June 29, 2010
DKA Celebrates 25 Years!

WHAT WE DO

DKA Architecture transforms communities through responsive design to create greater social equity and sustainable environments. 

WHO WE ARE

DKA Architecture has a culture of transformation from the inside out that is a microcosm of all we want to accomplish outside the walls of the office.

WHERE WE’RE HEADED

DKA Architecture’s roots and track record point to a leadership role in the future of transformative work in the West, while extending to new frontiers that need sustainable solutions. 

DKA Architecture designs with intent to provide harmony between needs, desires and goals to transform communities and serve our clients. And it’s been that way for 25 years.

We will be celebrating our 25 years of service at a Hawaiian Buffet we are throwing at the Northwest African American Museum on July 22nd!

June 5, 2010
Seattle Green Festival 2010

Rico Quirindongo was part of a panel of activists, planners and politicians discussing opportunities on increasing Seattle's Green Open Space Saturday, June 5th at the Washington State Convention Center. Part of the Seattle Green Festival (www.greenfestivals.org/seattle/), Rico joined the following panelists who spoke to a range of local projects and green development strategies related to public parks and the public right-of-way:

1. David Mozer, Director of International Bicycle Fund introduced the panel and set the context for the discussion.

2. Richard Conlin, President of Seattle City Council spoke on vision, philosophy and city policy.

3. Rico spoke about the need for more green open space in the downtown core and why this is an important urban design and social sustainability issue.

4. Elizabeth Campbell, Sustainable Belltown, spoke on citizen activism and opportunities.

5. Barbara Gray, Manager of SDOT Transportation Systems Design & Planning Team spoke on opportunities and implementation that the city is enabling.

Projects and strategies discussed included the Seattle Commons, development at the Seattle Center, removing the Alaskan Way viaduct and water front redevelopment, skinny streets, traffic diverters, green drainage, green alleys, pollination pathways.

March 12, 2010
Built Green Conference 2010

Rico Quirindongo presented at the 2010 Built Green conference, along with Poppi Handy of SMR Architects. Their presentation, entitled “Beyond Vanilla Green: Pushing the Affordable Housing Envelope”, focused on bringing sustainable strategies to affordable housing, identifying green job opportunities for low-income communities, and identifying how the design and construction industry can be more responsive in a new green economy.

The Built Green Conference is an annual event for building industry professionals: builders, architects, designers, vendors, consultants, engineers, realtors, government agencies, and students. The primary focus of the conference is to educate the local and regional building industry on quality green building practices, products, and projects, as well as inspiring groups to continue to strive to build more sustainable communities.

November 1, 2009
DKA Architecture Adds Senior Interior Designer

DKA Architecture hired Julie Koch in October to head the Interiors Department.

Senior Interior Designer Julie Koch has wide-ranging experience including facility management, project development/planning, and project management and interior design for bank facilities, corporations, the federal government, and aviation clients.

Julie brings to the DKA team a wealth of knowledge and experience as a senior interior designer and project manager. During her 30-year career she has participated in a variety of federal projects for the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Army National Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, and U.S. Embassy, as well as many local and state agencies. Julie is particularly skilled at space programming and planning, tenant improvements, ADA assessment, furnishings selection and development of bid packages. She is lauded as a team player and team builder, facilitating collaboration between disciplines, contractors, end users and vendors ensuring successful completion of projects. 

October 1, 2009
DKA Architecture Named One of the Fastest Growing Private Companies

The Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual list of 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies, released October 2009, recognized DKA Architecture this year. At number 78 on the list, DKA joins other local companies that have not only kept their footing in this tumultuous economy, but have been innovative enough to keep up with changing times and grow their businesses. DKA is proud to receive this award for the second time; they previously won in 2005.

September 11, 2009
Rico Quirindongo Recognized as one of the PSBJ’s 40 Under 40

Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 under 40” award program spotlights top business leaders under the age of 40 who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership. In September, Project Architect Rico Quirindongo was named one of the 2009 honorees of this prestigious award.

Rico is actively engaged in his community and champions positive social change supported by our built environment. In his 15 years of professional experience, Rico has developed a keen awareness of the special requirements of nonprofit and public projects. His clients include King County Housing Authority, Department of Labor, and Seattle Public Schools. Rico’s experience in adaptive reuse can be seen in his work as architect for the Northwest African American Museum.