METIENDO VIVENDUM

"By Measure We Live"

The Motto of Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens

My name is Daniel Lee, and I lead a design firm called Daniel Lee Architect, located in historic Alexandria, Virginia.  My clients enjoy a blend of architecture and art that uniquely captures what matters most to them and their personal life stories.  My team and I are passionately devoted to the creation of architecture deeply rooted in the western Classical tradition in a diverse range of styles and building types, including luxury custom homes, high end retail, commercial and institutional campuses. Such work, by its very nature, can involve extensive client participation and exchange throughout the design process, and all work is exquisitely detailed in keeping with such a collaboration. The firm works across the United States, and actively pursues international commissions.

Members of the firm have written extensively on the history of, and philosophical and religious implications of ancient and contemporary architectural expressions, and are strong advocates of a return to architecture grounded in traditional conceptions of human life, culture, and craftsmanship. My formative years and initial exposure to fine architecture took place in Paris, France, as a child, complemented by extensive travel and training throughout the world. I trained under influential classicists both here and abroad and my Curriculum Vitae is availble on request.

A favorite author of mine, Dorothy Sayers, observed that “As the mind of the maker has been made manifest in a work, a way of communication is established between other minds and his. That is to say, it is possible for a reader, by reading a book, to discover something about the mind of the writer.” I believe this principle holds true in works of architecture, and I aspire with my clients to the creation of architecture and environments that encourage and call forth the best in the human spirit, and create a sense of meaningful place for occupants, in space and time. 

Finally, I long for the day when truly beautiful buildings will grace our cities again.  I hunger for that day when their masterly designs will whisper to us with an awesome beauty, in a language our souls understand, and point with promise to a city whose enduring sustainer and guardian is God himself.

- Daniel Lee, Alexandria, Virginia