Blog

Who Are We Designing For?

June 25, 2020 by David Goode

So, this may ruffle some feathers… who do architects design for anyway? I look at other architect’s websites and social media posts, and while I absolutely applaud the creativity and design skill, I often wonder who they’re trying to impress? Clients, potential clients, themselves, other architects? Architects like awards and they’ll flaunt them… cool, you earned it.

This is not some “holier than thou” rant, because my strongest skillset is not design (how’s that for honesty?). Sure, I am a creative person and I enjoy designing, but my strongest skills are project and process management, zoning and building codes, engineering coordination… more technical rather than design. I have met and worked with terrific and talented designers, but they can’t manage a project (I know one who can, she’s my favorite). The ability to coordinate engineering consultants is lacking. Understanding a city’s review process and navigating that process is lost on them. Construction means and methods… nope.

So what’s my point?

Pretty pictures and design awards don’t tell the full story of a firm’s skill set. Look at a firm’s website and see what they talk about. Likely, its how their firm’s design philosophy and manifesto will be applied to your project (what they want) and the design awards they’ve won with glossy photos (can they win another with yours?).

A commercial building has a functional and financial purpose. Yes, good design is important, but getting that design executed on time and on budget is the hard part. We’re pretty good at the hard part.

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By the way, we partner with a really talented designer on a regular basis. So, don’t be afraid to challenge the DPGA team…

DPGA – Arizona and Texas License

June 19, 2020 by David Goode

David P Goode Architecture is now licensed to practice architecture in Arizona andTexas. While we won’t necessarily solicit new business there (yet?), we have existing clients with interests in the states, so it made sense to broaden our reach.

Why DPGA Stays “Small”

May 29, 2020 by David Goode

When I went out on my own to launch David P Goode Architecture in 2009, I had a very specific philosophy behind it. You hire my business, you get me – now over 33 years (!!) of architecture, construction, and general engineering experience – all applied to every project.

I had worked for large firms: helping start a branch office in Colorado in 1994 which we grew to two locations and 38 employees; and heading up the 30-person Denver office of a national architecture firm. Each time, there were some things missing… the direct relationship with the client and the ability to swerve when needed to meet a client’s specific needs.

Seth Godin spells it out pretty well in this blog post.

So, DPGA stays small. The direct relationship with the client, the knowledge based on decades of experience, and the flexibility to provide just what the client needs on a project by project basis. Yes, there are folks working in the background – drafters, designers, engineers – but, your project is never “passed off” to a junior staff member. I will answer your call and I will show up to your meetings.

Denver Restaurant News – Outdoor Dining

May 19, 2020 by David Goode

Great news for Denver restaurants and bars.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the restaurant and bar community, the City of Denver announced a new program to allow restaurants and bars to expand seating to outdoor areas not previously allowed such as streets, parking lots, and adjacent properties. We are blessed to live in an amazing climate and this is a great way to take full advantage of it while helping a hurting industry.

The idea is to allow facilities to get back to 100% “capacity” using the outdoor spaces for distancing and fresh air. Essentially, if the State’s pending re-opening guidelines limit indoor capacity to 50%, then the remaining 50% may be made up outside. Operators could balance the percentage differently if they chose, such as 0% indoor and 100% outdoor. Although, it is possible to bump that up capacity to almost 120% without triggering additional restroom or infrastructure requirements according to the discussion on today’s virtual townhall….which could be a great boost for a comeback.

There are some details to be aware of: for instance reductions in parking space counts will be reviewed by Zoning and may limit the number of seats; sidewalk and street spaces will be reviewed by Transportation to ensure the public can still move about safely. The outdoor space must be contiguous to existing outdoor spaces or buildings in order to serve alcohol, with some exceptions. Each operator must apply for their own outdoor space, even if an entire district or street is closed off for seating as applied for by a neighborhood district. A separately owned adjacent property can be used with the owner’s approval. Review the city’s FAQ which is in the process of being updated.

The city has set up a “one stop shop” application which can be found here. All departments (including Excise) are set up to review applications quickly (they say 2 to 3 days), and a single point of contact will be assigned to each application. Application fees are fairly minimal, and many department review fees are being waived. The application requirements are pretty simple and you will need a site plan or drawing to show the outdoor space and seating capacity. Other drawings may be needed as each department reviews the application.

DPGA is positioned to assist operators with the application process and the drawings required for approvals. Many of these plans may generated with minimal in-person contact, or perhaps entirely through telephone or online meetings. Contact us 303.246.4943 or davidpgoode@gmail.com.

Stay healthy…we look forward to getting back to business!

Resources:

City of Denver Outdoor Expansion press release

City of Denver Outdoor Expansion FAQs

City of Denver Outdoor Expansion Application

State of Colorado Re-opening Guide (DRAFT)

As a side note…other cities are looking into this idea as well, so keep an eye out for updates.

Details Matter

September 25, 2019 by David Goode

Why a photo of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge? Details. Every time I go to Disney, I am reminded of how details affect the overall experience of the guests, and the new attraction blew me away. Disney is about details.

Details in the architecture business include good plans of course, but the real difference maker is how clients are cared for. Timely calls and emails are a given, but do you go the extra mile in research and problem solving? Do you look beyond “your job” to find obstacles and potential pitfalls? There are dozens of opportunities every day to kill it on the details… embrace them.

DPGA – 10 Years in Business

August 7, 2019 by David Goode

David P Goode Architecture is celebrating 10 years in business!

Opening day was August 2, 2009, in the midst of the worst economic environment in generations, and we’ve had a ton of fun. Since 2009, we have completed over 300 projects in retail and restaurants, as well as some office and medical uses, totaling more than 1,000,00 square feet. Projects range from small vanilla box build-outs to full build-to-suit and remodels up to 90,000 square feet each. Some favorites, sure I have a bunch…. and, there are a few I’d rather forget.

When I left my former employer as a Managing Principal to go out on my own, a lot of people thought I was nuts. Architects were dropping like flies in a terrible economy. Hell, I had just spent the previous 12 months laying off 26 employees. But, I had a vision of how an architect’s office should run and how to manage projects. The foundation of it all was a better connection with clients and their values. There’s been a great deal of success with that formula – approximately 80% of our work comes from repeat clients – and that formula won’t change anytime soon.

I am extraordinarily grateful to the clients that have been with me for many years past. I’m thrilled about the new clients in the mix and hope to keep them for many years to come.

Happy 10th to DPGA!

The latest happenings…

July 26, 2019 by David Goode

….* takes a deep breath, exhales slowly.

Holy smokes… we have been busy over the last two years since that last blog post! Heads down, mouses (mice?) clicking away, buildings popping up out of the ground, remodels galore. So, what have we been up to? Happy to give you some highlights:

Lincoln Commons Building H – 7,500 SF multi-tenant retail building, Lone Tree
Kmart Redevelopment – 95,000 SF conversion to multi-tenant retail, Brighton
Kmart Redevelopment – 90,000 SF conversion to multi-tenant retail, Longmont
Save-a-Lot Grocery – 23,000 SF retail tenant finish, Northglenn
Save-a-Lot Grocery – 22,000 SF retail tenant finish, Westminster
Burlington – 38,000 SF retail build-to-suit, Thornton
Burlington – 40,000 SF retail build-to-suit, Colorado Springs
The Grove Lot 11 Shops – 10,000 SF multi-tenant retail building, Thornton
Pad Shops – 7,500 SF multi-tenant retail building, Brighton
DANG Soft Serve – 2,000 SF restaurant shell and tenant finish, Denver
Sugarfire BBQ – 4,000 SF restaurant tenant finish, Westminster
Postino Wine Cafe – 4,000 restaurant shell and tenant finish, Denver
Postino Wine Cafe – 3,800 restaurant tenant finish, Denver

…and plenty more. We’ve been busy!

The greatest achievement in all of this success is DPGA has hit the 10-year mark in business! We launched on August 2, 2009 and haven’t looked back. More to come on the website with project photos and bios….

Lincoln Commons – Progress

July 28, 2017 by David Goode

David P Goode Architecture was retained for a second retail building at Lincoln Commons in Lone Tree and construction is well underway. This time, its a 7,500 square foot single story multi-tenant shops.

Building H - Foundation — Building H – Foundation

The building will feature a large dining patio with overhead doors on one end, perfect for a sit-down restaurant. The south end includes a tower element to not only mirror similar elements in the development, but also to call attention to the building from Sky Ridge Avenue and adjacent public plaza.

You can see the recently completed two-story mixed use building in the background, which was the first DPGA designed building on the property. More on that project coming soon.

Williams & Graham

July 21, 2017 by David Goode

When David P Goode Architecture began work on Williams & Graham in 2011, we knew it would be a successful concept. However, we had no idea that the love would be worldwide. Accolades have come from all over: Drinks International Top 50 in the World, Spirited Awards Best Cocktail Bar, Thrillist 21 Best Secret Bars in the World, and dozens more…

The love also comes from the patrons in the form of handwritten notes. The staff at W&G collects these and has created murals on some of the walls as a keepsake…

It’s really gratifying to see how the public reacts to your work as an Architect and, to have it continue so many years later. Granted, the drinks are amazing and prepared by the top bartenders around, but the atmosphere has to be right for a complete experience.

Tuesday Morning Progress

July 15, 2017 by David Goode

A 12,500 square foot Tuesday Morning shell and tenant finish project is well under way in Colorado Springs at Powers Pointe.

Tuesday Morning - Colorado Springs — Tuesday Morning – Colorado Springs

DPGA provided full scope services on an accelerated schedule. From design start, through entitlements and permit, and ultimately construction, the project will be completed and turned over to the tenant in 8-1/2 months. Every day counts, so construction documents were completed in less than four weeks….and they had to be accurate and thorough. Jurisdiction plan review was complete in just over 30 days, and the tenant approved the plans on the first review. CSI Construction Company is hard at work keeping the build schedule on target.

Additional buildings are in the works at Powers Pointe, and we are eager to build on the success of this turnkey deal.