DLA Architects, Ltd. moves to Itasca
DLA Architects Ltd. combined its two locations (Hinsdale, IL and Elgin, IL) to one central corporate headquarters in Itasca, IL.
- Chicago, IL (1888PressRelease) January 21, 2011 - DLA Architects Ltd. combined its two locations (Hinsdale, IL and Elgin, IL) to one central corporate headquarters located at Two Pierce Place, Suite 1300, Itasca, IL. The move was completed on January 3. The new phone number is 847-742-4063.
"With many opportunities on the horizon, we're taking action now to position ourselves for the future," said Bruce Dahlquist, president of DLA Architects, Ltd. "For many years, the DLA family has included dozens of professionals spread between two offices. We communicate and share ideas all the time, and in many ways, but for a long while, we've had the goal of sharing one roof."
The move was not undertaken lightly. The firm put itself through a detailed feasibility study. Work progressed through the planning phase and ultimately to renovation. Every effort focused toward being as green as possible. That started with the selection of the building which is Energy Star rated.
Two Pierce Place is quite formal, but DLA people (and its culture) are creative, casual and fun. The design team came up with a concept that applies a contemporary formal aesthetic to refined, natural finishes; the result is a playful yet professional space that fits the firm's personality.
At the outset, the design team had a strong understanding of how each department functions and how it interacts with other departments, but through a series of interviews with staff members they developed a floor plan that addresses a variety of factors.
The team considered how the business works today and how things might change when all departments are situated under one roof. Team members looked at how processes could be streamlined. For instance, it made sense for the design department to be located near marketing. Each group requires specialized graphic and printing capabilities, but design will be located closer to the project managers and production staff, ready to answer questions as a project progresses.
Another consideration was churn; businesses grow and shrink, people get promoted. As these changes occur, the space is flexible and able to adjust without looking cobbled together. The design anticipates reconfiguration and should be ready to accommodate change easily.
Sustainability is a key component to DLA's practice, and each decision was made with an awareness of how it would affect the potential for LEED Certification. The DLA office space is LEED registered with a goal of becoming certified.
Since covered parking minimizes the heat-island effect, the 3-level parking garage at 2 Pierce Place was another factor that influenced the site selection process. It was also important that the site be within a short distance to services; the on-site deli is a lunchtime boon, and the surrounding business park includes a driving range, a two-and-a-half mile long walking path around ponds and trees, and open fields throughout the park.
Employees have a variety of transit options since public transportation is nearby. In addition, the building has bicycle parking and showering/changing facilities.
"Our commitment to our clients, the value-added services we provide, and our personal involvement in our many communities is as strong as ever," said Dwain Lutzow, president of DLA Architects, Ltd. "It's an exciting time for us as we realize a dream come true."
DLA Architects, Ltd. was recognized by Building Design and Construction Magazine as one of the "Nation's Largest Green Building Leaders," "Top K-12 School Design Firms," and one of the "Overall Giants 300 Architectural Firms."
DLA Architects, Ltd. is a full-service architectural firm offering: long-term facility planning, pre-project feasibility studies, referendum and capital campaign planning, interactive project planning, functional architectural design, green and sustainable design, bidding, construction administration and post project management.
For more information about DLA Architects, Ltd., call 847-742-4063 or visit: http://www.dla-ltd.com
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