Made at Sac State…for Sac State…by Sac State

Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture has been part of the Sacramento landscape since 1950. Having been around almost seven decades, we have had the privilege of helping shape the City and surrounding areas.

Our portfolio includes numerous projects on the Sacramento State campus; projects “Made for Sac State”. But recently, I was reminded those projects have often been “Made by Sac State” as well.

Our office is just down the street from the University. Has been for years. Whether by proximity or destiny, D+B has often been the first stop for many interns as they launch their careers. We currently have a number of Sac State graduates on our staff, including several Interior Designers along with our Art Director, Graphic Designer, Marketing Coordinator, and an Architect-in-training. Many alumni have also engineered and built our buildings after receiving their Construction Management or Engineering degrees from Sacramento State.

One of our current projects is the University Union Expansion North. At the Topping Out ceremony, I had the chance to chat with Sac State’s President. He was proudly wearing a “Made at Sac State” pin. This campaign celebrates the success and impact of Sacramento State through the inspirational stories of their grads. Right next to me stood an alumna.

Vanessa Gutierrez joined our team while she was still taking classes. She checked out our website and thought it’d be fun to work here since Dreyfuss + Blackford designed many of the buildings on campus. Fast forward a year, and not only has Vanessa become an official member of the D+B team, she has had a hand in shaping her alma mater through her work on the University Union.

As I talked to the President after the ceremony, I mentioned this; told him Vanessa is playing a key role on the project, and that she, was “Made at Sac State”. He smiled, promptly took off his pin, and pinned it on her. Albeit a bit embarrassed, Vanessa admits it was a great moment for her…and I will say, it was for me, too.

The Made at Sac State campaign website says:” Dynamic. Innovative. Successful. These graduates redefine the possible”. And, in my experience, they do. We are lucky to have so many talented and skilled grads on our staff and on our design teams. Stingers up.