Boutique by design. Built in Detroit.
A Black and woman-owned architecture and interior design studio founded in 2009. Small enough to know every client by name, disciplined enough to deliver like a large firm.
“Success is not only measured by the projects we complete, but also by the trust we build with our clients and the positive impact our work has on communities.”
Kimberly Dokes, Founder and PrincipalKim founded Dokes Design + Architecture to build a mission-driven practice: one that designs thoughtful, people-centered spaces and opens doors for the next generation of designers.
More than designing buildings
I am the founder and principal of Dokes Design + Architecture. We are a Detroit-based architecture practice focused on creating thoughtful, people-centered spaces that strengthen communities.
Our firm's approach to success is rooted in three core values: integrity, collaboration and impact. Architecture is more than designing buildings. It is about understanding the people, missions and communities behind every project. We work closely with our clients to translate their goals into spaces that are functional, inspiring and equitable, and many of our projects are community-serving environments: spaces for learning, gathering and economic opportunity.
What began as a vision to build a mission-driven design practice has grown into a collaborative studio delivering projects for organizations and communities across Detroit and beyond. Our work increasingly centers on renovation, adaptive reuse and interior architecture, helping clients transform existing spaces into vibrant, purposeful environments.
Building a practice from the ground up has been both challenging and rewarding. It meant developing not only design expertise, but leadership, business development and relationship-building skills. I have learned that success is measured not only by the projects we complete, but by the trust we build with our clients and the positive impact our work has on communities.
Mentorship is a vital part of my philosophy. I make it a priority to support aspiring designers and emerging professionals by mentoring students, joining industry panels and engaging with organizations that support young architects and designers. Within our firm, we emphasize collaboration, learning and exposure to every aspect of the design process.
My goal is to keep building a practice that delivers meaningful design while opening doors for the next generation. Architecture has the power to shape communities and opportunities, and we are committed to that impact through both our work and our mentorship.
What it's like to work with us
Corporate quality with a boutique feel. Urban, relatable and invested in the outcome.
Boutique attention
You work directly with senior designers and the firm's principal, not a rotating cast. We know your project, your people and your mission.
Big-firm discipline
In-house specifications, internal QA/QC reviews and a defined delivery process give every project the rigor of a much larger firm.
Detroit roots
We live and work in the communities we design for, and we bring that perspective and those relationships to every project.
The people behind the work
DDA has curated a team of exceptional design talent who work collaboratively to develop impactful and bold design solutions.
Kimberly Dokes
Founder, PrincipalDokes Design Architecture was founded by Kimberly Dokes, a registered architect and licensed builder in the State of Michigan and a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). A graduate of Tuskegee University's School of Architecture, she has been recognized as one of Crain's Detroit Business' Notable Women in Design. She built DDA from the ground up into a collaborative, mission-driven studio, pairing design expertise with leadership and a deep commitment to community and mentorship. Her experience spans multi-family housing, educational facilities, office renovations, adaptive reuse, and large-scale capital improvement programs across the Detroit region.
Danielle Nowak
Interior Design Studio Lead, Marketing Director and Specifications LeadReceived her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Georgia Southern University, a CIDA and NASAD accredited program. She began her Interior Design journey in Detroit, MI working for mid to large size architectural firms, learning the design process and the importance of a broad product knowledge for innovative interior solutions. With 14 years of experience, Danielle has enjoyed a variety of interior types. She has developed interior design work for multi-family (new construction and existing), recreation/youth centers, historic preservation, office renovations, tenant build-outs, multi-million-dollar single-family residential renovations and new builds, custom kitchen designs and custom furniture designs.
Zakia Hunt
Architectural DesignerZakia's journey began early, when she discovered a love for design rooted in mathematics. Whether she was explaining the mechanics of a volleyball rally or styling an at-home photoshoot, she communicated best through formulaic visuals. With that interest shaping her career path, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Lawrence Technological University. The program's technology-driven curriculum expanded her interests to include software and tools that boost design productivity, capability, and efficiency.
Opening doors for the next generation.
The future of the profession should look like the communities it serves. Our team invests time beyond our projects to make that happen.
- Mentoring students and emerging designers, inside the studio and out
- Our Interior Design Industry Club, introducing young people to design careers
- Founding and leading the NEWH Detroit Regional Chapter
- She Built Foundation ambassadorship
- Industry panels and speaking engagements
Build your career with us.
We are a collaborative studio where emerging professionals get exposure to every part of the design process, from client meetings to construction. If you want your work to matter to a community, we'd like to hear from you.