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Alexander Design Studio was founded in 1992. It’s an award winning practice founded on the principle that good design is a marriage of intellectual ideas and rigorous functional problem solving.

Alexander Design Studio’s philosophy is that the relationship with our clients is paramount to the success of our projects. This starts with listening. We approach every project in a collaborative manner and help facilitate productive discussion, ask relevant questions, flag key issues and genuinely value the process and how it informs the design. The diversity of our work reflects the core identity of the people and organizations who have entrusted us with their design needs as well as our own search for unique expressions that are timeless in their form and substance. Our process-oriented approach is dependent on thoughtful analysis and open dialogue with our clients in order to define key project goals, programmatic needs, budget and contextual constraints. Architectural solutions are developed and refined through an interactive process that challenges conventional form making and pushes solutions beyond predictable limits. This dedication to client involvement and idea development helps build consensus and shared enthusiasm for a common goal.

Creative approaches to complex problems

Complex projects that are diverse in scale, detail and implications require a design team that can help navigate the process. Our design process treats all decisions with the same thoughtful consideration of context, technical requirements, goals and budget. We like to call this Functional Problem Solving. Constraints inform our work as much as aspirations to enhance communities and deliver high quality design. We take pride in providing elegant solutions to complex messy problems, while working within tight budgets and the realities of existing buildings and infrastructure. Our projects do not conform to any one style, but instead are unique solutions that reflect the values and aspirations of our clients.

Community Focused

Our work seeks to further the interconnected missions of our clients through architectural design, while striving to be authentic, joyful and a celebration of place. The studio’s focus on non-profit, institutional and religious clients aligns with the firm’s mission that the architect’s responsibility is to help create a better society and improve the lives of others. As such we have an ongoing program of pro-bono design for not-for-profit organizations that pursue the greater good through the arts, service and education.

Lasting Relationships

We maintain a highly diverse portfolio of work, which varies widely in scope and budget. We firmly believe that no project is too small or too large, but rather its success is driven by the ideas and relationships that form the design. We view each project as a distinct opportunity to create exceptional works of architecture. We always seek clients who value what we offer, curious people who are interested in creating a positive impact and have a faith in architecture’s capacity to improve our environment.

Our Team

Our office is small, but mighty. We are proud of our reputation, not only as creative problem solvers and collaborative listeners, but also as technicians of thorough construction documents that can be accurately bid and efficiently built.

Charles Alexander, AIA LEED AP

Principal

Principal

Charles Alexander, AIA LEED AP

Cornell University | Bachelor of Architecture
Yale University | Master of Architecture

Charles balances a strong background in innovative design with a long family history in the construction industry. The result is an ability to achieve exciting, sophisticated solutions while fulfilling client needs in a realistic, clear, and swift fashion. His extensive travels abroad have enriched his holistic approach to architecture and underscore his belief in the long and continuous line of architectural thought. His efforts have earned both academic and professional recognition, as well as numerous design awards.

Jessica Damseaux, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Principal

Jessica Damseaux, AIA, LEED AP

Cornell University | Bachelor of Architecture

Jessica’s background includes multiuse, multifamily, commercial, and institutional projects of varying scales. She has managed complex projects, coordinating consultants throughout design and construction, as well as led projects through LEED certification. She has served on the Lecture Series Committee for AIA Baltimore as well as the chapter’s Board of Directors.

Katherine LePage, AIA

Principal

Principal

Katherine LePage, AIA

Washington University in St. Louis | Masters of Architecture
University of Maryland | Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Principal & Project Manager, Katherine has a passion for design and knack for listening and interpretation of clients’ needs. She has coordinated teams for numerous complex historic projects and is a skilled orchestrator of communication and information amongst all parties involved. Outside of work she teaches at MICA, serves on the Baltimore Architecture Foundation board of directors and enjoys teaching her dog new tricks.

Join a group dedicated to design

At Alexander Design Studio, we're always looking for passionate, talented individuals to join our team. Focus is on cultural, mixed use residential and educational projects. Ideal candidates will have a passion for great design, a desire to work on a variety of project types at multiple scales and the ability to work well within a team environment. We offer a flexible work environment, competitive benefits and mentoring opportunities for employee growth and development. To apply please submit a cover letter, resume and work samples as a single PDF file. Please be conscious of file size.

Current Openings
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How we work

Complex projects require a responsible, thoughtful and multi-disciplinary approach to managing the flow of information between project partners. ADS works closely with all partners as well as the internal team to maintain proactive communication. We identify a single point o contact for each discipline to allow for information to be communicated quickly throughout the process and keep the team focused.

We love architecture and enjoy helping others build spaces that serve their goals

Our Project Management Approach

We also use a variety of tools including Revit Modeling, Newforma Project Center, scheduling tools as well as regular coordination meetings and issue logs. To avoid any gaps in knowledge or design intent we dedicate the same team of individuals to a project from concept through construction.