Who We are

Founded in 1984, the firm has been built by designers that love the craft and have distinguished themselves in the niche markets of community, commercial, higher education, hospitality, and interiors. We are committed to providing design excellence with attention to quality and service while delivering creative and functional projects for our clients locally and nationwide. Our business is about people, the talented ones on our team, and the ones who will live, work, and play daily in the spaces we create.

Architecture by Team

DP3 Architects approaches every project with a philosophy of Architecture-by-Team. This process places the client, architect, contractor, and consultants in a forum to understand the unique goals of a project and openly exchange ideas. Our commitment to communication and involving the team in the project from the early planning phases through design, contract documents, and into the construction phase is the best way to ensure successful solutions to the functional, aesthetic, and economic objectives set for a project.

Interior Design

As an integrated design firm, our Interiors team ensures a seamless integration from the exterior building to the interior building architecture. Interior planning and design provides an opportunity to extend your brand aesthetic to the built environment. DP3 Architects designs interior spaces for flexibility, ease of use, and productivity. We offer a comprehensive range of services including design, material selection, furniture and art procurement assistance, signage design, acoustic design, and more. A well-designed interior environment is a catalyst for creating culture and connection for teams, customers, citizens, students, and more. We leverage spaces to perform at their best for the unique needs of each client.

Master Planning

Through careful analysis of site conditions, operations, and future needs, we create flexible, holistic plans that guide development over time. Our approach balances functionality, sustainability, and placemaking to ensure projects evolves with purpose, supports its users, and creates lasting value for clients.

Environmental Branding

Environmental branding brings a space to life by translating identity, values, and story into the built environment. Using integrated graphics, wayfinding, and experiential design, we create cohesive environments that enhance navigation, reinforce brand presence, and create meaningful connections between people and place.

Sustainability

We are committed to designing and implementing facilities that promote reduced energy consumption and decreased environmental footprint, regardless of whether LEED Certification is a project goal. More than just environmentally friendly, our sustainable design principles enable immediate and long-term economic benefits for our clients.

Our Story

In 1984, three Clemson University classmates set up shop in a basement and started an architectural firm. They knew they wanted to provide innovative, functional, and sustainable design for clients. In the beginning they took on any and all projects and, in 1985, received their first big break when Applebee’s came calling. From there, as the team grew, DP3 began distinguishing itself in the niche markets of higher education, community, commercial, interiors, and restaurants. Our team is made up of dynamic and talented people who thrive on creating unique, innovative, and sustainable designs that give places true functionality and purpose.

1984- Founding Partners
1984 - Founding Partners
1994 - Office team members
1997 - Grand Openign of Winthrop University Culp Central Energy Facility
1998 - Volunteers for Planting Day with Greenville mayor Knox White

firm history

1984
Three former Clemson University classmates; Samuel D. Justice, Mark S. Eggl, and J. Michael Taylor, form Design Partnership, Inc. and work out of a residential basement.
1985
Design Partnership moves to first 600 SF office, hires first team member, and purchases first typewriter, still in use today.
1987
After growing to 6 employees, the firm moves to 105 North Spring St. and invests in two CADD stations for the production of construction drawings.
1988
  • Firm’s first Applebee’s restaurant
  • Clemson University Foundation Headquarters- AIA Greenville: Merit Award
1992

Design Partnership moves to 201 East Camperdown Way.

1993

Brian Thomas joins the firm.

1995
Sam Justice withdraws from the firm to pursue resort residential architecture.
1996
Logo change.
1997
AWARD: Planter's Pointe Clubhouse | The Greenville Section of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects: Honor Award
1999
  • Benjamin Urueta joins the firm
  • Simpsonville Senior Multipurpose Center- AIA Greenville: Honor Award
2000

After growing to 16 team members the Principals purchase the Greenville Gas and Electric Light Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and renovates the building, taking it from a brewery and restaurant to an open studio office space that represents the essence of the organization.

2001

First Darden Project: Smokey Bones

2002
  • Michael T. Pry joins the firm
  • AWARD: Mauldin Sports Center | Upstate Masonry Contractor Association Award
2003
  • AWARD: Hardin Hall Renovation | The Greenville Section of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Honorable Mention Design Award
  • As the firm continues to grow and the footprint of its restaurant projects expands, Design Partnership changes its name to DP3 Architects, Ltd. in order to be registered nationwide. Hence, DP3 Architects emerges as a national presence in the restaurant segment of its business which continues today.
2004
  • First Panera Project
  • Meg Terry joins the firm
  • AWARD: Sirrine Stadium Renovations | The South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects | Special Commendation

  • John Dunham named Associate

2005
AWARD: Greenville County Parks & Recreation Admin Building | The Greenville Section of the South Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects: Merit Award
2006
First Red Robin project
2007

Awarded Outback Prototype project

2008

During the great recession of 2008, over a period of 3 years the firms goes from 33 people to 13 team members.  At the depth of the effects of the recession, J. Michael Taylor purchases the outstanding stock in the firm and Mark S. Eggl withdraws to form Mark S. Eggl, Architect

2009

AWARD: Hendersonville Regional Animal Hospital & Emergency Critical Care Center | People’s Choice Merit Award Veterinary Economics Magazine

2010

  • AWARD: Hightower Hall Restoration | South Carolina Historic Preservation Honor Award

  • AWARD: Westminster Train Depot Restoration | South Carolina Historic Preservation Honor Award

  • AWARD: C.C. Woodson Recreation Center | Excellence in Design Award

  • Winthrop University DiGiorgio Campus Center opens its doors

2011

  • Margaretta L. Terry, AIA, LEED AP; Brian S. Thomas, AIA, LEED AP; and Benjamin R. Urueta, AIA  named Principals.

  • Kevin Weinke named associate

  • AWARD: Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center | The Greenville Section of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects: Honor Award’

  • AWARD: Surfside Beach Fire Station Headquarters | Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization Gold Honor Award

  • AWARD: NEXT Innovation Center | The South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Merit Award

  • AWARD: Pelham Links Dentistry | Dental Office Design Winner, Group Practice Category

2012

  • First QuikTrip project

  • Parker District Fire Department Fire Station Headquarters | Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization Gold Honor Award

2013

  • Doug Kingsmore Player Development Center

  • Anna King named Associate

2015

DP3 Architects Acquires Dailey & Associates and Introduces Interiors Studio

2016
  • First Mastros project, Mastros Boston
  • AWARD: Travelers Rest Fire Station FIERO Recognition Award
  • AWARD: Fellowship Greenville Master Builder Award – “Best of Large Church”
  • Anderson University G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center opens its doors
2017
AWARD: City of Greenville Public Works Campus | CECO Building of the Year.
2018
  • Office move to the Wells Fargo Center at 15 South Main Street
  • AWARD: City of Greenville Public Works Campus | CREW Development Impact Award
2019
  • AWARD: The DP3 Architects Office Upfit wins a Citation Award for Interior Architecture from AIASC
  • AWARD: City of Greenville Public Works Campus | 2019 AIA Greenville Design Award – New Construction
  • AWARD: Clear Spring Fire & Rescue Headquarters | FIERO Recognition Award
2021
  • Michael T. Pry is Named a Principal of the Firm
  • AWARD: NOMA Tower Common Area Renovation | AIA Greenville Merit Award for Interior Architecture
  • AWARD: City of Greenville Parking Services | AIA Greenville Community Choice Award
2022
  • J. Michael Taylor, founding partner, retires
  • AWARD: Easley Fire Department Headquarters | Major Additions and Renovation Merit Award at the FIERO Fire Station Design Symposium
  • AWARD: DP3 Architects named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina
  • AWARD: Hale’s Jewelers | “Retail Design” winner for the IIDA Carolinas Chapter DesignWorks Awards
  • AWARD: DP3 Architects was named “Best Architectural Firm in South Carolina” by the Greenville Business Magazine’s SC Best in Business 2022 Awards
  • Rhonda White, Kunal Patel, and Mike Zibert named associates of the firm
  • AWARD: Reidville Fire Station wins Building of the Year Award as part of Metallic Building Systems 2022 Design Build Awards
2023
  • AWARD: Second Consecutive Year DP3 Architects named one of the Best Places to Work in South Carolina
  • AWARD: DP3 Architects Wins Three AIA Greenville Awards | Easley Fire Headquarters Merit Award for New Construction, Walter Elisha Park Amphitheater Community Choice Award, Rupert Huse Veteran Center Community Choice Award
  • AWARD: DP3 Architects Named “Best in Business” For Second Consecutive Year
  • AWARD: DP3 Architects Receives AIA South Carolina Firm Award
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