Over the past few months, we have seen the Coronavirus pandemic take the world by surprise. We believe the current health situation is one of our greatest challenges to our a nation – personally and professionally. The health and safety of our team members, their families, our clients, friends and colleagues remain foremost in our minds and greatly influence our decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an uncertain health environment, and created unexpected challenges for our community. The Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS team extends our heartfelt feelings to those suffering illness or loss, and the anxiety about the future. By following sound practices and guidance from expert health professionals, exercising patience in trying times, and caring for each other, we will eventually overcome our current circumstance.

We are continuing our operations remotely, effective until we can safely return to our office. We are fortunate that our services can be provided through our computers, networks, team communication platforms and phones. As we monitor the constantly changing health and safety situation, we will keep you informed of operations in our office.

The Washington, D.C. Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) has announced that David Haresign, FAIA, a founding partner of Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS, has been selected to receive the 2021 Centennial Medal, the Chapter’s highest honor.

With a career spanning more than 45 years, David is a widely recognized leader of the Washington region’s design community. David is 2013 Past President of AIA|DC and board leader from 2009 – 2014, and co-chaired the Host Chapter Committee for the 2012 National AIA Conference in Washington, DC. David organized and chaired two major, highly successful exhibits at the District Architecture Center focusing on architects’ impact on the city – reVISION :: THINKING BIG and reBIRTH :: Washington, DC 50 Years after 1968. David continues to contribute to AIA|DC through his continued very active leadership in the Design Excellence Committee and in the Fellows Committee, and through his active mentorship of emerging and mid-career architects and designers. David is a sought-after design critic, and a frequent lecturer and panelist on current architecture and practice at regional universities, and national and local conferences.

Historic Slowe and Carver Halls provided housing for single war workers and then Howard University students for an impressive 75-year span, but each had reached the end its useful life as this specific dormitory design. Both buildings were designed by Hilyard Robinson, a distinguished architect and the first African American to earn an architecture degree from Columbia University (B.Arch,1924 and M.S. in Architecture, 1931).

Bonstra | Haresign ARCHITECTS along with client team Urban Investment Partners and Neighborhood Development Company creatively and painstakingly transformed the two Howard University dormitory buildings into 164 moderately priced apartments while preserving a historically significantly piece of the LeDroit Park community. These three-story apartment budlings offer the only high-density multifamily residences in the walkable and public transit-oriented neighborhood.

Robust marketing is a primary requirement for successful architecture firms. David Haresign, FAIA is participating with a panel of national and local experts on Tuesday, April 20 to discuss the marketing strategies that have been proven to win business and retain clients. AIA Potomac Valley will facilitate an informative discussion that will provide attendees with a spectrum of tips and strategies for developing a strong marketing program for design firms. We hope to see you online for this lively discussion!