Tuesday, June 17  2008

Renovation of the existing Men's and Women's restrooms located within the Callaway City Hall, 6601 E. Highway 22, Callaway, FL 32404. 

The "Apparent" Low Bidder is:  Mike Meints Construction Inc. 

Mike Meints Construction Inc., Contact Mike Meints @ 850-832-4774 - (f) 850-234-0397

Thursday, April 10  2008

The project has been awarded to: 

TRAMMELL CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. of Pensacola, with a bid of $2,973,460.

Contact information for Trammell:

Trammell Construction Company

9425 Wanda Drive

Pensacola, FL 32514

850/474-9415  Andy Trammell

Monday, March 24  2008

Bellview Middle School Windows and Renovations

The Apparent Low Bidder was:

Morette Company

1291 North Tarragona Street

Pace, FL  32571

Phone:  (850) 432-4084

Fax:      (850) 434-5005

Contact:  David DelGallo

Tuesday, July 17  2007

DAG ARCHITECTS IS NAMED AIA FLORIDA “FIRM OF THE YEAR”

Destin, Florida.  July 17, 2007.  At a black tie dinner in Orlando at the AIA Florida’s convention, DAG Architects was named the Firm of the Year for the state of Florida.  This honor is given in recognition of outstanding achievement in design, community service, education, and service to the profession and the AIA by an architectural firm.  Projects, accomplishments and service must reflect a period of at least 10 years.

Accepting the award on behalf of DAG were DAG principals Charles W. Clary, III, FAIA, Roger Godwin, AIA, Jack Baker, AIA, Patrick Ballasch, AIA, and Robert Johnson, AIA.  DAG co-founder Samuel Blimling was unable to attend.  Also on hand to share in the occasion were DAG associate principals Alex Gacic, David Luttrell, and Gail Ennis, along with firm members Rita Bronson, Wayne Dewhirst, Owen Gipson, Don Whitehead, Robert Charles, and Dan Augustin.

Among the key points which led to DAG’s selection was the involvement of Charlie Clary over the years in public service, first as a city councilman in Destin and then later as the first architect ever to be elected to Florida’s State Senate.   Also cited was the involvement of Clary and other firm members in local and state professional and community organizations, such as the Design Futures Council, the U. S. Green Building Council, and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.

“DAG Architects has been, and continues to be, a dedicated and respected leader in the AIA, a strong voice in the advocacy of architecture, an influential player in the legislative process in the State, and a major factor in the success of AIA Florida and the improvement of quality of life in the State of Florida,” wrote Mickey Jacob, AIA, in support of the nomination.

The quality of the firm’s design work has been recognized by more than 15 design awards, and, more importantly, by the confidence of the firm’s clients.  Patrick Hodges, Vice President of Olson & Associates of NW Florida, writes, “DAG continues to develop creative and innovative design solutions which demonstrate sensitivity to the natural environment and cultural context of each project but which also place equal emphasis and attention on the important client needs of scheduling, functionality, constructability and affordability.”

DAG Architects began 26 years ago in Destin, three years before Destin was chartered as a municipality, and the firm’s growth has paralleled that of the city.  DAG now employs 50 architects, designers, and construction specialists in four offices, including Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Atlanta.  Among the firm’s current projects are the new Sacred Heart Hospital in Port St. Joe, the Bay County/Gulf Coast Community College’s Emergency Operations Center, Beach Community Bank branches in Crestview, Niceville, and Navarre, office buildings for O’Sullivan Creel in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, and the Henderson Beach Inn mixed use development.

Saturday, July 14  2007

NATUREWALK WELCOME CENTER WINS 2007 GRAND AURORA AWARD

Destin, Florida.  July 16, 2007.  DAG Architects is pleased to announce that their design work on the Welcome Center at NatureWalk has been awarded a prestigious Grand Aurora Award from the Southeast Building Conference.   The Welcome Center won in the Commercial Project/Best Office Building category. The award was presented Saturday night at the SBC’s annual conference in Orlando.

Also recognized for their contribution to the project were Olson Associates of NW Florida as client, Hatch Mott McDonald as land planners, and Hughes Litton Godwin as interior designers.  The award was accepted by DAG Project Manager Richard Kalt. 

“The DAG design team incorporated all the key elements essential to our vision for the NatureWalk Welcome Center,” said Patrick Hodges, Olson’s Director of Design and Planning.  “…a strong sense of place, an understanding of climate and environment, exquisite craftsmanship and an expression of individuality which is displayed skillfully throughout the design.”

Representing 12 southeastern states, the Southeast Building Conference’s Aurora Awards honors builders, designers, architects, landscape designers, and interior designers for their excellence in building design.

Ironically, the principals of DAG Architects could not attend the Aurora Award presentation, as they were across town accepting the Firm of the Year Award from the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects.

Wednesday, June 6  2007

DAG’S KELLY WIECZOREK EARNS LEED PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION

Destin, Florida.  June 6, 2007.  DAG Architects is pleased to announce that Kelly Wieczorek, Associate AIA, a designer in our Pensacola office, has earned the   U. S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional (AP) status.  The LEED Green Building Rating System is designed to encourage energy and resource conservation in the construction and operation of buildings. 

“We are very proud of Kelly’s achievement,” says Charlie Clary, FAIA, DAG founding principal.  “It supports our firm’s commitment to sustainable design and responsible architecture.” 

Wieczorek is one of 3 DAG employees who are members of the Organizing Group for formation of the new Northern Gulf Coast Chapter for the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the organization responsible for developing the rating systems and standards which have been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, local governments, and interested private companies as the guideline for sustainable building. DAG Architects has been a corporate USGBC member since early 2006.

Wieczorek received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Florida in 2005, and a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the same institution in 2003.  She also studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Vicenza, Italy in 2004.  She joined DAG Architects in September 2006.

Further information on the LEED Green Building Rating System and the LEED AP accreditation program may be found on their website at www.usgbc.org.

Thursday, April 26  2007

DAG PRINCIPAL RECEIVES UF’S “YOUNG ARCHITECT” AWARD

Destin, Florida.  April 27, 2007.  Patrick L. Ballasch, AIA, principal at DAG Architects Inc., was awarded the prestigious Young Architect Award from the University of Florida’s School of Architecture.  The award, initiated in 1995, honors a University of Florida alumni who has made a significant design contribution in the architectural profession early in their careers.  Recipients must have graduated no more than 20 years before the award date.

Pat, who graduated with his Master of Architecture degree in 1994, is the design principal at DAG, and oversees the quality of the firm’s design work done in each of the firm’s four offices.  His projects have received numerous design awards, including two for built projects and three for unbuilt projects from the Florida Association of the AIA, and five from the Northwest Chapter of the AIA.  Among his projects that have received design awards are the Destin Library, Ship’s Chandler Docks, and Airport Plaza offices in Destin, Cassine Station in Seagrove Beach, and the Observatory at OWC in Niceville.

Pat has also been active in the American Institute of Architects, serving as a State Director and design awards co-chair for the Northwest Chapter.  He is a founding member of the Commission on the Environment.  His pro-bono work includes projects for Habitat for Humanity, the Northwest Florida Wildlife Refuge, and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.  In addition, Pat continues to be involved in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida, and serves as a visiting juror critiquing the work of architectural students.

The award was presented Tuesday night in Gainesville.

Wednesday, April 11  2007

Effective April 16, 2007, DAG's Atlanta offices will be located in The Proscenium Building, at 1170 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309.

Thursday, July 27  2006

DAG Architects announces the opening of its third regional office, located in the historic Thiesen Building in downtown Pensacola.

The Pensacola operation is directed by David Luttrell, AIA, an Associate Principal of the firm.  Dave has more than 18 years of experience in the building industry, most recently as the head of the Architectural and Engineering Services Department at the University of West Florida.  Dave is well-known throughout the Pensacola architectural community for his philanthropic activities with the Ronald McDonald House and Leadership Pensacola.

Other DAG Pensacola employees include Myles Sampson, Jr., previously Assistant Director of UWF's A/E Services, and Dennis Solis, a CAD designer and technician.  Sandra Simmons is the newest member of the Pensacola team;  she is a construction administration specialist with extensive experience in facilities throughout the Pensacola region.

The staff of 4 moved into their new office space on June 22nd.  Among the projects already underway in the new office are FEMA hurricane repairs to several Escambia County schools, a new Crab Trap Restaurant, the Thiesen Building branch of the Hancock Bank, and design of the town center for Blackwater, a new residential development.

The new address is 40 South Palafox Place, Suite 201.  The telephone number is 850.429.9004 and the fax is 850.429.9005.

Monday, June 26  2006

Destin-based architectural firm DAG Architects is pleased to announce that Gail Ennis and David Luttrell, AIA, have been promoted to the positions of Associate Principal in the firm.

Gail Ennis has been with DAG over five years, and currently serves as Finance Manager.  A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in accounting, Gail oversees all financial and human resource activities for the firm and its subsidiaries.  She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, and active in

the board of directors and the choir of the First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach.  Gail lives in Shalimar with her husband, Chuck. 

Dave Luttrell came to DAG last fall from his prior position as Director of Architectural and Engineering Services at the University of West Florida.  He is the branch administrator for DAG’s Pensacola office, soon to officially open in new quarters in the Thiesen Building.  Dave, a registered architect with more than 18 years of professional experience in educational and institutional projects, is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction

Specifications Institute.  In addition, Dave is involved in Leadership Pensacola and is on the board of the Ronald McDonald House of Pensacola.  He lives in Gulf Breeze with his wife and three children.

DAG’s existing partnership structure includes Associate Principal Alex Gacic, head of the firm’s Tallahassee office.  Other Senior Principals include Sam Blimling, AIA; Charlie Clary, FAIA;   Patrick Ballasch, AIA; Jack Baker, AIA;   Robert Johnson, AIA; and Roger Godwin, AIA.

DAG Architects, based in Destin, is celebrating its 25^th year in continuous operation in northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast area.   Founded by Charlie Clary, FAIA, and Sam Blimling, AIA, DAG now employs 43 talented architects and designers in offices in Destin, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Atlanta.

Wednesday, March 22  2006

The newest Okaloosa County Habitat for Humanity house, "The Women Build" house in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was dedicated on Friday, March 17, 2006.  New homeowners Greg and Rita Robinson sang a song they composed specially for the occasion, to show their appreciation and gratitude to all those involved in designing and building their new house.  This was Habitat's first local "Women Build" house, with women leading both the design and construction process.

The design of this house was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Tracey Etheridge of DAG Architects.  She organized the intern architects in the office into a team to design the house, which would help them meet the community service requirements necessary for professional licensing.  After graduation from architectural schools, architects spend three to four years as interns, gaining experience in a variety of specified professional areas before they can take the licensing exam.

With the blessing of DAG principals Jack Baker, AIA, and Pat Ballasch, AIA, Tracey and the other interns held an informal design competition based on Habitat's parameters.  Participating in the internal competition were DAG employees Tracey Etheridge, Wade Bradley, Tate Conrad, and veteran architects Henry Hanisee, Pat Ballasch and Charlie Clary.  The entire firm served as the jury and voted for their favorite entry;  Henry Hanisee's design was selected.

The interns then developed Henry's plan further and generated presentation drawings and elevations for review by Habitat for Humanity representatives.  After Habitat's approval was granted and several alterations made, the construction drawings were produced.  DAG Architects donated all their professional services to Habitat on a pro bono basis.

The "Women Build" house was intended to be constructed primarily by women, providing the opportunity for a diverse group of women to work together in a non-threatening environment.  While many women did participate, including DAG's Etheridge, some men were allowed to assist in the process.  Everything that went into the house was donated, or purchased by Habitat with donated funds.  The entire process, from design to "habit"ation, required about a year to complete.

The Robinson house is the third Habitat for Humanity project in the area that DAG  Architects has collaborated on.

Monday, March 13  2006

DAG OPENS NEW TALLAHASSEE OFFICE

Our new offices in  SouthWood Town Center are now open!  The address is:

DAG Architects Inc.

3197 Merchants Row Blvd.

Suite 130

Tallahassee, Florida 32311

phone  850.656.7506

fax      850.656.3618

This full-service office will improve the firm's access to local clients such as Leon County Schools and Tallahassee Community College, as well as providing a basis for future growth with both old and new clients.

The Tallahassee office staff has been working out of temporary facilities at Leon High School, and moved into the new facilities on March 10th.  Led by Alex Gacic, longtime DAG employee and associate of the firm, the staff also includes Heather McKenna, Chris Chrestensen, Donald Gray, Jr., and Kenneth Greene. 

Thursday, July 14  2005

July 14, 2005.  The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects announced that DAG Architects of Destin, Florida, has been awarded a prestigious 2005 Honor Award for Excellence for their work on the City of Destin Library project.  This award is one of only 4 honors for built projects awarded by the Association, out of nearly 300 total entries throughout the state.

The Destin Library, completed in 2003, evokes the city's roots as a fledgling fishing and boat-building village in its design.  The 3,500 square foot building fits comfortably in a heavily wooded site filled with live oaks.  Inside, a clerestory ceiling is constructed in the same fashion as the hull of a wooden fishing vessel, and a compass rose is inlayed in the lobby floor.  To the right of the entrance is an underwater world, filled with murals of indigenous fish and sea turtles.  The meeting room is highlighted by a barrel-shaped wooden ceiling, reminiscent of boat canopies, soaring 30 feet overhead.

Photographs of the Destin Library may be seen in the "Projects" section of this website.

Tuesday, June 28  2005

Destin, Florida, June 28, 2005.  The Destin City Council approved the master plan and complete building program for Phase I of the new Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village on  Monday evening, June 20th.  Designed by DAG Architects of Destin, the Arts Village will create a place for both local residents and tourists to come together and celebrate all of the literary, visual and performing arts.  The site is centrally located in the heart of Destin’s commercial district, on a 52-acre parcel generously donated to the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation to honor her dream of a cultural arts center to engage and educate the community. 

The master plan for Phase I encompasses two major components:  a festival lawn and stage, and a multi-purpose building.  A future phase will include an artists’ village.  The outdoor festival lawn and stage will be the home for Concerts in the Park, the Destin Festival of the Arts, and other ticketed and non-ticketed outdoor events.  The lawn will seat 1,500 before a large, covered stage with built-in theatrical systems and utilities, dressing rooms, catering, and technical areas. A gallery and shop to showcase and sell art works, a café, and an outdoor display area will complete this area.

The multi-purpose building will be the first building the visitors see from the parking area, and will serve as a welcoming beacon and starting point for the “Arts Village” experience.  It will house an information center, large group meeting spaces, arts classrooms, sculpture gardens, and an indoor performing arts theatre.  This  350-seat “black box” theatre is intended to be extremely flexible and able to be configured to showcase very large acts with an orchestra, as well as smaller, solo performances.

Mattie May Kelly (1912-1992) was the matriarch of one of Destin’s pioneer “fishing families.”  She and her husband Coleman Kelly developed a 900 acre turpentine farm, built the first cottages for tourists in Destin, and launched the first deep-sea sport fishing boat in Northwest Florida.  Throughout her life she supported the arts, education, and churches in Destin, and through the Mattie Kelly Foundation and the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, her dreams will become a reality.

Tuesday, February 1  2005

DAG Architects is pleased to announce that Roger Godwin has joined the firm as a Principal.  Roger was most recently the Principal and Managing Director of Gensler Atlanta, where he had the opportunity to work with clients such as King & Spaulding, Bank of America, Towers Perrin, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, and Newell Rubbermaid.

Roger's prior firm, Godwin & Associates, was one of Atlanta's premier interior architectural firms before it was united with Gensler in 2001.  Godwin specialized in corporate and healthcare interiors throughout the Southeast, and completed projects for Hewlitt Packard, IBM, Northside Hospital, Dun & Bradstreet, and Coca-Cola, among others.