About Us

Terry H. Brooks Jr.,
AIA – Chairman/CEO

 

Terry H. Brooks Jr. is the esteemed Chairman and CEO of Development Services, LLC, a pioneering firm in urban planning, architectural design, and project management. With a career spanning over three decades, Terry has significantly impacted both the public and private sectors, leading projects from historic preservation to large-scale urban developments.

Since 1987, Terry has steered Development Services, LLC with a vision of offering comprehensive services in urban planning, historic preservation, economic development analysis, and project management. His expertise has benefited municipal governments, private individuals, and community organizations, with his influence extending internationally to cities like Beijing, Sichuan, and Hong Kong.

In the public sector, Terry’s tenure at the Montgomery County Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission was marked by remarkable achievements. As Division Chief and Senior Staff Advisor, he managed a vast 30,000-acre park system, oversaw a $90 million capital budget, and led a professional team of 50 staff members. His strategic leadership played a crucial role in securing CAPRA certification for M-NCPPC, a distinguished recognition in the field of park and recreation management.

Terry’s urban design expertise is equally notable. As the former Chief of Urban Design for the District of Columbia’s Office of Planning, Terry wrote the Washington, DC government’s first Urban Design Element of the District of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan. This groundbreaking Urban Design Plan, Chapter Seven of the Comprehensive Plan, was the first design plan for Washington, DC since George Washington and Benjamin Banneker’s original layout of the nation’s capital. As the first African American architect to produce such a plan, Terry’s work stands as a historic and significant contribution to the design of Washington, DC, reflecting his innovative vision and leadership.

In recognition of his contributions to landscape architectural excellence in Washington, D.C., Terry received an award of professional recognition and appreciation from the American Association of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Beyond his professional practice, Terry has made substantial contributions to architectural education. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in planning and architecture at the University of Virginia and the University of the District of Columbia, nurturing the next generation of architects and planners.

Terry’s professional achievements have earned him recognition from numerous prestigious institutions. He has been honored by the Mayor of the District of Columbia, Howard University School of Architecture, and the National Association of Minority Architects (NOMA) for his contributions to the design profession. He was also elected by the Potomac Chapter of Lambda Alpha International for his work in architecture, land planning, and real estate development. His professional affiliations include the American Institute of Architects and the National Park & Recreation Association.

Terry’s educational background is as distinguished as his professional career. He holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University School of Architecture. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in Design Writing in Publication Design from Yale University.

Throughout his career, Terry has led numerous notable projects. He was instrumental in the development of the Congress Heights New Town Center, a 300,000 square foot shopping center in Washington, DC, and the Techworld Twin Tower Office Buildings in Mt. Vernon Square, Washington, DC. He also managed the creation of the South Germantown Soccerplex, a multi-recreational complex with 23 soccer fields and additional facilities.

Terry’s interests extend beyond architecture and planning. He is passionate about advanced technologies in architectural design, including CADD and GIS, and has a keen interest in fine art and real estate business development.

Terry H. Brooks Jr. brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and visionary leadership to Development Services, LLC, driving the company’s mission to deliver innovative and sustainable architectural solutions. His legacy is one of dedication, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the fields of architecture and urban planning.