Join DRS as we celebrate each decade of our 60 years of design excellence!
2009 -- | - YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh | - Allegheny Health Network -- | - Indiana University of Pennsylvania - | --- DCNR -- | -- 2019
Thelma Lovette YMCA, Pittsburgh, PA
DRS was asked by the YMCA of Pittsburgh to provide complete architectural/interior design services for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art YMCA. Located at the heart of Pittsburgh’s Hill District, this new institution contributes to the regeneration of an historic, national center for African American culture. The full-service Y includes a gym, a running track, a swimming pool, wellness spaces, community rooms, child-watch areas, locker rooms, administrative offices and a roof garden - all carefully planned to engage its steeply sloping urban context by connecting to sidewalks at multiple levels. The dominant architectural feature of this LEED NC Silver Certified facility is a transparent façade that enhances the building’s energy performance while connecting its interior activities to the life of the street.   
2009 - - | - -- North Fayette - | -- Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport -- | - - Port Authority of Allegheny County | - Excela Health -- | - 2019
Nemacolin Ski Lodge, Farmington, PA
The Sundial Lodge serves Nemacolin’s guests as a four-season outdoor adventure center and full-service dining destination. Situated atop Mystic Mountain, the two-story structure of heavy timber and glass captures dramatic views of the surrounding Laurel Highlands landscape. Completed less than a year after the pre-existing lodge was destroyed by a fire, much of the project’s success can be attributed to a close collaboration of owner, builder and architect to deliver another first-rate resort attraction in time for the following ski season.
2009 -- | -- Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa - | - Ronald McDonald House Charities -- | -- Double Tree by Hilton u-- | - --- 2019
North Fayette Community Center
The New Community Center provides a capstone for North Fayette Township’s Donaldson Park Recreation Complex. Overcoming challenging budget, topographic and program constraints, DRS worked closely with community leaders to create this signature, multi-purpose venue which includes a basketball court, fitness areas, a running track, an indoor playground, a childhood learning center, administrative offices, an outdoor terrace and an upper floor banquet space / conferencing center for 150 persons, overlooking the Park. Serving one of the region’s most rapidly developing municipalities, the structure is designed to accommodate a major future expansion, nearly doubling its current footprint.
2009 -- | -- Slippery Rock University -- | -- Department of Energy -- | -- La Roche University S- | -- University of Pittsburgh -- | - - 2019
The design of the new Student Union was the result of a collaboration between DRS and our consultant, Sasaki Associates. The contemporary design features a dramatic three-story entry atrium, cantilevered ballroom and theater, outdoor dining area, 35-foot-long re-circulating waterfall and pedestrian bridge to the hillside. From the beginning, the University made a commitment to pursue a LEED NC Silver Certification. A highlight of the sustainable features is a 13,000SF vegetated roof which combined with other landscape design elements seamlessly integrates the new facility into the campus environment. The project won the Honor Award by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the AIA in 2013.
Student Union, Slippery Rock University
2009 - | - BNY Mellon | Grove City College - | UPMC Children's Hospital | -- Kutztown University | - Point Park University - | - 2019
BNY Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
In a collaboration that has continued for over a decade, DRS Architects and BNY Mellon have renovated over 1.75 M square feet of interior space, updating working environments for over 5,000 members of the bank’s staff.  DRS has provided programming, planning, design and construction support services for a wide variety of corporate spaces, ranging in scale from a modest 1,000 Sf to over 100,000 SF, including lobbies, offices, lounges, lavatories, touch-down spaces and conferencing centers. 

In 2012, DRS participated in a most unusual technical challenge: re-coating BNY Mellon’s corporate headquarters, a 54-story, steel-clad tower in downtown Pittsburgh. The project, which was recognized with a Master Builders Association Excellence Award, required the design and construction team to develop innovative techniques uniquely suited to protecting thousands of square feet of exposed structural steel cladding with a durable, high-performance finish capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of our western Pennsylvania climate.
2009 - | - Duquesne University | - East Liverpool City Hospital -- | - General Services Administration - | -- Clarion University - | 2019
The newly renovated Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy (CEAT) Suite was designed to provide an environment for therapists to engage in the healing process with patients. The spaces provide an alternative method for helping patients through the use of music and art as a form of communication. Biophilic design principles combine daylight, color, materials and organic forms to support the process, connecting patients and their families with nature. The Suite is a place for children and families to develop their creative expression; allowing them to improve and enhance their physical, mental and emotional well-being during their stay at the hospital. 
Creative and Expressive Art Therapy Suite
2009 - - | - Edinboro University | - Department of General Services -- | - Supelco | -- Community College of Beaver County - | - 2019
Left to Right: Tobie Nepo, Jon Funari, Gretchen Zetler, Scott Hazlett, Paul Cali
In 2017 the firm began leadership changes by naming Paul Cali, Jon Funari, Scott Hazlett, Tobie Nepo, and Gretchen Zetler as Principals. With new leadership in place, Kathryn Jolley retired in May of 2018 and Phil Hundley and Greg Madej retired in May of 2019. All three retiring Principals had spent most of their careers at DRS, Kathryn (36 years), Phil (59 years), and Greg (47 years).
This year, DRS Architects is celebrating 60 years of design excellence in architecture, planning and interior design.  We want to share the six decades of our history with you and thank our clients for their continued support. Please follow us as we celebrate projects completed throughout each of our six decades in business.
Need to catch up? Click the links above to read about past decades!