Member Profile: Domo Dojo

From 3D visualization to permit drawings, Domo Dojo offers a broad range of architectural design and drafting services to turn ideas into buildings. The Springfield Chamber recently connected with Casey Koontz, Founder of Domo Dojo, to learn more about the company.

Tell us a little about Domo Dojo.
Domo Dojo is an architectural design and drafting company based in Oregon. We work on residential and commercial projects ranging from remodels and additions to new construction, permit drawings, 3D visualization, and construction documentation. A big part of what we do is helping people take an idea that may only exist in their head and turn it into something they can actually see, understand, permit, and eventually build.

Although we’re based here in Oregon, technology has allowed us to work with clients and other professionals throughout the country. At the same time, I’m very interested in continuing to build relationships here in the Springfield and greater Lane County area.

How did you get started in your industry?
My path into architecture and design was a little unconventional. I served in the U.S. Air Force as a satellite and wideband telecommunications technician, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After leaving the military, I eventually went back to school and studied environmental studies and architecture.

I became particularly interested in sustainable buildings and communities and had the opportunity to study sustainable development in places like Amsterdam, Freiburg, Malmö, and Copenhagen. Seeing how thoughtfully designed buildings, transportation, public spaces, and neighborhoods could work together had a big influence on how I think about the built environment.

But my education didn’t only happen in school. I also spent years working in construction as a carpenter and contractor and later worked in architectural project management. That experience gave me a much better understanding of what happens after a drawing leaves the computer and gets into the hands of the people who actually have to build it. Eventually, all of those experiences came together and led to Domo Dojo.

What services do you offer and what makes Domo Dojo different?
We provide architectural design, drafting, construction documents, permit drawings, and 3D modeling and visualization for residential and commercial projects. We work on new homes, additions, remodels, ADUs, commercial spaces, and other building projects. We also work with contractors, architects, engineers, and other professionals who need additional design, drafting, Revit, or visualization support.

One thing that makes us different is the amount of emphasis we put on visualization. Traditional construction drawings are necessary, but they aren’t always easy for someone outside the industry to understand. We use 3D modeling, realistic renderings, walkthroughs, and other visualization tools to help clients understand a project before it’s built.

My construction background also has a big influence on how I approach design. I don’t want to design something simply because it looks good on a screen. I want it to make sense when someone has to build it. Our general philosophy is pretty simple: create buildings that are simple, economical, beautiful, and well constructed.

What do you like most about your work?
Probably the most rewarding part is seeing an idea become real. A project might start with a rough sketch, a photograph, an existing building, or simply a conversation about what someone wants. We get to take that information, solve a lot of problems along the way, and gradually turn it into something that people can actually experience.

I also really enjoy the problem solving side of the work. Every building has constraints. There are budgets, existing conditions, zoning and building codes, structural considerations, site limitations, and the client’s goals. Good design comes from finding a solution where all of those things work together. There’s something pretty satisfying about eventually standing in a building that once existed only as a model on your computer.

Any advice for others?
Don’t be afraid to take an unconventional path. A lot of the things I’ve done in my life didn’t appear connected at the time. I worked in telecommunications in the Air Force, studied environmental science and architecture, worked in construction, managed architectural projects, and eventually started my own design company. Looking back, every one of those experiences taught me something I use today.

I’d also say that being willing to keep learning is incredibly important. Technology, construction methods, building codes, and the way we work are constantly changing. You don’t have to know everything, but you have to be willing to keep learning and surround yourself with people who know things you don’t.

Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m excited about becoming more involved in the Springfield business community. Domo Dojo has the ability to work with people almost anywhere, but I also think there’s a lot of value in building strong local relationships. I’d like to continue developing relationships with homeowners, builders, contractors, engineers, developers, and other businesses throughout Springfield and Lane County.

We’re also interested in being a resource for other professionals in the construction industry. Sometimes a contractor needs help getting a client’s idea onto paper. An architect or engineer may need additional drafting capacity. A property owner may need help understanding what is possible before they’re ready to move forward with a larger project. Those are the kinds of relationships I’d like Domo Dojo to continue building here locally.