2018 0 Comments

Design Firm of the Year

In attendance at the ENR Southwest awards banquet luncheon to accept our award for ENR Southwest Design Firm of the Year! Congrats team!

November 7, 2018 0 Comments

DWL Promotes Two New Associates

Help us congratulate our newly promoted Associates Shawn Filip and Michael Hauer!


 

As a registered architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 13 years of experience with aviation projects, Shawn’s in-depth understanding of the intricacies of an airport allows him to translate needs and requirements into a functional space. He works closely with each team member to solve technical challenges and transform a project’s design into an effective solution. As an expert in aviation planning, Shawn has played an integral role on many of the aviation projects throughout our office, including the recent $430M Terminal 3 Modernization at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.


Starting his architectural career in 2007, Michael’s keen ability for creativity and problem solving has been an important element in the success of his projects. Michael excels at leading teams through technically-challenging projects and ‘untangling’ them so that the resulting design is clean, simple, attractive and highly functional. He understands a project’s requirements, from pre-design through construction administration, and is able to define a clear strategy to execute those tasks. With an emphasis on efficiency and the desire to utilize design tools to their fullest potential, Michael manages design and document production through a comprehensive Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach.

September 14, 2018 0 Comments

WE ARE HIRING | ARCHITECTURAL STAFF

DWL Architects + Planners, Inc. is looking to add entry level architectural staff and experienced project architects to our team.


Entry Level Architects

DWL Architects is seeking to add entry level architectural staff who will thrive in an atmosphere that encourages creativity and rewards self-motivation; a person who can be an integral part of a design team whether it consists of one person or twenty.

Education:  A minimum four-year degree in Architecture from an accredited university program is preferred.

Experience: 1-3 years in a professional design office setting.  Skill with Revit and presentation graphic software is preferred.  Experience with large public projects is also beneficial.  Upcoming projects at DWL offer an opportunity to participate in all facets of a diverse assortment of project types, many of them significant, high profile projects.


Project Architects

DWL Architects is seeking a Project Architect to join our Phoenix office. Depending on experience and the size of the project, the candidate will lead projects or be an integral member of a collaborative design team.

Education:  A minimum 5-year professional degree in Architecture from an accredited university program is preferred.

Experience: 3-15 years in a professional design office setting.  Revit and presentation graphic software experience is required.  Experience with public projects is also beneficial.  Must be a Registered Architect or have the ability and qualifications to become registered.


Why join the DWL team?

  • Competitive compensation
  • Benefits Package that includes Medical, dental, vision, life, short and long-term disability insurance, supplementary insurance, 401k with matching employer contribution
  • Flexible work hours with half-day Fridays
  • Professional growth environment including interest groups for design, sustainability, BIM, ARE prep, new materials/product sessions and more
  • Work with a diverse, knowledgeable, collaborative team on some of the best projects in the state and nationwide

To Apply

Please e-mail cover letter, resume and references to Vicky Ramella at ramella@dwlarchitects.com.  Please indicate the position you are applying for into the subject line. Salary will commensurate with experience and ability.

 

2018 Canstruction ‘Best Meal’ Award

DWL Architects, Schaefer Engineering and Floor Associates, are thrilled to have won the 2018 Phoenix CANSTRUCTION® award for ‘Best Meal’.

We would like to thank our sponsors once again for helping make this year a huge success!

Silver Level Sponsors: Floor Associates, Schaefer, LSW Engineers, Arizona Lighting, Superlite an Oldcastle Company, Maglin Site Furniture, HuntAustin, and Forms+Surfaces.

Friend Level Sponsors: Acker-Stone Industries, Allegion, ARC Document Solutions, Daltile, Dave Bang Associates, Dave Wooster, Fry’s Food Stores, Granite Express, Jay Harris, Kelly Reese, Landscape Forms, Pioneer Industries, PRI Graphics, and 115 Degrees West.

All of the non-perishable items used during Phoenix CANSTRUCTION® 2018 are donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank to help fill the more than 400,000 Emergency Food Boxes St. Mary’s distributes into the community annually.

 

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