The studio
A Detroit practice since 1964.
Founded by Howard F. Sims, FAIA, the firm grew from a pioneering architecture practice into a multidisciplinary studio responsible for recognizable civic, cultural and institutional work.
The founder's line still runs through the work.
Howard F. Sims, FAIA
Architecture with purpose.
Howard Sims pursued architecture at a time when opportunities for Black students and young professionals were severely limited. He gained drafting experience in the U.S. Navy, studied architecture at the University of Michigan, and founded Howard Sims and Associates in 1964.
His practice emphasized strong design, attention to detail and access to good architecture for communities too often excluded from it.
A working timeline
Six decades, one city at the center.
1964
Howard Sims establishes the practice that would become SDG Associates.
Detroit headquarters
The firm builds a long-running presence in Detroit, working across public, cultural, educational, transportation and commercial projects.
Landmark work
Projects connected to the firm's history include the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Robert Millender Center and major work at Huntington Place.
Today
SDG continues as a comprehensive architectural, planning and program management practice headquartered in Detroit.
