The City of Washington has been home to Don since 1963 when there was ample opportunity to combine his architectural training with an emerging historic preservation movement. Early restoration work for the National Park Service was combined with HABS study of Washington’s architecture. Later, serving as Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts he incorporated historic preservation with design review, including serving with the original Joint Committee on Landmarks and administering the Old Georgetown Board. He served on the faculties of the Smithsonian Associates and Catholic University teaching Washington architectural history and urban conservation. He also served as the final Clerk of the Works for the Washington National Cathedral. Volunteer activities have included leadership rolls with the American Institute of Architects, the Adams Memorial Foundation, and the DC Preservation League where his trusteeship focuses on Chairing the Project Review Committee.
As a recognized Botanical Artist, Don’s work is in several collections, been shown in a number of galleries and exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery and the Delaware Art Museum.