Dennis Dong of CH&D Architects, Inc.
An Ironclad Commitment To Commercial Architecture
Having a broad array of metal products from which to make the right selection is critical for commercial architects. But as our conversation with long-time Metal Sales client Dennis Dong of CH&D Architects, Inc. reveals, it’s really just the ante into the game.
Metal Sales: Dennis, what makes you such a proponent of metal siding and roofs in your projects?
Dennis Dong: We’re located in Southern California, and beyond its durability and fire resistance, metal offers us a tremendous range of different patterns and textures, as well as colors and finishes. Metal Sales has a great variety of colors and patterns, and that can be enhanced even more with all their trimming patterns that can be attached to the sidings.
MS: What is the aesthetic appeal that you find so compelling?
DD: I like the texture and the patterns that metal siding gives to an expanse of wall, how it reflects the sunlight and the shadow patterns it creates. Never having to worry about the color fading or needing painting is pretty appealing, too.
MS: What other factors make it a perfect product for Southern California?
DD: Being non-combustible is huge. But so is the fact that it’s a sustainable product that can be recycled, and the metal roofs can be incorporated into a potable water system, capturing rainwater.
MS: Beyond the physical product, what does Metal Sales bring to the drawing table that makes your job easier?
DD: When you’re designing a project, everyone wants to know what the material will look like. We rely on manufacturers to get us samples to show at review. All I have to do is call my Metal Sales rep and within days I’ve got everything I need for presentation.
MS: How do they impact the actual construction?
DD: If there’s ever an issue in the field, I just call my Metal Sales rep and they make a fair assessment to resolve any contractor issue. They make sure that the final product matches the design intent. Metal Sales is very responsive in everything from design to detailing to construction advice.
MS: What is the architect’s acid test for a supplier?
DD: Responsiveness. How quickly do they get back to you, how long does it take to answer a question, and if they can’t respond, whether they have the resources to get an answer. Some reps and some firms are stretched thin. My Metal Sales rep may be traveling two states away, but when he gets my phone call, he calls me right back.
Metal Sales provides the total support that you need in everything from the initial concept through proposal, product delivery and installation. They’ve got a strong track record, and working with Metal Sales is a very comfortable feeling.
Dennis Dong
Architect
MS: Have your projects with Metal Sales generated additional business?
DD: Absolutely. After our initial success with fire stations, we keep getting more and more of them. But it’s not just municipal projects. We put metal cladding on a dental studio in northern California, and a minister driving was enthralled with it – thought it would be perfect in his renovation of an old movie house, so it’s brought remodeling opportunities as well as new construction for the firm.
MS: What would you tell other architects about working with Metal Sales and its products?
DD: There are many aspects of design, the artistic side as well as the technical side. It has to be attractive, aesthetic but also very functional. Metal is an unbelievable material that covers both aspects of any project, and Metal Sales provides the total support that you need in everything from the initial concept through proposal, product delivery and installation. They’ve got a strong track record, and working with Metal Sales is a very comfortable feeling.
About CHP Architects and Dennis Dong
containerCalpo Hom & Dong Architects, Inc. provides Building Design, Master Planning, Interior Design, Design, Feasibility Studies, Space Planning, Facilities Management, Construction Administration, Historic Preservation and Consulting Services to clients throughout the western United States. In addition to its California State Small Business (SB) Certification, it is SMUD SEED Certified and holds memberships in theU.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Dennis Dong has received several Design Awards over the years for his excellence in design and execution of his projects. Dennis is a Senior Principal/Architect whose strength is with Public Works and Public Safety Facilities including Fire Stations, Police Facilities and Headquarters, Corporation Yards, Treatment Plants and more.
Learn more at: www.chdarchitects.com.