On March 4, commercial real estate professionals who live and work in Dallas-Fort Worth will gather for Bisnow’s DFW Architecture and Design Summit to talk about how elements of design and architecture come together to shape today’s buildings and create a positive experience for occupants.

Click here to register and purchase tickets.

Mark Cone, vice president of Dallas- and Phoenix-based design-build construction company LGE Design Build, will be speaking on the event’s “The Rhythm of Space” panel.

Bisnow caught up with Cone to discuss the importance of program and budgeting, how LGE Design Build works with clients across a project’s life cycle, and what attendees will learn from this event.

Bisnow: What CRE trends are you seeing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?

Cone: Workers are coming back to the office, and the area is also experiencing a huge uptick in physical retail. DFW is getting back to what was normal prior to the pandemic.

Bisnow: What are some key considerations for designing a functional and cohesive space?

Cone: The most important consideration is the building’s program and how it should function. Aesthetics obviously matter, but if the building doesn't function as it needs to for its day-to-day operations, then aesthetics are worthless.

In design-build, budgeting, and maintaining the budget, is critical from day one. We’re providing budget updates throughout the process, so the client knows where they stand and where money is being allocated. They’re seeing the numbers in real time, so they can make informed decisions. If pricing looks good,  they can add wishlist items to the project. Alternatively, if the economy causes construction to be more costly, we can find the right places to save them money through value engineering.

Bisnow: Can you tell me about some of LGE’s projects that are currently in the works or recently completed?

Cone: We have a new high-end steakhouse coming to DFW. We also just finished a new bar-restaurant project on the Las Vegas strip, and we’re working on other build-to-suit opportunities with different clients throughout the metroplex.

Every project we do in DFW and Phoenix is design-build; we are a one-stop shop for every aspect of a project. I oversee all the architectural portions of those projects, and the firm also serves as the contractor. We work with the client from the beginning to the end of the project, providing updated budgeting, working with entitlements and handling the design.

Bisnow: What do you think will be some of the hottest topics of conversation at the DFW Architecture and Design Summit?

Cone: The big push toward work-from-home has now turned into a big push back to the office. As a result, creating spaces that can make people want to come back to the office and feel heard and valued by their company is top of mind for architects right now.

We're seeing companies leaving major downtown areas for the suburbs, and we're at a point where a lot of companies are making decisions about whether they stay in their building, leave it or renovate it. This is why now is the time for local developers and designers to discuss strategies to keep people happy with the properties and from leaving downtown Dallas.

Bisnow: What do you hope the key takeaway will be from this event?

Cone: There's a large group of talented designers from both large and small firms that want to make an impact within the industry and are aware of challenges with budget and location. We count ourselves among that group, and we are committed to providing the best services for our clients and bringing more jobs to DFW.

Learn more about the ins and outs of architecture and design at Bisnow’s March 4 DFW Architecture and Design Summit.

This article was produced in collaboration between LGE Design Build and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.