3. Firm Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
About dbRight
dbRight was founded by the Principals of SBLM Architects to offer a wider range of services to our
clients, including competitive design-build project delivery options. The design-build process offers
a lower-risk alternative to the traditional design-bid-build delivery method and assures a fixed cost
and expedited project-delivery schedule as design and construction phases are overlapped. The
significant advantages of this method are epitomized by the following: architects are professionally
responsible for a facility during its entire life span, versus an industry standard of one year for
contractors; and with architects at the helm, the integrity of a building’s design is supported by the
architect’s passion for an elegant solution.
Staff
The firm is comprised of 13 Project Managers and Site Superintendents. In addition, SBLM is
comprised of 90 architects, technicians, CAD specialists, administrative and support personnel who
utilize the most current technology in designing and drafting.
Firm Capabilities
•• Program Management
•• Program Analysis and Test Fits
•• Preliminary Construction Cost Analysis
•• Zoning and Building Code Review and Analysis
•• Local Community Board Representation
•• Architecture and Engineering through SBLM Architects
•• Agency Filing and Permitting
•• Building Construction and Construction Management
•• Post-Construction Documents
dbRight Qualifications | Firm Overview
4. Firm Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
Retail Design
Through our affiliation with SBLM Architects, dbRight is able to offer complete design services
supported by an integrated architectural and contractor approach. SBLM’s designers work with you
to develop your brand language into a three-dimensional environment. At the same time, dbRight’s
builders inform the design process by bringing to light potential site challenges, hidden conditions,
and local approvals processes. Through integrating the contractor perspective early in the design
process, dbRight is able to avoid potential project delays and change orders which translates into
cost savings and speed-to-market delivery.
Cost Estimating & Budgeting
Each project begins with a well-researched and reliable cost estimate. This estimate is closely
monitored and evaluated by our in-house cost estimator throughout the project process. This
eliminates any potential for surprises and cost overruns in the final budget. Another cost saving
measure is dbRight’s ability to value-engineer at every stage of the design process prior to
construction.
Construction Services
dbRight is a licensed and insured General Contractor (GC) and Construction Manager (CM)
with construction managers and superintendents on staff. dbRight offers a variety of choices for
contracting to best suit the specific project needs. These include GC or CM with a guaranteed
maximum price, CM with a cost-plus-percentage fee, or CM with a cost-plus-fixed fee. The “cost
plus” options are especially appealing to clients who need to establish and record multiple bids for
each work trade. All bids are open and reviewed with the client prior to final sub-contractor selection.
dbRight maintains a solid relationship with a network of qualified sub-contractors in various states.
Each job is supervised by both a Project Manager and an on-site Superintendent.
Post–Construction Services
dbRight provides a thorough close-out package, including operating manuals, as-built drawings, and
lien waivers from sub-contractors upon final payment. Our staff conducts a punch list for each trade
as well as an overall list for substantial completion. The design-build structure allows us immediate
access to on-staff licensed design professionals to handle any inspection concerns or local agency
issues. dbRight has the capability to remove, relocate, or install new merchandise fixtures, displays,
signage, and graphics if required. As an optional service, dbRight provides post-occupancy visits.
dbRight Qualifications | Firm Overview
5. Firm Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
Sustainability
dbRight understands that the sustainable design of high performance, energy efficient buildings is
the future of responsible construction, and that investing up front in sustainable building methods
leads to long term energy-related cost savings. dbRight’s commitment to sustainable design and
project management is demonstrated by our conscientious, integrated design-build approach,
and we are committed to achieving USGBC LEED certification whenever possible. Working with
SBLM Architects, dbRight employs a wide range of sustainable design and analysis techniques,
from extensive studies to responsible material sourcing, to help ensure each building component
contributes to the overall exemplary performance and efficiency of the project.
In 2010, Office Depot opened it’s first state of the art distribution center in Newville, PA, to be
registered under the USGBC LEED rating system. Certified LEED-Silver, the project includes
various energy and water reduction systems, recycled material construction, and a comprehensive
recycling program for operational waste. SBLM Architects and dbRight LLC delivered the project
via an expedited design-build project delivery system. The design-build team worked with the local
municipality to establish a phased occupancy of the facility. SBLM Architects/dbRight worked closely
with the subcontractors and Office Depot’s supply chain vendors on the roll-out of the Kiva robotic
fulfillment system, which services up to 30 trucks on both the unloading and receiving sides.
dbright LEED Registered Construction Projects
CERTIFIED
Office Depot Call Center – Austin, TX
Office Depot – Panama City, FL
Office Depot – Sarasota, FL
Office Depot – Glen Burnie, MD
Office Depot – Burnsville, MN
Office Depot – Newville, PA
Office Depot – Memphis, TN
Office Depot – Houston, TX
Office Depot – Manassas, VA
dbRight Qualifications | Firm Overview
6. Firm Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
dbRight Firm Licenses
This map demonstrates where dbRight is licensed and/or registered.
dbRight Qualifications | Firm Overview
7. References
SBLM Architects
dbRight LLC
Office Depot
Mr. Edward Costa
Vice President of Construction and Global Procurement
660 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33496
561.438.7782
edward.costa@officedepot.com
Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC
Mr. Michael Donofrio
Construction Project Manager
333 E. Lake Street
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
610.968.2077
mdonofrio@bfrc.com
Weingarten Realty
Mr. John L. Greenman
Construction Manager
891 E Commercial Blvd
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334
954.495.5239
jgreenman@weingarten.com
Petco Animal Supplies Inc.
Mr. Keith Moreau
Sr. Project Manager
9125 Rehco Road
San Diego, CA 92121
Office 860.370.9203
Cell 858.525.2916
Keith.Moreau@petco.com
Southeast Centers, LLC
Mr. Jeff Scott
Vice President of Construction
1541 Sunset Drive #300
Coral Gables, FL 33143
305. 666.2140
dbRight Qualifications | References
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23. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
Roles and Responsibilities
James Cornwell PA-AIA is the primary client contact. Jim oversees the entire team and
delivers information to the client at all project intervals. He establishes and manages project teams
to accommodate the needs of the client and leads the process review effort. Having held many
positions of responsibility with the retail giant, Office Depot, Jim has implemented numerous initiatives
to improve processes and programs. As a Director of Construction and Design, Jim selected,
developed, and implemented a real estate development and a web-enabled management system,
adopted by several departments company-wide. As an active member of their Real Estate Pipeline
Committee, Jim was responsible for reviewing every aspect related to new retail strategies prior to
Real Estate Committee submittals, including legal and negotiation aspects. In addition, Jim developed
and implemented their departmental process manual.
Mike LeFande AIA, LEED AP, MBA serves as a primary back-up person for Jim Cornwell. Mike
is responsible for all office-based functions, including managing and tracking progress. He will bring
his unique perspective, having worked closely with a wide range of retailers across the country, to the
process review effort.
David Nicholson AIA, LEED AP brings over 30 years’ experience managing staff and programs
for numerous retail clients. A manager with a reputation for innovative solutions to challenging
problems, he has a sophisticated understanding of the design and construction of retail facilities
including small and large scale stores. Dave oversees project progress, quality, and client satisfaction.
In addition, Dave directs our team of in-house entitlement managers, and brings an invaluable
perspective gained from his track record of moving projects expeditiously through the entitlement
process at minimal cost, and from his experience directing retail roll-out programs.
dbRight Qualifications | Team Overview
24. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
James Cornwell PA-AIA
Partner of dbRight, LLC
James Cornwell has extensive experience in retail real estate development. A creative developer and
manager of the design and construction process, Jim has developed procedures and techniques
to ensure schedules are met on time, budgets are not exceeded, and construction documents
are of the highest quality. He acts as a liaison between all parties involved in a project, including
construction, legal, real estate, and consultant operations. Jim has strong client relationships,
including retail giant, Office Depot. As a former Director of Construction, Jim understands the process
of building and construction from early stages of project site selection through actual construction
and project completion.
Licenses/Registrations
xx Architecture – Brazil
Affiliations
xx American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Education
xx Bachelor of Science, Architecture and Urban Planning – St. Ursula University
Select Experience Office Depot — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
Jim has worked on numerous Office Depot projects ranging from remodels, renovations, and
expansions to new construction for retail stores as well as warehouses. While Senior Director of
Construction at Office Depot, Jim controlled and managed all aspects of design and construction
for all new facilities. He was responsible for the due diligence, lease exhibits, permitting, budgeting,
bidding, contracting, and construction. While working for dbRight, LLC and working along side
SBLM, Jim was involved with the Office Depot in Austin, TX, which achieved LEED Silver certification.
He was also involved with the distribution center in Newville, PA. Jim continues to work with Office
Depot and is currently providing services for several Office Depot projects, including multiple projects
pursuing LEED certification.
US Cellular — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
dbRight is a preferred contractor for US Cellular stores throughout the U.S., providing quality
construction, contracting, and design-build services under their new roll-out program, Generation
V. This new program consists of 40 corporate locations and 60 agent locations that will be built or
remodeled. In addition, dbRight reviewed the existing processes of the US Cellular management
group. Jim established benchmarking systems and aggressive national retail development plans.
RUE 21 — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
dbRight was the general contractor for a RUE 21 project, which consisted of constructing an interior
fit-out from start to finish in a period of five weeks. Following that project, dbRight became a preferred
contractor for RUE 21 throughout the U.S., providing quality construction, contracting, and design-
build services.
Bridgestone/Firestone — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
dbRight and SBLM have been retained to provide third party construction observation services
for new Bridgestone Retail Operation sites. dbRight and SBLM work closely with the owner and
contractor to review the progress of construction at regular intervals.
Bed Bath Beyond — Multiple Locations, FL
dbRight Qualifications | Resumes
25. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
dbRight oversaw the selective interior remodelling of a 40,000-square-foot Bed Bath Beyond store
in Tampa, FL. Jim was also involved with the administration and project management for extensive
exterior site renovation work at a location in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Transload America — Miami, FL
Transload America (TLA) is a construction debris transfer and recycling facility. In conjunction with
SBLM, dbRight was selected to design a new waste transfer facility on TLA’s six-acre site, as well
as coordinate integral building systems. The project consists of a 30,000-square-foot waste transfer
building, a 1,500-square-foot office building, and an 800-square-foot gate house.
*Office Depot — Delray Beach, FL
While Senior Director of Construction at Office Depot, Jim controlled and managed all aspects of
design and construction for all new facilities. He was responsible for the due diligence, lease exhibits,
permitting, budgeting, bidding, contracting, and construction.
*Tynes Construction, Bahia, Brazil
Jim focused his efforts on managing estimating, bidding, and design. His responsibilities included
supervising residential and retail designs as well as construction endeavors.
*Lojas Americanas — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Jim managed design and construction of new stores and remodels for this 80-year-old Brazilian
retail chain. As part of this expansion program, Jim implemented a design-related Loss Prevention
Program that added $30M to the bottom line.
*Areas Engineering International, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Jim directed the development and permitting of construction documents and managed a complex
team of Project Managers and Estimators. He also managed consulting services for high-rise
residential buildings for all design and construction phases.
*Previous Affiliation
dbRight Qualifications | Resumes
26. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
Michael LeFande AIA, LEED AP, MBA
Principal at SBLM Architects/Partner of dbRight, LLC
For more than 25 years, Michael LeFande has directed numerous building programs, developing
design and building standards for developers and retailers throughout the US. His projects have
included site development, ground-up buildings, adaptive re-use, tenant fit-outs, and renovations. As
a Principal at SBLM, Mike has developed procedures and techniques to ensure schedules are met
on time, budgets are not exceeded, and construction documents are of the highest quality. As the
leader of SBLM’s retail design practice, Mike has designed store prototypes and managed rollout
programs for many of today’s largest and most successful retailers.
Mike is also the chairman of the SOS (Stewards of Sustainability) Committee at SBLM. This
committee conducts research and applies current sustainable technologies and ideas to projects
throughout the firm.
Licenses/Registrations
xx Architecture – NY, NJ, CO
Affiliations
xx American Institute of Architects (AIA)
xx Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
xx United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
xx International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
xx National Retail Federation (NRF)
xx Long Island Association (LIA)
Education
xx Master of Business Administration – University of Phoenix
xx Bachelor of Science, Architectural Technology – New York Institute of Technology
Select Experience Office Depot — Multiple Locations, U.S. and Puerto Rico
Mike is the Principal-in-Charge of the Office Depot expansion program including nationwide
renovations, upgrades, and ground-up projects. Services provided included: site development,
comprehensive architecture and engineering, and sustainable design. SBLM continues to provide
services for Office Depot, in conjunction with dbRight.
PETCO — Multiple Locations, U.S and Puerto Rico
As Principal-in-Charge, Mike manages the expansion of PETCO’s national rollout program for
facilities ranging from 10,000-square-feet to 25,000-square-feet. SBLM maintains the PETCO
prototype design and modifies it to adapt to the parameters of each location. More than 350 stores
have been designed and outfitted for the retail chain, focusing on pet adoptions, sales, grooming, day
care, supplies, and other related products.
Aldo Groupe — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
Since 2008, SBLM has provided architectural services for ALDO brand stores featuring high fashion
footwear and accessories, including ‘Call it Spring’ stores. In January 2011, SBLM was awarded
participation in ALDO’s rollout program. Under this contract, SBLM provides services for new
and remodel stores, which include feasibility studies (as requested), construction documents, and
construction administration. Stores range from 2,000-square-feet to 4,000-square-feet. Mike is
Principal-in-Charge for all ALDO projects.
dbRight Qualifications | Resumes
27. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
JC Penney — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
SBLM acts as a Store Planning Consultant for JC Penney’s Store Planning Support Program in the
Northeast Region (ME to VA); an extension of JC Penney’s store planning team. Services include
area and fixture planning for 220,00-square-foot stores ranging from 2-3 stories to one story
84,000-square-foot stores. Mike is the Principal-in-Charge for this program.
Dunkin’ Brands — Multiple Locations, TX
SBLM is the preferred Architect for Dunkin’ Brands in the Dallas-Austin-San Antonio, TX corridor.
SBLM Architects provides complete due diligence, design, construction documentation, and
construction administration services. Mike is the Principal-in-Charge.
SkyView Parc — Queens, NY
This $1 billion mixed-use development features six residential towers and 800,000 square feet
of retail and commercial space. SBLM provided tenant fit-out services for several retailers that
have leased space in the center, including Target; Bed, Bath and Beyond; BJ’s Wholesale Club;
Marshall’s, Famous Footwear; Bob’s Discount Furniture; and Sky Foods. The SBLM team was also
responsible for preparing lease exhibits and mall leasing plans. Mike was the Principal-in-Charge.
Bergen Town Center — Paramus, NJ
Mike was Principal-in-Charge for renovations and additions to this large and complex project, which
included obtaining municipal approvals, providing schematic designs and making presentations to
potential clients. In addition to providing schematic through design development and construction
documents for this project, Mike’s team worked directly with the developer and also provided code
reviews and studies for various tenants throughout the mall such as Target, Century 21, and Whole
Foods Market.
dbRight Qualifications | Resumes
28. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
David Nicholson AIA, LEED AP
Principal at SBLM Architects/Partner of dbRight, LLC
David Nicholson has spent over 30 years dedicated to the development, design, and construction
industries. He has brought his expertise to SBLM’s ongoing collaborations with the nation’s largest
retail chains, real estate developers, and government clients providing feasibility studies, site analyses
and selection, demographic research, zoning and regulatory considerations, prototype adaptation,
project management, budget control, and financing coordination. Dave has a deep understanding of
design and management, and is well known for his innovative solutions to challenging problems.
Licenses/Registrations
xx Architecture – NY, NJ, HI
Affiliations
xx American Institute of Architects (AIA)
xx Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
xx National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
Education
xx Bachelor of Architecture – Syracuse University
xx Bachelor of Arts, Economics – Syracuse University
Select Experience Toys “R” Us Kids “R” Us — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
As head of the in-house architectural staff, Dave directed the development of 112 Kids “R” Us retail
locations and 98 Toys “R” Us stores and distribution centers, totaling 9.5 million square feet and
$525 million in construction costs. In addition, he implemented a computerized process of collecting
and distributing information.
Barnes Noble — Multiple Locations, Nationwide
As Director of Construction for a national rollout program, Dave supervised the prototype
development; design, development, and construction; and fixturing of 256 store locations totaling 6.7
million square feet and $450 million in capital costs.
The Home Depot — Multiple Locations, East Coast
SBLM has been providing consultant services to Home Depot, assisting the retailer on their national
rollout program. As the site development manager, Dave’s team performed site selection, due
diligence, and entitlements on locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and West
Virginia. Dave was also the Principal-in-Charge of three projects in New York, one in New Jersey,
and one in Pennsylvania where SBLM provided comprehensive architectural, archeological, and
ecological services.
Duane Reade — Multiple Locations, NY
SBLM designed several locations in the five boroughs to reflect the new Duane Reed design and
graphics standards in conjunction with an updated brand image rollout. After successfully designing
several locations, SBLM was recently awarded participation in their regional rollout program. Dave
is managing the SBLM design team in these efforts. The first location to feature the new prototype
design was designed by SBLM and built by dbRight.
dbRight Qualifications | Resumes
29. Team Overview
dbRight LLC
SBLM Architects
24 Hour Fitness — Multiple Locations, East Coast
As the Principal-in-Charge for 24 Hour Fitness’ metropolitan projects, Dave has managed the
entitlements, design, construction documents, and construction administration phases for numerous
clubs across the East Coast. SBLM has provided feasibility studies, as well as architectural and
design services for nearly 35 locations. Each fitness club includes amenities such as an NBA-sized
basketball court, 3-lane lap pool, steam room, sauna, spa, aerobics studio, spin room, and children’s
play area. Facilities are typically 50,000-square-feet and average $3 million in construction costs.
The Olivia — New York, NY
SBLM was commissioned to design this new 600,000 -square-foot mixed-use development located
on 34th Street in Manhattan. As Principal-in-Charge, Dave managed the conceptual design and
oversaw construction documents for the 34-story mixed-use tower, which includes 333 apartments,
85,000 square-feet of retail space, a 14-screen movie complex, and a 200-space below grade
parking garage. Each building section - residential, theater, retail, and office - were treated as
separate units. Multiple entrances and egresses were designed to avoid congestion and create
smooth pedestrian flow for business tenants, residential unit customers, and building workers.
The Eventi Hotel — New York, NY
SBLM is the coordinating architect on the ground-up execution of this 54-story high-rise building in
Manhattan’s Flatiron district. Dave managed SBLM’s design and construction efforts on the project.
One notable feature of the hotel is its entrance, which consists of a public, block-through plaza
featuring an art-glass wall and fully configurable JumboTron screen. The full project occupies roughly
500,000-square-feet, and was constructed at a cost of $600 million.
dbRight Qualifications | Resumes
30.
31. dbRight LLC Design Builders
New York, NY
151 W. 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
T 212 995 5600
F 212 675 4228
Long Island
33 Walt Whitman Road, Suite 204
Huntington Station, NY 11746
T 631 683 5588
F 631 683 5589
Miami, FL
11430 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 310
Miami, FL 33176
T 305 412 9187
F 305 412 6731
Dallas, TX
16910 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75248
T 469 554 7770
F 469 554 7775