(October 2011) Joining other local companies, DHArchitects, Inc. participated in the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase on Oct. 5.

Businesses at the event displayed their products and services in individual booths. The DHA section stood out with photographs of building designs and balloons.

DHA President Derek Howard said that a major highlight of the event was interacting with fellow vendors and building camaraderie within the local business community.

(September 2011) DHArchitects, Inc. President Derek Howard in 1986 aimed to own an architectural firm that gave back to the community by building schools, churches and parks.

Now the firm celebrates reaching 25 years in business.

"I feel blessed and humbled to have been in business over the years," Howard said about the accomplishment.

DHA launched as a full-service architectural firm in September 1986.

(August 2011) Media, community members, and the school principal greeted students at New Evanston Academy on Aug. 18 as the school doors opened for the first time to faculty, students and staff.

More than 400 students showed up that day to use the school for the first time.

“Imagine the psychological impact of starting school with this type of support,” said DHArchitects President Derek Howard.

DHA’s school planning team had been preparing for about three years to build a safe learning environment for youth in the community.

As students explored their new academy, Howard greeted parents at the front door for the school building along with school district administrators and business partners. Coffee, juice and donuts were also available for parents to enjoy.

A plaque was installed at the school to acknowledge community volunteers who helped build a new landmark in town.

“It’s important to acknowledge community volunteer efforts,” Howard said.

(July 2011) The Better Business Bureau has given DHArchitects, Inc. an A-plus rating, based on the company’s track record, standards, practices, service and integrity.

“I am humbled,” said DHA President Derek Howard about the rating. “As a small business owner for 25 years, I am simply grateful to survive during these challenging economic times. However, regardless of the economic climate, I think it is imperative for all business owners to hold onto the core values that provide the foundation for the purpose and meaning of one’s business. Architecture to me is an opportunity to serve.”

Other factors that contributed to DHA's rating, according to the bureau, are DHA’s length of time in business, its complaint-free record, and the bureau's background information on the business.

“But the real test for our success is how we address failure; we must hold onto faith knowing that we will be upheld if we seek obedience and righteousness in every aspect of our lives,” Howard said.

He added that clients could check and balance a business by applying the “Rotary Four Way” test (from the international Rotary Foundation.) The test (listed below) is a simple checklist for ethical behavior. So, of any business, ask the following questions:

a) Is it the truth?

b) Is it fair to all concerned?

c) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

d) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“I have found over time that applying this simple test seems to resolve almost any business problem. To summarize, I think it is more important to try to be a blessing to others each day of your life, regardless of how you may be ‘rated’ or viewed by others. Imagine what our lives would be like if we all tried this,” Howard said.

(June 2011) DHArchitects attempts to build strong working relationships within its construction teams, and has found that the more it encourages and empowers all members of a team, the overall project appears to benefit.

Each month DHA asks to honor an individual who has contributed to the success of a project for that month. Milestones or achievements by the construction team are also celebrated.

For example, in April, DHA held an "Evanston Academy Team Golf Outing" to prepare the entire group for the project closeout.

"The outing was done to re-energize team bonding, as some members will move onto other projects," said DHA President Derek Howard.

He added that the end result of team-building appears to be projects that meet the owner's schedule and within the owner's budget.

LEED is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green-building certification program. In an effort to model sustainable initiatives, DHA recently resealed its office parking lot with a sealer that provides a Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of about 45.

Solar Reflectance is the fraction of the solar energy that is reflected by the surface in question, according to the Environmental Energy Technologies Division of the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The intent of this new work is to reduce heat island effect around our office, and to minimize its impact on the microclimate and human and wildlife habitat,” Howard said. “Heat island effect occurs when warmer temperatures are experienced in urban landscapes compared to adjacent rural areas as a result of solar energy retention on constructed surfaces. Principal surfaces that contribute to the heat island effect include streets, sidewalks, parking lots and buildings.”

Paving the way for a “green” parking lot is one way to obtain LEED's Sustainable Site credit 7.1, which focuses on the heat island effect—this is done by providing more than 50 percent of a site's hardscape with a SRI of at least 29.

“We hope to demonstrate how we all can do our part—even if it is a small part—to minimize any negative impact on our microclimates. It is no surprise to me, to find that our parking lot area is comfortable to the human touch and is cooler even during the heat of the day,” Howard said.