Steven White, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Steve grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, and graduated from North Carolina State University before being drawn to the urban vibrancy of Washington, D.C. Captivated by L’Enfant’s visionary city layout, the historic civic architecture, and the area’s rich multicultural character, he has dedicated the past three decades to practicing architecture in D.C. Guided by a commitment to sustainable urban design, Steve believes that dense urban infrastructure and adaptive building reuse are essential to a sustainable future. Each project, for him, is a chance to blend history, community, and sustainability, shaping an urban landscape that enriches both people and the environment.

As the Director of the firm’s D.C. studio, Steve embraces the Touchstone™ “Use Context to Create Identity”, focusing on how buildings respond to their surroundings while reinforcing a sense of place. This design philosophy has guided Steve through several landmark civic projects, including federal courthouses, state supreme courts, and national museums. Among these, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., stands out as a significant achievement, earning the firm’s first embassy project an AIA National award. This project allowed Steve to shape the architectural narrative of the embassy, highlighting the powerful role that design can play in diplomacy.

Beyond his work at Fentress, Steve is deeply engaged in both the architectural and broader community. He has served as president of the AIA Washington, D.C. Chapter, chaired the AIA|D.C. Design Excellence Committee, and continues to contribute as a GSA Design Excellence Peer Professional and a coach for AIA|D.C. fellowship applicants. Steve’s dedication to community service runs parallel to his professional efforts. In college, he co-founded the NC State Habitat for Humanity chapter and helped launch the “shack-a-thon,” event that is still thriving today. His commitment extends to his local church, where he has served in various roles over the years and currently acts as an elder and chair of the facilities committee. Steve is also an avid reader of historical novels, believing that history offers valuable lessons that can guide both personal growth and professional decisions. This perspective shapes his approach to design, where he balances tradition with innovation to create spaces that stand the test of time.