Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
30 years
What is your primary product or service?
Professional: Architect specializing in residential and community building design
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Became interested in becoming an Architect while in High School. After two years of liberal Arts College, and after attending an incredible slide lecture by the late Architect Paulo Solari, I decided the very next day to apply to Architecture School and haven't looked back since.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Both superior design and superior client & project management. The design and construction process is exceedingly complex and difficult. It is not enough to provide just a great design. Clients need the Architect to follow up and shepherd projects all the way through completion. That is the only way to insure proper execution of the work and protection of the client.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One with no plans of additional
Provide detailed directions to your location
Corner of Fairfax Drive and Jackson Street in Clarendon, VA. We are located in the office building directly across from the George Mason Law Center.
What type of payments do you accept?
Personal checks
Which areas do you service?
The DC Metro area
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
David W. Ricks, AIA, President
What are your hours of operation?
8-6 M-F
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
"We interviewed numerous Design/Build and Architectural firms prior to selecting DW Ricks Architects. David and Steven conceptualized so many out of the box ideas for our home. Their attention to detail and knowledge of the trade is second to none. It's a rare trait today to find someone who cares about your project as if it was their own and delivers on every promise they made from our initial meeting."
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Aide Toi et Dieu T'aidera" (God helps those who help themselves)
Captain Raphael Semmes, the ship Alabama
"Less is more"
Mies Van Der Roe
"Less is nothing"
Morris Lapidus (Architect of the Fountainbleau in Miami, FL)