Ahead of the Curve

New Mexico Business Journal, Sept, 1997 by Rebecca Murphy

"The building was a real benchmark building for us," Schiff said. "Besides being elegant, it's fun, exciting and energy-conserving with a high level of interior comfort."

Energy conservation must not be an end in itself, Schiff said. "We don't want to design a building to be energy efficient but unlivable. You have to juggic, but that's what makes it fun."

Every one of the firm's five principals continues to work daily in project designs. "Because we have so many partners, we have so much more talent," Schiff said. "The principals do the design here, in addition to various financial and administrative duties."

Dave Dekker, for example, is currently at work on the Theater Air Command & Control Simulation Facility at Kirtland. That project has made extensive use of the firm's computer capability, which employs CAD, a sophisticated design program that is radically changing the way firms design and deliver projects. Basically, the program allows clients and architects to work together by viewing design options that are drawn and redrawn rapidly on the screen.

Del Dixon is the youngest partner. His work includes a number of post office designs throughout the state. As post offices increasingly turn to retail sales, the government has had to look at redesigning its buildings to allow for more retail space. "The post office has expanded from focusing only on service to an emphasis on sales," Dixon said. "The government is looking for architectural firms that understand retail and customer appeal."

One secret of the firm's success, Schiff said, lies in the relationship it has with building contractors. "We've really tried to learn and respect builders and in return they have done a phenomenal job," he said. "New Mexico has talent and capabilities in the contracting field equal to anywhere else. We have to leave behind the idea that we are a third-class design and construction state. There is no limit to what we can do here."

DCSW principal Richard Braun hopes the future of his firm lies in the larger scale projects such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and Balloon Park currently under design. The firm is also in contract negotiations for Lodestar, a government observatory outside Grants.

Whatever the projects ahead, DCSW will continue to expand its energies into creative, energy-saving designs "There's really not a whole lot new in architecture," Schiff said. "But good design will always stand out as good design. When you put it in perspective, you must design a building well enough that you - and the public - will be proud of it."

Rebecca Murphy writes frequently for the New Mexico Business Journal.