Business Details
45 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services
CGS Architects, founded in 1981 and based in Washington, DC's historic Georgetown neighborhood, specializes in creating community-centric architectural solutions. With over four decades of experience, the firm offers architectural design, interior design, master planning, and programming services, focusing on projects that reflect client values and cultural contexts. Their collaborative approach emphasizes stakeholder engagement, ensuring designs address community needs while maintaining design excellence.The firm has earned more than 75 local, regional, and national design awards, demonstrating expertise in K-12 and higher education institutions, religious facilities, libraries, and civic spaces. CGS Architects' commitment to sustainability, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse underscores their dedication to responsible, innovative design that shapes environments where communities thrive.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Master Planning
Programming Services
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Additions
Renovations
New Construction
Civic Design
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of experience in community-centric architectural design
- Collaborative approach prioritizing stakeholder input and community needs
- Recipient of 75+ local, regional, and national design awards
- Specialized expertise in educational and institutional architecture
- Commitment to sustainable design and historic preservation
Associations and certifications
- Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) - DC Department of Small and Local Business Development
Services
Architectural Design
CGS Architects provides comprehensive architectural design services for new construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects. Our approach combines creative problem-solving with technical expertise to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet client needs. We work across all project phases, from initial concept development to construction administration, ensuring design integrity throughout the building process.
Interior Design
Our interior design services focus on creating purposeful, user-centric environments that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. We specialize in educational and institutional interiors, balancing practical requirements with innovative design solutions that reflect organizational identity and support end-user needs while maintaining code compliance and sustainability standards.
Historic Preservation
CGS Architects offers specialized historic preservation services that maintain architectural integrity while adapting buildings for modern use. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology to restore and repurpose historic structures, ensuring they remain functional community assets while preserving cultural heritage and architectural significance.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans that guide long-term development of educational and civic institutions. Our approach integrates stakeholder input with practical considerations of site constraints, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals to create visionary yet implementable plans that support organizational growth and community needs.
Programming Services
Our programming services establish clear project requirements through detailed analysis of client needs, space requirements, and operational workflows. This foundational phase informs design decisions, ensuring final solutions align with functional requirements, budget constraints, and future growth considerations while maintaining flexibility for evolving needs.
People
Bill Spack
Principal
Bill Spack, founding principal of CGS Architects, has led the firm since 1986. With extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and community-focused design, he has shaped the firm's commitment to creating spaces that reflect client values while serving community needs.
Joanna Schmickel
Principal
Joanna Schmickel, FAIA, brings 39+ years of architectural experience to CGS Architects. Specializing in educational and cultural projects, she has received numerous awards for her work and established the firm's Design Like a Girl mentorship program to inspire future architects.
Ed Foley
Principal
Ed Foley, AIA, with over 27 years at CGS Architects, focuses on community-centered design solutions. His expertise in stakeholder collaboration and commitment to relationship-based design have shaped numerous award-winning educational and civic projects across the region.
Don Gregory
Principal
Don Gregory, AIA, brings 25+ years of experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse to CGS Architects. His expertise in integrating new construction with historic contexts has been instrumental in preserving Washington DC's architectural heritage while meeting modern needs.
Derek Banocy
Principal
Derek Banocy, AIA, serves as CGS Architects' BIM Manager and project leader. With 24 years of experience, he guides diverse projects from concept to completion while maintaining technical excellence and promoting efficient design workflows through digital modeling expertise.
Questions
What types of architectural services does CGS Architects offer?
CGS Architects provides architectural design, interior design, master planning, programming services, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, additions, renovations, and new construction for educational, institutional, and civic clients.
How long has CGS Architects been in business?
CGS Architects has been serving clients since 1981, with over 40 years of experience creating award-winning architectural solutions in Washington DC and surrounding areas.
What makes CGS Architects different from other firms?
CGS Architects distinguishes itself through community-centric design, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and a proven track record of 75+ design awards for educational and civic projects across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Which geographic areas does CGS Architects serve?
While based in Washington DC, CGS Architects serves clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region including Maryland, Virginia, and Northern Virginia, with notable projects in Bethesda, McLean, and Arlington.
What industries does CGS Architects specialize in?
CGS Architects specializes in educational architecture (K-12 and higher education), institutional design, civic facilities, religious buildings, and historic preservation projects that serve community needs.
How does CGS Architects approach the design process?
CGS Architects employs a collaborative, stakeholder-driven design process that emphasizes community engagement, sustainability, and technical excellence to create spaces that reflect client values and cultural contexts.
