Dills Architects is rooted in the understanding that design is an act of civic responsibility — one that must serve the present while anticipating what the future may hold.
This way of working traces back to the firm’s founder, Dan Dills.
As a member of an Army construction unit, Dan developed a discipline rooted in technical rigor and buildable solutions. While stationed in southern Germany, a visit to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in 1961 revealed something more. There, destruction and renewal coexist—holding the weight of what has been while making space for what can come next.
Design begins with understanding—and with the responsibility to carry that forward. That insight shaped the ethos of the Virginia Beach practice established in 1983.
Today, his son Clay carries this forward.
Growing up on the mid-Atlantic coast—a region defined by convergence and constant change—he learned to read complexity as part of daily life. Urban, suburban, and agricultural systems overlap. Community life, tourism, and defense infrastructure intersect. Water and land are in continual negotiation. From this comes an instinct for sensing how forces—both visible and unseen—shape a place. His training at Virginia Tech and The Cooper Union refined that instinct into architectural practice.
At Dills Architects, this way of seeing defines the work.
We immerse ourselves in the realities of a place—its people, systems, history, and constraints—recognizing that more is present than is immediately visible. Through observation, inquiry, and synthesis, we come to understand the forces shaping it. From that understanding, direction emerges—a sense of what a place can become.
We carry a shared vision forward with discipline and care, ensuring the promise holds as it moves from idea to built reality.
Dills Architects is, at its core, a practice of stewardship—uncovering what’s there, unlocking what it can become, and making the best real.
Understanding what’s there.
Our work begins with the understanding that more is present than is immediately visible. Comfortable not knowing, yet confident we will come to know by asking and listening. Honed through decades of work in complex coastal environments, we read the visible and invisible forces shaping a place—how people move and gather, how ecological systems intersect, and how conditions evolve over time. Environmental responsibility is not a separate service or added layer, but embedded in our observation, inquiry, and synthesis.
Unlocking what it can become.
We develop a nuanced understanding of the people, systems, stories, and conditions shaping a place. A direction becomes clear—aligning purpose and potential. Both grounded and ambitious, a shared vision emerges.
Ensuring the best becomes real.
Through collaboration and disciplined execution, we ensure the promise holds as it moves from idea to reality—resolving complexity without losing intent. At its core, this is the practice of stewardship—carrying what is, to what is needed, to what is extraordinary.
As Design Principal and Owner, Clay leads with a commitment to elevating our shared institutions through architecture that is grounded, aspirational, and built to last. He guides projects with a clear design point of view and a collaborative approach that reflects Dills’ role as stewards of the possible.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | the Jetty
Go-To Coffee Order | black coffee, dark roast
Clay Dills AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Design
Principal | Owner
Anna helps lead Dills with a people-first, operations-minded approach that keeps the studio responsive and mission-aligned. With an Interior Design degree from Virginia Tech and a minor in Business Leadership, she supports the work from strategy through execution.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Astrea Coffee
Go to coffee order | More of a tea person – chai tea latte (hot)
Anna Campbell
Managing Principal
Jeff serves as Federal Principal and Technical Director at Dills Architects, where he leads the firm’s federal practice and guides complex projects from planning through construction. His work focuses on aligning mission requirements, technical excellence, and design integrity to deliver resilient, sustainable facilities. Jeff collaborates closely with clients and project teams to translate federal requirements into practical solutions that support long-term performance and mission success.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Lolly’s Ice Cream
Go to coffee order | Green Tea
Jeff Pierce AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Principal | Federal
Kelsey leads design direction with a strong architectural point of view, shaping concepts, composition, and the details that define the experience of place. Her work helps advance Dills’ goal of imagining new and wonderful ways of living through the built environment.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Mea Culpa, and/or Crudo Nudo
Go to coffee order | Cortado
Kelsey Sinichko AIA, NCARB
Design Director, Architect
Ryan leads client engagement and strategic initiatives at Dills Architects, bringing a process-driven approach that builds clarity, confidence, and long-term relationships from first conversation through project delivery. With advanced study in workforce and organizational development and credentials including PMP and Six Sigma, he strengthens how the firm communicates, collaborates, and performs across projects. Drawing on experience in A/E/C federal contract support, business operations, and organizational strategy, Ryan guides early client discovery, establishes communication frameworks, and works with leadership to refine systems and enhance the overall delivery experience.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | The Mariners’ Museum Park and lake
Go to coffee order | Anything medium roast, black
Ryan Carroll PhD, PMP, CLSSGB
Client Engagement Director
Gerrie leads cultural and education focused projects for Dills with a holistic approach that balances function, comfort, and long-term performance from the inside out. Her work reflects Dills’ commitment to design that is both beautiful and deeply usable.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | The only place in First Landing State Park where you can see the ocean
Go to coffee order | Pour Over- Strong and Black, from my own kitchen before anyone else is awake
Gerrie West AIA, NCARB, CID, LEED AP
Principal Architect
Gary leads brand strategy at Dills Architects, advancing initiatives that articulate the firm’s commitment to stewarding the possible and making the best real. A graduate of Dartmouth College with an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, she has held leadership roles with globally recognized organizations including Unilever, Time Inc., and the Metropolitan Opera. Most recently, she served as President and CEO of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, where she led the museum’s strategic transformation into a locally grounded, nationally recognized institution, significantly expanding attendance and community support.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Mid-century modern booth at VA Antiques
Go to coffee order | Splurge- oat milk mocha- 1/2 pump
Gary Ryan
Director Initiatives + Strategy
Meagan leads storytelling and communications for Dills Architects, shaping brand visibility and pre-positioning through strategic narratives. With a BFA from Webster University and a background in sustainability and material stream management, she brings a circular-economy lens to how the firm communicates long-term value.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Marshview Park
Go to coffee order | Iced brown sugar espresso oat milk latte
Meagan Huth
Director Marketing + Communications
Karolina manages financial stewardship for the firm, supporting smart decision-making, stability, and sustainable growth. With a Master’s in Finance and Accounting, she brings clarity and discipline to the business side of the studio.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Smash Burgers at Jack Brown’s in Norfolk on Granby Street
Go to coffee order | Matcha – on coconut milk with strawberry puree
Karolina Wisniewska
Controller
Dan supports design and production with a steady hand that helps teams move from vision to execution with clarity and care. He contributes to the details that make projects feel cohesive, practical, and lasting.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | False Cape State Park
Go to coffee order | Guatemalan blend with almond creamer
Dan Paul
Senior Architectural Designer
Dan supports project teams from concept through documentation, translating design intent into clear, buildable solutions. He brings a collaborative studio mindset that helps balance craft, performance, and long-term value.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | The ocean and the bay
Go to coffee order | Starbucks coffee
Dan Costello AIA, CQMC
Senior Architect
Alexis guides Dills’ interior work with a passion to create environments that help our clients thrive. With a BFA from Georgia State, she pairs timeless design sensibility and user-focused data to create spaces that not only appeal to our clients visually but also help to improve their quality of life.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Gourmet Burger Bistro in Suffolk
Go to coffee order | On any given day I’d choose pizza over coffee
Alexis Hudson CID
Interior Project Designer
Dejia brings a creative eye and collaborative approach to Dills’ interior design work. Her interest in interiors began early, from helping her grandmother with DIY house projects to constantly reimagining her own room growing up. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, she brings curiosity, care, and a focus on thoughtful solutions that balance creativity, function, and client needs.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Bodega Cafe and No 1 Taco in VB
Go to coffee order | Caramel Latte
Dejia Rodriguez-Epps
Interior Designer
Catherine brings steady leadership and craft to complex architectural work, balancing design clarity with technical rigor. With education from Temple University (BS in Arch) and Cornell University (M. Arch), she supports teams in delivering thoughtful solutions that stand the test of time.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | the combo of Astraea coffee and the Foxfire Trail
Go to coffee order | Pungo Latte from Three Ships
Catherine Breen AIA, NCARB
Architect
Keely supports technical documentation and production with precision and consistency, helping ensure details translate cleanly from drawing to field. She brings experienced coordination to the work that makes projects perform.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem |Pizza Amanti
Go to coffee order | Iced Espresso with heavy cream
Keely Boase
Senior Design Technician
Caitlyn supports design development with a strong understanding of site and context, helping projects connect to their surroundings with intention. A Virginia Tech Architecture graduate with a Landscape Architecture minor, she values the working relationship between place and form. She brings an attention to detail throughout all phases of a project, prioritizing the atmosphere of a space and its impact on human experience.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Ginger Sweets
Go to coffee order | Vanilla Iced Latte
Caitlyn Goyet AAIA
Architectural Designer
Heather supports architectural design and documentation with a careful, methodical approach that helps translate concepts into coordinated sets. A Virginia Tech architecture graduate, she contributes to delivering work that is clear, consistent, and build-ready.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Bingo Palace
Go to coffee order | Coffee with half and half
Heather Kennedy AAIA
Architectural Designer
Troy supports production and visualization with a designer’s eye and technical discipline, helping teams communicate ideas with clarity. With nearly 30 years in the industry, he brings accuracy, integrity, and thoroughness to every set, contributing seasoned experience and genuine care for the work behind how Dills documents and presents projects.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Chic’s Beach
Go to coffee order | Hot Caramel Macchiato
Troy Hines
Design Technician
Amanda brings an analytical, process-driven mindset to how Dills coordinates work, helping teams stay aligned and accountable from kickoff through delivery. With degrees in Business Analytics and Marketing from ODU, she supports the systems behind great design.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Botanical Gardens
Go to coffee order | caffe Americano – blonde espresso, 2 pumps of honey syrup, brown sugar cream cold foam with cinnamon powder on top
Amanda Liddell
Project Coordinator
Haleigh supports projects, operations, and technology so teams can work efficiently and collaboratively. With a science background from ODU, she brings systems thinking to how the office runs and how work gets delivered.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Leaping Lizard brunch, love to say hi to the geese out back!
Go to coffee order | Hot Matcha with almond milk, or on ice with sweet cold foam if its from Starbucks
Haleigh Devost
Project, Office, Technology Coordinator
Kathryn brings a community-centered and environmental perspective to project management, shaped by more than a decade of work in public engagement in parks and urban planning projects and the stewardship of natural areas and public spaces.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Pleasure House Point
Go to coffee order | Cortado with oat milk at Roast Rider
Kathryn Trainor
Project Manager
Malia supports relationships and communications that keep Dills connected to the people and institutions we serve. With a Virginia Tech political science background, she brings a thoughtful, stakeholder-aware approach to engagement.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Love Song
Go to coffee order | When I do drink coffee, I get cold brews
Malia Coull
Client Engagement Specialist
Justen brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to architectural design, shaped by two internships with Dills before joining the team full-time. His experience includes supporting the 5/31 Memorial and building the project’s physical model, which has since been shared with the community. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from James Madison University and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech, he brings curiosity, adaptability, and a strong interest in how ideas move from concept to built form.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Zushi
Go to coffee order | Black coffee
Justen Matthews
Architectural Designer
Fred brings a deep understanding of building craft and constructability to Dills, supporting teams through quality control, construction administration, and guidance on details and construction methods. With a background spanning fine arts and architecture, he helps ensure design intent translates into durable, well-executed work that serves people and place.
Hampton Roads Hidden Gem | Way too many to list Botanical Garden, Chrysler Museum, Hermitage Museum, Pungo Historic Airport, McArthur Memorial Museum, Dave’s Hot Dogs, Naval Museum at Nauticus, Old Town Portsmouth, All of the historic house museums in Virginia Beach, the Aquarium, the Living Museum and Mariners Museum, The Elizabeth River Ferry is a SIGHTSEEING BARGAIN!
Go to coffee order | Plain, black.
Fred Bishop AIA
Architect
Clients
Animal Medical Center of Chesapeake
Bannister Nissan of Chesapeake
Chesapeake Public Schools
City of Chesapeake
City of Virginia Beach
Camp Peary (Armed Forces Training Center)
Harvey Point Defense Testing Activity
Elizabeth River Project
Freedom Surf Shop
Hampton Roads Transit
Holiday Trav-L Park
Isle of Wight County Schools
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story
MIT-GIVES, Inc.
Nansemond Indian Nation
Naval Air Station Oceana
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)
Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
Norfolk State University
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Seton Youth Shelters (Seton Youth Services, Inc.)
Support Our Soldiers (SOS) Thrift Store
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
T. Parker Host, Inc.
An Achievable Dream Academy
Town of Duck, North Carolina
Town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
VersAbility Resources
Veterinary Properties Limited
Visit Virginia Beach (Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Virginia Beach Economic Development
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Fire Department
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
YMCA of South Hampton Roads
Collaborators
A.R. Chessom Construction Co., Inc.
ACA Architects, P.C.
Albemarle & Associates, Inc.
Allan Bamforth, Architect
Allsbrook-Goodman, Inc.
Ann P. Stokes Landscape Architects
Associated Contracting Services, Inc.
Ballard Construction Company
BFA, Inc.
Biederman Redevelopment Ventures
Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.
Burgess & Niple, Inc.
C.W. Brinkley, Inc.
CDM Smith
E.T. Gresham Company, Inc.
ECS Limited
EDC Homes, LLC
EDSA
ERS Group, Inc.
FGM Architects
Fluidity Design Consultants
GeoEnvironmental Resources, Inc.
GET Solutions, Inc.
Grace Design LLC
Hanbury
Heartland Construction, Inc.
Hickman-Ambrose, Inc.
J.P. Harvey Engineering Solutions
J.W. Clark Construction, LLC
Kimley-Horn
LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects
Mortenson
Matthew J. Thompson
McDonough Bolyard Peck
MSA, P.C.
NRW Engineering
Parsons
Pace Collaborative
Prism Maritime LLC
Prospiant
Renaissance Planning
RRMM Architects, P.C.
SCAPE Landscape Architecture
SGA
Shavrick & Partners
Sinclair Pratt Cameron, P.C.
Speight, Marshall & Francis, P.C.
Stroud Pence & Associates
STV
Sullivan Andrews & Taylor
Summer Consultants, Inc.
Sussex Development Corporation
SWA Group
Tazewell Contracting, Inc.
TDSC, Inc.
The Green Room Landscape Architecture
The Landmark Design Group
The Miles Agency
Urban Design Associates
Vansant & Gusler, Inc.
VHB
W.B. Meredith II, Inc.
W.M. Jordan Company
W.P. Large, Inc.
Warren M. Smith & Sons
Within Interior Design LLC
WPA (Work Program Architects)
WPL Site Design
WRT
WSP
2025
Hampton Roads Excellence in Design Awards, Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate
- Excellence Award, Best Conceptual Project — Garden of Tomorrow, Norfolk Botanical Garden
- Award of Merit, Best Educational Building — An Achievable Dream Academy at Lynnhaven Middle School
- CoVaBiz 175 Most Influential People — Clay Dills, Design Principal and Owner, DIlls Architects
2023
Hampton Roads Excellence in Design Awards, Hampton Roads Association of Commercial Real Estate
- Award of Merit, Best Conceptual Project — The 5/31 Memorial, Virginia Beach
- Award of Merit, Best Small Project — Elizabeth River Project Fred W. Beazley River Academy Addition, Portsmouth
2022
Associated Builders and Contractors, Virginia Chapter
- Excellence in Construction Award |Architect team member — E. W. Chittum Elementary School
2019
American Society of Landscape Architects, Virginia Chapter
- Commendation, Community Service — Cox High School Falcon Plaza