Church building design; Interior design, church floor plan, landscape design concepts...

Very honestly, I have never met a man so versatile who possesses as many creative skills in so many areas. For example, I have personally watched in awe his talents manifest themselves in the building industry all the way from original concept and design to the final stages of completion, with personal attention to detail, a quality indeed rare in a most competitive world. In my view, to watch his ideas take shape is comparable to watching an artist complete a painting.

Darrell is a man of integrity and high standards who is always willing to give more than 100 per cent of himself. I feel that anyone who enters into any kind of business agreement with Darrell Howe can only profit by such an association.

WINK MARTINDALE

Creative Design...

Just a note to extend my highest compliments for your superb production of Gospel Fest '86. You created a magical evening for nearly 6,000 people at the Shrine that presented Gospel music in a moving and sensitive manner. There can be no question that this year's production not only surpassed Gospel Fest '85, but showcased McDonald's in a way unmatched by any other corporation. It truly demonstrated our commitment not only to do business in the community, but to be part of it. Of the twenty or so McDonald's Gospel Fests that are held each year, the Los Angeles event continued to stand out, due in large part to your commitment, talent, and tireless efforts. I enjoyed working with you.

Greg Hogan
Regional Advertising Manager
McDONALD'S CORPORATION
Los Angeles, California

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Our property was unattractive and our building dated and uninviting. We felt, as congregation, that we needed to do something about it but did not feel we had the resources to move forward.

It was then we met Darrell Howe. What he said to us made sense and in an act of faith we embarked upon a major facelift of our properties.
From the perspective of two years later we can say that our hopes for this project have been more than fulfilled. We have seen a dramatic increase in both attendance and income. Our attendance, at times, is near double what it used to be. Income has significantly increased enabling us to do the kind of programming we wanted to do.

The ambiance created by Darrell Howe has been the foundation for all this. Everyone who comes to our building comments on the beauty, the sense of peace and the tasteful use of color. Even the most skeptical now say it was the right thing to do!

I have come to believe that what Darrell Howe says he can do - he can do! Also, that what he predicts as the result will pretty much happen. It happened to us!

Dr. G. Ross Laidlaw
Pastor, PALM SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH
Palm Springs, California

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Dear Darrell,
On behalf of our Board and congregation I am writing to thank you for the fresh new creative designs you have incorporated into our new church. Since we opened eight weeks ago, there has been a steady stream of special events happening at our place. It seems there is no end to the requests from our denomination and the city to use our facility. This year our income is up 20% and the attendance has increased by about 150 in the last eight weeks. People feel at home. The responses to altar calls are the best I have had in 30 years of ministry here. Darrell, what we have here is beyond every expectation.

Charles Crabtree, the Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, came out from Springfield to dedicate the new facility. Here is a paragraph from his letter written the week following dedication:

"Allow me to again comment on your beautiful building. I believe it is one of the finest examples of function as opposed to the elaborate. I will be recommending pastors come see your facilities. Most of our people are repulsed by the very expensive and ornate buildings of the past and are looking for comparatively inexpensive square footage that maintains the integrity of a worship center with proper support facilities. Your complex has met this criterion as well as any in the country. You are to be congratulated."

I am finding total acceptance by our community and our people. Both Lions and Kiwanis have scheduled noon lunch meetings in our foyer and have received a tour of the building. I have been pleased to find the Sanctuary to be very comfortable and homey for midweek services when it is far from full.

Thank you for a splendid place of worship for a modest price.

Dale Carpenter
Pastor, STONE CHURCH
Yakima, Washington

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I have served on the Board of Capital Christian Center for 5 three year terms over the past 18 years. One of my assignments has been to be the Church Representative dealing with all building projects. I was fully involved in all steps of our building project from conceptual planning to "Dedication Sunday".

Just prior to the start of construction we became involved in a very unusual set of circumstances. We were contacted by a pastor in the Los Angeles area who was a friend of Pastor Cole. He insisted that we look at his newly rebuilt church before we went any further with our plans. To make a very long story very short, we were introduced to Darrell Howe. He took our plans and redesigned our buildings.

You can imagine how much turmoil this created as our old plans were almost complete. At the time I was frustrated and wondered if all the changes were worth the trouble. We have been in our facility almost 10 years and I can say without reservation that we made the right decision. We now have a 63 acre complex which includes 200,000 square feet of buildings and a 28 acre athletic complex. Our church is a Christian landmark in Sacramento, which makes a major statement to our community. We have many people who just drive in on Sunday because we look inviting.

Robert L. Erickson
President, BOB ERICKSON ENTERPRISES
Sacramento, California

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Darrell is undoubtedly one of the most creative thinkers in the area of design and implementing. He can just bring it together and get it done. He knows what to spend money on to make the ideal building.

Darrell's joining our project brought to me tremendous confidence and assurance that we will have a beautiful and unique building. He gives you your own distinct identity and not just a copy from someone else.

I believe that Darrell's influence on our building will make it one of the most outstanding church facilities in the entire Midwest.

I personally recommend Darrell very highly. In fact, I don't know of any better in the country!

Hugh Rosenberg
Pastor, TRI-COUNTY ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Farifield, Ohio

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It's incredible to me that you took a virtually non-existent budget and turned it into a handsome exhibit island which might very well have cost $20,000 to $25,000.

The comments of the other exhibitors at the Western Cable Show in Anaheim were very affirming. It was unique, impressive and most suitable for our needs. You captured the essence of who we are and translated it into a welcoming image.

Your dedication to details and commitment to making something right are a very rare and a very valuable asset. The term "master designer" may very well be an understatement to your true overarching capabilities.

Ron Dixon
Vice President, Media Services
Radio and Television Commission
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
Fort Worth, Texas