A Chat With...Jason Dickens, COO

We sat down with Jason for a snapshot of what he does on a day to day basis, the why behind his passion for DSA, and a little bit of fun along the way.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: One of the best parts about my position at DSA is that each day brings on a new opportunity, whether it’s a new potential client, a scheduling opportunity, working on proposals or contracts, helping a team member with various project opportunities, or developing a new internal process to help create firm efficiencies each day at DSA is unique.

Q: What do you most like about your job?

A: My entire life is driven by the opportunity to succeed, being able to see the next opportunity and seeing a path for growth, not just for me but for the team around me. The reason I come to work every day, the reason I have worked for DSA for as long as I have is because of the endless opportunities that exist here. The fascinating thing about the opportunity that exists in DSA is that it is 100% driven by each and every person who is employed here. The Team, as I like to call them, is the reason I come to work every day. The Team is the reason I do what I do. Without them, the opportunity doesn’t exist.

Q: What is your favorite project to date?

A: The Bob Martinez Athletic Center project we worked on in 2011 was a defining moment for Design Styles Architecture.  This was one of our first major higher education projects and it made a huge impact on the University.  From the early hand sketches and renderings to the final product this project was a highly collaborative effort within the office which had input from a good portion of the office.  The design process utilized during this project has been followed since and really set the tone for how we design projects today.

Q: What is your favorite architectural style?

A: Architectural styles are not something I focus on. What’s important to me is what is important to our clients. Our job as Architects and Designers is to listen to our clients and bring the vision they have to reality. The whole reason the name of our Firm is Design Styles Architecture is to help promote all styles of architecture. We want our clients to know that the dreams they have about what they want to build is our favorite style for them. Being able to see the positives in every style and designing them something no one else has is what helps drive the design motivation in the office.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Outside of work I love spending time with my family. Being the only male in the house (and yes that includes both my cat and my dog), I am very outnumbered but also blessed to have such a wonderful family. They mean everything to me. When I do have free time, I enjoy running, hiking, swimming, and growing up in Western New York, I am a big fan of the Buffalo Bills, Go Bills.

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” – Gina Milicia

Click here to learn more about Jason and the rest of the Design Styles Architecture team.