DON
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be an architect. In my earliest years I was drawn to the arts and the creative process. I would find inspiration in the buildings around me and spend my time sketching and designing to come up with a unique and different interpretation. Later on, I began to explore construction sites around my home and was fascinated by these new buildings “coming to life”. It is this integration of the freedom and excitement of creation, combined with the real world existence of my art being constructed into something that I can walk through and experience, that to this day provides me with the ultimate satisfaction.
I studied architecture at the prestigious College of Design Architecture Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati, where the combination of the theory and freedom in the design studio was complemented perfectly with a cooperative education program. This provided me with real world experience working at architectural firms throughout the country from San Francisco to the Midwest, and here on the east coast.
Upon graduating cum laude with a BS in Architecture in 1993, I moved to New York and later settled in Connecticut where I worked alongside talented mentors, passed my registration exams, and polished my skills as an architect until I was ready for the next adventure. Seeking a new challenge, I decided to strike out on my own and founded Donald William Fairbanks Architect, P.C.
THE FIRM
I established Donald William Fairbanks Architect P.C. in 2004 and almost immediately began focusing on residential design. I found helping my clients realize their dream of creating a comfortable, well-crafted, and beautiful home immensely rewarding. Early on I learned that my most valuable tool was really listening to my clients and responding to their needs in a thoughtful and creative way. My ultimate goal is a happy and satisfied homeowner. The word of mouth praise and ongoing referrals that I receive from a long list of clients is my best marketing tool.
I decided early on to keep my practice small, at a boutique level, so that I can remain intimately involved in every step of the design and construction process. When you hire me, you can be assured that I will be involved every step of the way. I also very much enjoy each phase of a project, from the earliest design sketches, to ensuring the construction documents provide the information necessary to deliver an accurate bid and smooth build process, to walking through the completed home with the owner and watching their reactions as they see their dreams transformed into a built reality. I feel this personalized approach is the cornerstone of my practice.
I am licensed in both Connecticut and New York and enjoy working on a variety of projects from renovations to new homes throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties.
“Knowing a client’s dream for their home has been realized
is the most gratifying feeling.”