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Debbie Douglas, AIA

Director – Special Projects

Debbie Douglas is an accomplished architect with over 30 years of experience. Her background includes design and project management across commercial and residential markets in the U.S. and abroad. Her collaborative approach and skills in detailing, space planning, and interior design reflect her technical abilities while her extensive research, open dialogue, and willingness to provide extra attention put clients at ease. She is especially adept at guiding clients who have never participated in design and construction. As Director – Special Projects, Debbie leads specialized, small-scale commercial assignments for Precis and custom residential work for Arcus Architecture, Precis’ separately owned residential partner company.

A native of South Africa, Debbie began her architecture career designing schools, offices, hospitality projects, and homes. When her husband’s job transferred her to the U.S., Debbie took a leave from work to raise her sons before repeating her intern development process and retaking her licensure exams. The time-intensive process demonstrates her commitment to practice and illustrates both her patience and perseverance overcoming challenges.

Debbie is married with two grown sons. She divides time between a home in Wayne, Pa., that she designed and a home in Portugal, where she recently hiked the Camino Portugués. Debbie stays active dragon boating weekly during the spring and summer, doing Pilates, walking, and gardening – developing and evolving her outdoor spaces as an extension of her home. She is a past volunteer critic with the Drexel University architecture thesis program.

“As a designer, I’m very hands-on. I like to understand my clients’ needs, and I love the research to understand the nuance of every program and scope. I also enjoy mentoring younger architects, helping them deliver projects and drawings that are constructable and deliverable ready while learning to be efficient and effective with their time.”

Joined Precis

2023

Credentials

Registered Architect: PA
National Council of Architectural Review Boards Certified
OSHA-10

Education

B.Arch. University of Cape Town (South Africa)
B.A.S., University of Cape Town (South Africa)

Industry Involvement

American Institute of Architects (AIA)