Commissioned Douglis Beck [Documodern] to shoot a recently completed building. A tough project to shoot since it is tight yet he captured the openness and feel of the space perfectly. Did a great job and finished it ahead of schedule so we could include it in a publication. ***** Responsiveness, Quality, Professionalism, Value
— Matt Wolfe, WolfeAD
We are an interdisciplinary, family-owned, architectural photography and design practice. Our mission is to provide high-quality photography of modern architecture for architects, designers, and constructors. We approach projects with an architect’s eye and a photographer’s precision, producing an exceptional product attuned to a client’s needs and demands. While our main focus is architectural photography, we welcome opportunities to step out from behind the camera and make our own contributions to the world of design as well.
Douglis Beck, Associate AIA
Design Principal | Owner
douglisbeck@documodern.com
Trained as an architect, and a practitioner of design for over 30 years — I believe in DESIGN as a broad, interdisciplinary endeavor that includes architecture, graphics, objects, interiors, and photography — all having elements of form, composition, and color as a process of planning and making. But most importantly, design is a business that responds to a client or purpose, best said by designer/architect (and St. Louis native) Charles Eames — “Design depends largely on constraints” — an iterative process that asks questions and solves problems. As a professor of art history and design in Webster University’s DADAH program, and in teaching design thinking, portfolio design, and architectural theory in the Graduate School of Architecture at Washington University, my goal is to emphasize the importance of good design through seeing, thinking, and making.
MArch Washington University (Architecture)
MA St. John’s College, Annapolis (Liberal Arts)
BA Webster University (English & Philosophy)
Susan Allen
Managing Principal | Owner
susanallen@documodern.com
With a background in management and consulting, I’m the practical, financial, and operations counterpart to Douglis’ client-facing creative thinking and production. I am committed to promoting our design-centered, family-owned, WBE as a company that values our clients and the work they do. I believe in building long-term relationships based on personal attention and excellent customer service to individuals and corporations alike.
MBA Saint Louis University (Management & Leadership)
MA Webster University (Human Resource Development)
BA University of Evansville (Archaeology & History)
Finnegan “Finn” MacCool
Director of Human Resources
Finn is responsible for employee wellness and office morale. Utilizing his background with giants and causeway construction, he is devoted to employee safety, building security, and waste management. He has developed numerous strategies for the live-work balance, mainly through a rigorous schedule of fitness and playtime activities.
Diploma No Leash Needed (Certificate of “Obedience”)
PHOTOGRAPHY
Architectural: Magazine–quality photography with a wide range of uses, from large format printing to award submittals. We have extensive experience in the following markets:
• Commercial and Corporate (office interiors, restaurants, retail, distribution centers, corporate headquarters, hotels, medical office buildings, car dealerships, mixed-use developments)
• Education and Cultural (K-12 schools, libraries, universities, performing arts centers, early childhood centers, event spaces, museums)
• Healthcare and Research (hospitals, ambulatory centers, research greenhouses, laboratory and testing centers, recovery stay facilities, pharmacies, nursing and medical schools, logistics facilities)
• Residential, Interiors, and Housing (private houses, kitchens and baths, interiors, multi-family housing, mixed-use developments, historic renovations)
• Landscape and Details (park facilities, memorials, play spaces, gardens, public art, architectural details and vignettes)
Lifestyle Photography: Street-style photography of events, groundbreakings, construction photos, portraits, and special occasions (no weddings).
Real Estate Photography: Straightforward digital photography meant for limited uses such as property listings and social media.
DESIGN
Graphics + Marketing
Identity: Logos, Business Cards, Letterhead
Print: Brochures, Signage, Advertisements, Books
Digital: Website Design, Social Media Management
Marketing: Strategy and Content Development
A/E/C Firms: Award Submittals and Proposals
Architecture
Project consulting and pre-design
Schematic design and development
Building surveys and as-built drawings
Historic preservation research