PHOENIX, ARIZONA (April 4, 2022) – DFDG Architecture, an Arizona leader in architectural and interior design, announces a leadership transition in which Principal Darrin Orndorff will become President effective April 4.
Orndorff will assume the responsibilities of Michael Schmitt, who has held the position of President since 2007. Schmitt will dedicate focus to his role as the firm’s Design Principal. True to the vision laid out by the firm’s founders, this transition ensures the continuity of leadership and values that have underpinned DFDG’s success for more than 50 years. It will propel it through another 50 years of service to its clients and community.
Orndorff’s ambition for DFDG Architecture’s future is to build upon the firm’s recognized expertise across several market sectors while strategically expanding into new sectors and market locations, including the continued growth of DFDG’s recently opened Tucson studio.
“The next 50 years will be very exciting for DFDG Architecture. We are expanding by opening our second office in Tucson and making strong advancements into new markets for growth,” Orndorff said.
Orndorff brings more than 35 years of experience to the role and has almost 15 years of serving as one of DFDG’s Principal Architects. His extensive experience includes ASU Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building 1, ASU Health Futures Center, Mayo Clinic’s Integrated Education and Research Building, and The Salvation Army’s Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center.
Orndorff moved to Arizona from Kansas after graduating from Kansas State University in 1987. He is a current member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Code Council (ICC). Outside the office, he enjoys volleyball, hiking, and riding his road bike.
As one of Arizona’s highly recognized architects, Schmitt will be dedicated to the mentorship of the firm’s talented staff and lead DFDG’s design excellence and sustainability initiatives across all the firm’s projects.
Raised on a cattle and horse ranch in Kansas, he also graduated from Kansas State University in 1979, is a member of the AIA and many professional organizations. He enjoys fly fishing, camping, and skiing excursions with his family and friends.
“I have an insatiable thirst for design and problem-solving and am blessed every day with new challenges, clients who become friends, and a talented team in the studio, who keep my mind active and my pencil sharp,” Schmitt said. “I am excited to work alongside Darrin as he leads DFDG into the bright future that lies ahead.”