Rebecca J. Lewis Recognized by FGI as an Outstanding Leader with the Pioneer Award
The Pioneer Award of the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) honors select individuals and organizations of outstanding character who influence or create the future of health and residential care facility design and construction through their contributions and support of the mission and vision of the Facility Guidelines Institute. Rebecca Lewis was chosen for this honor as…Read More→
Building Readiness: The Influences of COVID-19 on Architecture Design
Written By: Steve Knutson, Principal Architect, NCARB, AIA, LEED AP Originally Published in the July 2020 Duluthian There is no doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has – and will continue – to present new challenges for everyone. As government officials begin to lift Stay at Home Executive Orders, architects are here to help transition facilities…Read More→
Steve Knutson Named as Additional Principal
(Duluth, MN) DSGW Architects has named associate and architect, Steve Knutson, to the role of principal. Knutson has worked for DSGW for the past 13 years and has played a pivotal role in supporting Native American Communities from the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Midwest. “Steve brings a high level of communication to our firm,…Read More→
World Interiors Day
By Julie Spiering CID, EDAC, LEED AP Principal, Director of Interior Design In recognition of World Interiors Day on May 23rd, an appreciation for “all things inside” feels hard to come by these days. Everyone has, across the globe, been inconvenienced; and for many, lives have been drastically impacted. Stay at home orders…Read More→
Health & Safety At Work
By Jarrid Houston, Specifications Writer There is an old saying in the Construction Industry that states, “safety comes at a cost”. In today’s current climate, that statement has significant meaning to each of us. The amount of time, money, and energy put into safety initiatives can create significant costs, but also can create value. If…Read More→
Wood Shop 2.0: The Resurgence of Technical Education Spaces in School Design
By John Erickson, AIA, LEED AP Principal Most people’s first thought might be a dusty, cluttered space at the end of a long corridor. Down where the noise is loud and the mess is large. Yes, those were the wood and metal shops of old. And my how things have changed. Current designs…Read More→
6 Ways Technology Has Changed Civic Design
By Erik Wedge, AIA, LEED AP Principal At DSGW, we’re committed to transforming communities through architecture. As professionals, we’re always looking for new methods or advancements to aid us in this commitment. When it comes to civic design — a field that encompasses things like fire halls and police stations as well…Read More→
Brainstorming Refined and Redesigned: This unique collaborative process is key to DSGW’s innovative work

By Rebecca J. Lewis, FAIA, FACHA, CID Principal, Director of Healthcare Design In architecture school we are taught a fancy French word for a process of team collaboration and interactive, real-time brainstorming. It’s called a charette and you’ve probably never heard of it — unless you’re an architect or have worked with one. The truth…Read More→
“Resimercial” Design: The rise of residential features in commercial spaces

By Carlie A. Kemp, CID, NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer Say the word “Millenial” and many people form an image of a high school or college kid, someone hooked on video games and sugary soda. In the workforce, they may cut a picture of silicon valley laissez-faire, all hoodies and sneakers. But Millenials are between…Read More→
Respecting the Tribe: The 7 principles of Indigenous engagement in the design process

By Mike Laverdure Principal, Director of First American Design Studio Since joining DSGW in 2008, I’ve worked on over 150 projects with 35 tribes in 8 states. Over the past decade we’ve learned a great deal about how to collaborate with Indigenous communities. We’ve discovered there are ways we prefer to work with tribes and…Read More→