Like the piers that surround it, the new headquarters appears to float on the waters of the Potomac and, while the design capitalizes on 180-degree panoramic views, it is primarily informed by the findings of a four-year occupancy study of the client’s previous DC office location. Armed with highly insightful data and driven by a commitment to wellness and sustainability, the team seized on this relocation to downsize total square footage from approximately 15,000 to 5,500 SF and implement a flexible, digitally managed, free-address system, thereby reducing our use footprint by over 60%.

The combined decrease in square footage and reduced demand for commuting has translated to a total embodied carbon and operational GHG reduction of over 30%. This estimate, however, does not account for the substantial reduction realized from the reuse of over 80% of our furnishings. Further highlights of our commitment to sustainability include a 35% reduction in water consumption; power density levels that sit at 25% below baseline; and 90+% Energy Star rated appliances. In addition, 88% of construction waste was diverted from landfills.

LEED Gold and Fitwel Certified, the new headquarters is also a vehicle for productivity that addresses current work modes and anticipates those of the future. To reclaim the workplace in the post-COVID landscape, the design team’s solution builds on ABW principles and incorporates best practices in designing for equity as well as neurodiversity.

The curated program, which culminates on the oversized terrace, is articulated as a considered sequence that guides team members and visitors alike on a journey to spatial elements that grow progressively more intimate and acoustically energetic. Sensory-friendly settings support hyper-focused work for neurodivergent individuals sensitive to change and stimulation; low traffic areas alleviate potential social anxiety in introverts who require concentration and the ability to exchange ideas outside of large, formal meetings; while the needs of neurotypical and extroverted individuals are met by collaborative hubs that encourage self-expression.