Architect Davood Shahin, AIA, has designed it all - from small buildouts to large-scale renovations and ground-up construction.
His work runs the gamut: He has designed tenant improvements for a 2,500 s/f retail store, a 220,000 s/f shopping center, space planning for 30,000 s/f of office space, designs for a 250,000 s/f airport terminal, and thousands of luxury condos.
After earning his architectural degree from a prestigious university in Tehran, Iran, and working on several high-profile projects there, Shahin saw the writing on the wall and emigrated to the U. S. in 1977, just a few years before the revolution that toppled the Shah's government.
He brought his experience, skills and professional passion to two prominent architectural firms in Boston, Sumner Schein Co., and Carter and Burgess. Shahin served as senior project manager and designer for these two highly-respected firms for 22 years. Then he branched out on his own, and founded DSH Design Group. This year marks his 35th year as an architect.
He said, "I love my work no matter the size or type. Each project has its own challenges - and those are what inspire us. My passion is for client satisfaction. I try to anticipate my client's thinking. Clients appreciate our collaborative team approach at every stage. From the project's start, we actively engage the client, the contractor, local officials and stakeholders, and other consultants. This way, the project moves smoothly, without surprises."
In Westborough, Mass., building commissioner Tin Htway says he enjoyed working with Shahin on the $2 million renovation and repositioning of the 200,000 s/f Westmeadow Plaza. Htway says the new design resurrected a tired plaza and has had a ripple effect, attracting such new tenants as Ann & Hope and Dollar Tree. "Local officials worked with Shahin and the owners to make the permitting process go smoothly and take a shorter time." Htway said DSH engaged the town from the project's start that helped to expedite the permitting process.
Under Shahin's leadership and strong management, DSH Design Group has earned a solid reputation, especially in retail design, where the firm turns projects around on a fast track.
* Westmeadow Plaza - Westborough - 200,000 s/f, $2 million renovation and repositioning of retail plaza; Client: GPB Real Estate. The quick turnaround of documents by DSH helped completion of the project within six months, in time for the holiday season.
* Northshore Mall, Peabody - Designed $1 million new entrance and concourse for Simon Properties' mall; Although in a disadvantaged location, the new elegant and unique design now attracts shoppers to this entrance.
* Atlas Neighborhood Center, Holyoke - 220,000 s/f retail plaza - design stage/site permitting; Client: O'Connell Development Group.
* Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) Client: KS Partners / Dept of Health & Human Resources, Commonwealth of Mass. - 30,000 s/f space planning project
Andrew Crystal, VP of O'Connell Development said, "We have worked with DSH for over 10 years. Davood has shown DSH has been able to balance competing interests of quality, exceptional design and budget constraints."
Among other DSH projects: Renovation of Seekonk Plaza; Time Equities of New York; Taunton Crossing; new shopping center in Taunton, Mass.; Client: Coastal Development of N.H..; The Loops, Methuen, Mass. Renovations of existing stores; client: The Wilder Companies.
The firm's new motto to mark his 35th anniversary is: "We listen more than we talk, we perform more than we claim, and we deliver more than you expect. Our designs are Distinctive, Simple and in Harmony, which fits with our name, DSH." Shahin said. "We are highly motivated to take on new challenging projects and new clients, and promise highly competitive fees. Give us a call."