Our History

We started as a traditional architecture firm in 1968. As clients and projects evolved, it just wasn’t efficient to separate what we did from strategy, planning, or building. It wasn’t good for our clients. Or our ideas.

Over time, we streamlined the entire brand–operations–build–implement process, hiring more industry leaders to create more value for our clients. And our client lists grew. Today, we impact millions of square feet of global retail space every year.

2009 – Mike Watson joins WD as Executive Director of Operations Engineering
– Dennis Kaufman joins WD as Executive Vice President, WD Schorleaf
– WD wins an POPAI Outstanding Marketing Award for Frito-Lay
– WD is honored with a Gold Standard Award from McDonald's
– Mike Morton, PgMP, achieves program management certification

2008 – Schorleaf becomes a partner brand of WD
– Fabrication and implementation services added
– New office added in Phoenix, Arizona

2007 – New office opens in Mumbai, India
– John Miologos joins WD as Vice President of Architecture
– Sam Khalilieh joins WD as Vice President of Engineering

2006 – WD consolidates all Columbus offices into new location in Dublin
– Jay Hosseinzadeh joins WD as Director of Structural Engineering

2005 – Dennis Lombardi joins WD as Executive Vice President of Foodservice Strategies

2004 – QSR Magazine chose D’Angelo for it’s Best of 2005 issue
– New office opens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2003 – Jim Brittian joins WD as Chief Financial Officer

2002 – SRE becomes a partner brand of WD
– Operations engineering services added
– Lee Peterson joins WD as Executive Director of Design
– Design and brand services added
– New office added in Miami, Florida

2001 – Second office opens in Los Angeles, California

2000 – Expesite.com launched

1997 – Feasibility real estate services added

1996 – National Registrations in mechanical / electrical / plumbing engineering
– Firm changes name to Wolfgang Doerschlag Architects & Engineers (WDA&E)
– Chris Doerschlag becomes CEO

1995 – National Registrations in architecture and civil engineering

1993 – Chris Doerschlag joins the family business

1992 – Martin Doerschlag joins the company

1991 – Structural engineering and civil engineering added

1979 – Mechanical / electrical / plumbing engineering added

1977 – Construction services added

1970 – Practice focuses on national multi-unit restaurant and retail

1968 – Wolfgang Doerschlag Architects founded as a general practice firm and
WD's very first office on Michigan Avenue opened its doors with six associates