Frequently Asked Questions

DANKE (pronounced Dun-kah) is German for ‘thank you’ or ‘much obliged’. We selected DANKE as our name since it best expresses our gratitude to our clients + our enthusiasm to help others.

Fun fact: DANKE also incorporates the names of our little family: Dan, Kelly + Emilia.

In founding DANKE, our goal is to step outside the typical roles + norms of the architecture profession. The practice of architecture has taken a less risk adverse approach and have reduced roles + responsibilities.

We want to provide a more exclusive and immersive/hands-on approach to the development of projects than a typical architecture firm provides.

For instance, we understand architects can provide value if you bring them in before you buy a property. DANKE can research easements or historical restrictions, analyze zoning requirements, or identify potential structural issues before you sign on the dotted line.

Dan + Kelly - the founders of DANKE - have owned + developed properties in the District and Virginia. So we see things from an owner’s investment perspective, your goals, as well as the risks.

So although we are an architecture firm, we see ourselves as more than just a typical firm: we see the value in assisting you throughout the development of your project.

DANKE limits the number of projects it accepts to take on at any given time. This allows us to be present, focused, and responsive for our clients + our team members. The principal that you meet will be your exclusive architect; DANKE does not hand projects off.

You may or may not need an architect - it depends on the jurisdiction. Some residential + equestrian projects don’t require an architect’s involvement by law. However, there are legal thresholds that dictate when an architect is required including:
1. project scale;
2. construction budget; and
3. building elements involved.

We can help you determine if your project exceeded one of these thresholds.

But we also encourage people to view this question with an alternative perspective.
Home owners - your home is likely the one of the largest investments you may own - and people tend to spend a lot of time in it.

Business owners - the office is a critical piece of infrastructure and your brand identity, and it and deserves proper investment since it can affect output, employee retention, and profit.

For either owner type, if you answer “yes” to the question: “Do I need help thinking about how to use my space better + protect the longevity of my investment?”, then “yes” you should contact an Architect.

We recommend three steps:
First - Reach out to your network + social connections. Chances are, people you know and trust have worked with architects. Most of our work is through referrals like these – it works well for everyone, as the conversation starts out with a mutual, trusted referral.

Second – Google them. Review their website or social media, so you can see how they talk about their work, and get a sense of their personality, values, and priorities. If you like what you see, then ask for an interview.

Third - Interview them and be sure to ask them about their process. The architect-client relationship is an intense rollercoaster throughout the project; it is not a simple line going from Point A to Point B. There are thousands of decisions throughout the process, and you want to work with someone you’ll get along with, who’s good at helping you make decisions, and who makes you feel confident, reassured, and inspired.

It’s not enough that they know their stuff – you should select someone you feel comfortable working with + trust with your investment.

A project is a serious time commitment + investment. You want to work with someone you’ll get along with, who’s good at helping you make decisions, and who makes you feel confident, reassured, and inspired.

We recommend looking for three things:
First - They should include you in their design process. Most Architects meet with a client + then go into a black box to reemerge with design drawings for your review. Sometimes they get it right, other times not so much… The process should be built around + involve you since it is your investment. When architects incorporates the client in the process, it is a much more enjoyable rollercoaster.

Second - Ask how they handle budget issues. Just like marriages, money is the predominant strain on the relationship. The answer should involve you. The hardest thing an architect (or anyone for that matter) has to deal with is delivering bad news. So how do they do it?

Third - Pay attention to their demeanor + trust your gut. When meeting with them, do they listen to you? Do they talk over others? Do they have the same energy level + enthusiasm? Do your personalities align + do you trust them? It’s not enough that an architect has a good spiel + portfolio of work – they should be a good fit for your personality as well.

Short answer: yes, but we may not be the right firm for you.

DANKE wants to be involved from day one to after you move in. We know from years of experience that this is the best way to deliver a successful project. It also minimizes risk for our practice + your investment.

We want our clients to enjoy the ups and downs of the process + be thrilled with the final results. If you’re looking for less than full services, we’re probably not going to be a good match.

DANKE is based in Arlington, VA and we work primarily in the DMV area, but we are experienced in working on projects all over the country + globe. While an associate at Blackburn, Dan led teams on projects in California, New York, Texas, Ohio, and Dubai.

Architects licensure requirements are managed by each state. Dan is currently licensed in the District, Virginia, and Ohio. He is also NCARB certified, which makes getting reciprocal licensure in other states when needed.

DANKE uses cloud based management software + communication tools for our teams to collaborate together on projects, and Dan was well experienced using them years prior to the pandemic.

These tools allow for collaboration to take place regardless where team members - or projects - are located. So the world is literally our oyster.

Architects offer construction administration services, which is intended to assist you by providing a second set of eyes on the project. The architect serves as your agent to coordinate and inspect the contractor's work. Our primary job is to find out if there are any errors or omissions with the project and highlight them so that they can be taken care of.

The Construction Drawings prepared by an architect only show one thing: your intent. Drawings are like a recipe for a good stew with lots of ingredients. The contractor is the chef and is responsible for purchasing + installing the ingredients.

During construction, the ingredients may need to be changed. For instance, as soon as the walls are opened up, things change and anticipated ingredients may need to be reconsidered. Unfortunately architects + contractors do not have x-ray vision (at least not yet).

The recipe writer (architect) + chef (contractor) view a project from different perspectives. When (not if) challenges arise, having a good team in place with different points of view adds value in protecting the long-term viability of your investment.

Clients are typically not even aware of the hundreds (more like thousands) of little decisions that are made during a project. Most are small, but they can grow into something and take a life of their own.

The biggest challenge during construction is ensuring a small decision made by a contractor does not cause a snowball effect + create larger unforeseen consequences down the road. For instance, simply changing a roof membrane to a lower cost system may allow water damage + conditions for mold to grow.

It takes a team with different sets of eyes on the project to help reduce the likelihood of that from happening.

Budgeting is complex and is a major component of the project puzzle. Although architects are not accountants, we’re here to help you figure out budgets too. Remember, our job is more than just drawing nice pictures: we are your sherpas in getting your project done, including the nuances of budget management.

Market conditions + budgeting is always moving target - and you might be willing to spend more if you could get something you really want, but everyone always has a ceiling. In the event you go over, the industry only has three tools in its belt to address cost issues:
1. reduce scope/scale (use fewer ingredients or reduce the footprint);
2. decrease quality of construction (use cheaper ingredients); or
3. remove portions of the project (make two cakes instead of four).

DANKE’s approach is to put as much of your goals into initial concepts; establishing ‘good’, ‘better, and ‘best’ options. We also separate portions of the project into components. Then we get an estimate performed by a contractor.

Finally, working as a team, we prioritize the goals + components as needed. As the project develops, contingency allowances are managed to provide you a ‘piggy bank’ to dip into when confronted potential cost overruns. At the end of project, the amount remaining in the bank is returned to you.

There are three different budget terms typically used in a project:

Direct - Costs directly linked to the physical construction of a project. Material, labor and equipment prices are all direct costs, as are subcontractor costs. Rule of thumb: contractors typically list items only they are responsible for as direct costs + contractors tend to limit direct costs to inside the footprint of the building.

Construction - Overall cost to construct the project. This includes all building and site direct costs + contractor markups, but it typically excludes furnishings, unless those are in the contractors scope. FYI: contractors sometimes exclude items, e.g. site work, landscaping, etc. from construction costs. For instance, they may quote you a new house at $350 per sf, but have excluded additional costs.

Project - Holistic budget that includes everything to complete the project: construction budget + pre-construction costs (architectural fees, permitting fees, surveying, etc.) + furnishings + Site Work (if excluded). FYI: this is your all-in price.

The budget is 1:3 of the puzzle + it is also the source of most contention + confusion during a project. A contractor may quote a construction budget, but you understand it to be a project budget. You see where this is going…

Rule of thumb: The further into a project you go, the more expensive it becomes to make changes. Therefore, the budget is easiest to control at the outset of a project, but unfortunately it also hardest to predict since there are so many uncertain variables at that point of time.

As the architect, we test whether your goals match your budget. If you’re talking about a gut renovation with new kitchen, new in-law suite, and a pop-up addition, and your budget is $75k… unfortunately things do not align + we have to begin to prioritize the various components.

Of course! We love to work with people that we trust and know will provide value to your investment. We have strong relationships with several contractors - both on the local + national level. Refer to our resources page for links to recommended contractors.

As part of the design + team building process, we can assist our clients navigate the contractor selection process. This includes reviewing + comparing quotes, comparing contracts, and taking part in the contractor interview process.

Absolutely! Selecting a good site that aligns with your goals is another 1:3 of the puzzle. We are not licensed realtors, but we have worked with clients to define what qualities they should be looking for and evaluate potential properties before purchase. For instance, Dan assisted the Washington Humane Society (now the HRA) in selecting a site for their new facility + has assessed property for private developers.

It’s often better to bring in an architect early - even before you buy a property. DANKE can research easements or historical restrictions, analyze zoning requirements, or identify potential structural issues before you sign on the dotted line.

This can also provide time to assess development options to get a jump start on the project.

A construction loan is short-term financing that can be used to cover the costs associated with building or renovating a home, from start to finish.

They are typically issued for a period of 12 to 18 months, and some loans can automatically convert into a permanent 30-year mortgage once construction is complete. Dan used this product personally during the renovation of 622 + on the 412 Webster project. DANKE can recommend providers.

Should you consider using this loan is not an easier answer. DANKE can consult with you to determine if your project would be eligible. Dan recommends them since they can provide peace of mind by allowing you to build all or a significant number of components at once rather than doing it in phases.

When applying for the loan you will need:
1. the architect to provide plans;
2. a contractor to provide a quote;
3. an executed contract with a contractor; and
4. proof of insurance.

The process can extend a project’s timeframe, but is worth it in the end - especially if it provides you peace of mind.

Of course! There is so much research backing this up. When investing in a property, most people only consider the upfront purchase, and they tend to overlook the long-term hidden costs: operations + maintenance.

Economists have estimated that the long-term costs account for 60%-70% of the overall cost of the lifecycle of a property. This means the initial cost (purchase + build) is only 30% - 40% of the overall cost.

The best way to make a positive impact in reducing the hidden long-term costs is to invest upfront. The more sustainable + efficient a project is, the lower the operations + maintenance costs.

During the design process, we identify the good investments that you can make upfront (e.g. better insulation, solar PVs, etc.) to reduce the hidden costs + maximize the longevity of your property over time. During the concept phase, DANKE identifies grants, rebates, and other incentives available.