Business Details
Award-Winning Architecture Firm in Washington, D.C.
GriD Architects is a design-focused architecture firm rooted in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland. Founded by Alick Dearie and Brian Grieb, both graduates of the University of Maryland, our practice is built on the belief that architecture must be deeply connected to place, shaped by people, and refined through process. With a portfolio spanning cultural, institutional, commercial, and residential projects, we approach each challenge with technical precision and creative rigor. Our work has earned recognition including the AIA Chesapeake Bay Honor Award and inclusion in the Forbes Top Residential Architects in America list.We specialize in urban infill, adaptive reuse, and tailored residential architecture, delivering solutions that balance functionality with emotional resonance. Our teams academic and professional training emphasizes design excellence, ensuring every projectfrom handrail details to master plansis conceived and executed with care. We thrive on complexity, transforming constraints into opportunities for innovation while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and contextual sensitivity.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Hospitality Projects
Institutional Architecture
Urban Infill Development
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of experience in award-winning architectural design across scales and typologies.
- Our team holds AIA-recognized expertise in urban infill and adaptive reuse projects.
- We maintain a rigorous design process that prioritizes contextual sensitivity and technical precision.
- Our portfolio demonstrates proven success in both private and public sector projects.
- We deliver tailored solutions that integrate sustainability with functional, emotionally resonant spaces.
What people say
Award-winning designs
Contextual sensitivity
Technical precision
Creative problem-solving
Immersive experiences
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces that balance modern aesthetics with functional living. Our approach prioritizes site-specific design, natural light integration, and material selection that responds to local climate conditions. Projects range from waterfront retreats to urban infill developments, each emphasizing spatial dynamism and sustainable practices.
Commercial Design
Our commercial projects focus on creating adaptable, brand-aligned spaces that enhance user experience. We specialize in tenant fit-outs, mixed-use developments, and adaptive reuse of historic structures. Recent work includes award-winning office buildings and retail spaces that merge contemporary design with contextual sensitivity.
Hospitality Projects
We design hospitality spaces that create immersive experiences rooted in their geographic and cultural context. Our portfolio includes waterfront marinas, boutique hotels, and restaurant concepts that incorporate biophilic design elements and locally inspired material palettes to foster memorable guest experiences.
Institutional Architecture
We deliver functional, inspiring spaces for educational and community institutions. Our work includes university facilities, wellness centers, and public restrooms that address accessibility needs while maintaining design integrity. Projects emphasize wayfinding, durability, and integration with surrounding environments.
Urban Infill Development
We specialize in transforming underutilized urban sites into vibrant spaces that respect historical context. Our approach combines density optimization with architectural harmony, creating developments that enhance neighborhood character while meeting modern functional requirements.
People
Alick Dearie
Co-founder, Principal in Charge
Alick Dearie co-founded GriD Architects after graduating from the University of Maryland. His design philosophy emphasizes contextual responsiveness and material honesty. He oversees project execution, ensuring technical precision aligns with conceptual vision across all firm projects.
Brian Grieb
Co-founder, Design Principal
Brian Grieb, co-founder and design principal, focuses on creative problem-solving through architecture. His academic background informs the firm's approach to integrating theoretical rigor with practical solutions, particularly in adaptive reuse and urban design projects.
Questions
What architectural services does GriD Architects offer?
We provide residential, commercial, institutional, and hospitality architecture services with expertise in urban infill and adaptive reuse projects.
In which locations does GriD Architects operate?
We primarily serve Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and surrounding Maryland regions including Annapolis and Columbia.
What design approach does GriD Architects use?
Our approach emphasizes place-based design, integrating local context, climate, and client needs into every project's conceptual development.
Has GriD Architects received any industry recognition?
Yes, we've earned multiple AIA awards, ArchDaily Building of the Year recognition, and inclusion in Forbes' Top Residential Architects list.
Can GriD Architects handle complex urban development projects?
We specialize in complex urban infill projects, transforming challenging sites into functional, aesthetically integrated architectural solutions.
