Bio:

The great designer, Diane's 40 year career, first as a founding principal of her own firm and now as a principal with Quinn Evans, has focused her portfolio on the cultural realm of theaters and museums. Believing in the arts as a catalyst for community revitalization, she has helped to position and celebrate the arts as a vital ingredient in the life of strong and vibrant cities. Many award winning projects are a testament to her ability to work closely with clients in celebrating their mission.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

My father suggested the field when I was a teenager because he knew I like to draw and was drawn to cities in general. So I applied to Cornell where I received my B Arch degree during the Colin Rowe years.

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What do you do?

I am a principal with Quinn Evans focusing on arts-related projects from small community arts centers to major museums and theaters.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I love projects that are meant to be enjoyed by people no matter the age, gender or race--in fact ones that are meant to draw diverse audiences and to showcase the work of diverse artists

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

I have had the good fortune of working with some amazing artistic directors in the museum and theater worlds; Rebecca Hoffberger, Kwame Kwei Armah, Vince Lancisi and Chris Bedford to name a few. They were all creative risk takers!

 

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My proudest achievement is founding a women owned firm with Barbara Wilks in 1980, keeping it going until it was sold in 2017, and being able to employ and mentor so many talented individuals.

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Featured Project Name: 

Baltimore Center Stage

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Featured Project Location: 

Baltimore, Maryland

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

January 2017

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal in Charge

 

Featured Project Description:

The adaptive re-use of an historic building, Center Stage represents the transformative renovation and addition of 105,000 s.f. into 3 major theater venues seating 540, 426 and 99 seats respectively. State-of-the-art audiovisual and lighting effects permeate the design, combining an historic backdrop with 21st century technology and enabling the Theater's stagecraft to spill into public spaces. A new plaza, marquee and entryway creates a dynamic sense of arrival and strong street presence.

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Photography Credit:

Karl Connolly