“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.
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DeWees Design was founded in 2005 by Donnie DeWees as a creative, collaborative design and art studio dedicated to the design and construction industry. Donnie has taken the culmination of 35 plus years in the profession and created a design studio that rigorously explores unique, creative ideas while being dedicated to meeting the needs of the client and striving to always do what is in the best interest of the project as a whole.
Donnie is considered an industry leader in the design of Fire Stations and Emergency Response Facilities throughout the state of California. He is also considered an expert in the design of International Theme Parks and the supportive facilities, rides and attractions.
Donnie has created a 35-year diverse portfolio of award-winning design work for the following project typologies:
- Fire Station and Emergency Response Facilities
- Restaurant and Food Service Facilities
- Entertainment, Theme Park and Water Park Projects
- Higher Education Facilities
- Medical Space Planning and Facility Design
- Commercial and Retail Design
- Military Physical Fitness Projects
- Single-family Residential Custom Residences
- Accessory Dwelling Units – A.D.U.s
- Residential Remodels and Additions
- Multi-Family Residential Projects
- Churches and Church Set Design
- Custom Furniture Design
- Professional Sand Sculpting Studio – DD/SSS
Dedication to the profession of Architecture
Donnie has served the American Institute of Architects as a Director on the boards of both the AIA Orange County and the AIA California Council. He has also chaired numerous committees for AIA Orange County.
Dedication to the Environment
Donnie is LEED Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. He has designed four fire stations that achieved LEED Certification and incorporates sustainable building practices in all projects.
Dedication to Architectural Education
Donnie has served the American Institute of Architects Orange County by chairing the Community College Design Competition from 1997 to 2001. He has been invited as a guest speaker at multiple community colleges since 2000 and has been a guest critic and juror for the Cal Poly Pomona/Walt Disney Imagineering Bobby Brooks studio from 2011 to present.
Dedication to Nurturing the Next Generation
Donnie is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation within the field by creating a studio environment for student interns to further their professional knowledge of the field.
Dedication to the Community
Donnie served the City of Orange as a member of the City’s Design Review Committee from 2003 to 2008.
Dedication to the Arts
Donnie has continued to pursue his status as one of the leading sand sculptors in the industry and continues to participate in professional projects and national contests on an annual basis. Sand sculpture has allowed him to travel the globe as well as extensively through the United States in pursuit of his art.
DeWees Design / Sand Sculpting Studio – DD/SSS, is a new entity based on Donnie DeWees’ 35 plus years as a Professional Sand Sculptor.
