Syngenta is one of the world's leading companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to bringing plant potential to life.  OTJ's objective in designing Syngenta's government affairs office was to create an open, flexible, and high energy space.  Syngenta and OTJ worked together in creating a quality design that fostered a teaming approach.  The final result is an interactive flexible working environment capable of holding press conferences or social events. 

As one of the fastest growing companies offering daily local deals, Living Social came to OTJ with the task of quickly designing an office space that embodied the young company's branding and values, while still allowing for future expansion. Growing from 80 employees to nearly 300, Living Social worked with OTJ to find a new space that offered both character and ample room. Picking 2 floors in a historic DC building, OTJ's design maintained the structure's historical charm, while implementing unique methods of urban reuse to "bring the city into the office." Working with Living Social's themes of fresh urban connections, OTJ designed offices mimicking DC rowhouses, placed graphic metro maps on the walls, and developed communal meeting spaces as"parks" throughout the offices. Every urban detail encouraged both movement and interaction within the company. Open room, permeable ceiling coverings, spacious pantries, and game areas allow for effective and comfortable maximization of office space. 

Strayer University came to OTJ looking for a consolidation of their three offices into one main headquarters in Dulles Station, VA. OTJ assisted Strayer University in developing a space program that outlines the requirements for the new space such as quantity and sizes of offices, workstations, and support functions. The 104,000 SF design includes classrooms, training rooms, conference rooms, administrative offices, and pantries. OTJ also designed the grahpics and signage for the entire office. The receptions displays images along the corridor of past Strayer University students. A training facility was designed to either serve as one large classroom ofr be transformed into several small classes with movable partitions. Adjustable office furniture creates diversity while still maintaining comfort. OTJ used Strayer's history as a main design element and created a gallery embracing the school's evolution. 

The concept for the renovation is to promote interaction by creating two central social-hubs - one immediately upon entering the public area suite, and the other upon entering the private staff area. OTJ continued this idea throughout the space by creating touch-down niches with a variety of functions, including team areas to encourage impromptu meetings, game areas for staff to take a quick break, and lounge areas to relax. Each of these niches is anchored by a Mural Wall which gives each an identity of its own. The murals are painted atop the existing wood paneling, since track lighting is already in these locations. The design allows staff to focus and be productive in private offices, but still have easy access to "a community."

PACT helps build strong communities globally that provide people with an opportunity to earn a dignified living, raise healthy families, and participate in democratic life.  PACT came to OTJ looking to relocate their office.  The complete space includes a large pantry and break room, a large conference room with movable partitions, revitalized elevator lobby, open work areas with new system furniture, and a reception desk.  The existing mechanical system was reused saving PACT over $175,000.  OTJ carefully specified sustainable finishes such as bamboo wall coverings, locally manufactured porcelain tile, and carpet tile made of recycled content.  

National Parks Conservation Association is a nonprofit organization that believes America's national parks and historical sites embody the American spirit. As a part of their commitment to the environment, NPCA identified LEED CI Certification as a primary target in their recent relocation. OTJ provided greater formal and informal collaboration while still minimizing audible disturbances through designing engaging conference rooms of varying sizes and openness, a centralized lunchroom providing multiple seating types, and several small team rooms. Fostering NPCA's goal of reducing the company's carbon footprint, OTJ equipped two of the primary conference areas with videoconferencing technology to aid communication with teams and partner organizations at park facilities across the country. 

Located near the White House, Navistar Defense wanted a contemporary plan that incorporated functional office and desk areas with a reception space that captured the corporate culture of the company. Navistar needed a synthesis of space between glass offices and conference rooms. OTJ developed an articulated "hinge" space allowing for all parts of daily operations to perform in an open and collaborative manner while also accommodating the need for entertaining. OTJ developed a reception desk that combined the functions of greeting, conference, and storage. The reception desk's exploration of materiality and form expressed the corporate culture through the manipulation of raw material. The shifting form directly relates and changes according to use and adapting for both work and entertainment. The pantry's built-in seating designed with custom Eames-style hairpin steel leg references Charles and Ray Eames' manufacturing process and designs for the US Military in the 1950s. 

Occupying the entire tenth floor of a building in Crystal City, Surescripts approached OTJ needing a functional workspace attuned with the company's ideals of connectivity, positive flow, and efficiency. In the renovation of the offices, OTJ answered Surescripts' desire for a sustainable, clean contemporary design through bright accents and the phenomenal transparency of materials and spaces. Parametrically designed, CNC-milled wood paneling extending from the ceiling flows from the elevator lobby into the reception area inviting visitors into the space. This natural flux of the materials into the area alludes to the constant technological flow of information upon which Surescripts builds their products. The extruded paneled ceiling creates a baffle that allows for the fully exposed steel decking to be creatively obscured while juxtaposing the feeling of height and solid form. OTJ effectively addressed the company's desire for a fresh design while also meeting budget requirements through aesthetically exposing the ceiling. Glass facades on perimeter offices allow for natural light while coffee areas promote both positive and frequent collaboration within the company.

GWSA purchased and combined three office condos with continuous street-front facades to dynamically incorporate them both visually and physically into the surrounding community. OTJ's design of the space creates an active work environment that continually inspires the GWSA team to pursue investments in youth fitness and education. The liberal use of glass design elements throughout the office space expresses GWSA's desire for lucidity as it serves the local community. Multiple clouds modulate scale at various ceiling heights and add a spatial aesthetic. OTJ added innovating details, such as the executive offices' mechanized sliding doors, creating elegant form and function to optimize space throughout the office.The overall design concept gives a sense of visual excitement and vibrancy to reflect GWSA's core focus on sports and athleticism. By capitalizing on geometric constraints of the space, OTJ created a distinctive and unique architecture that staff members, visitors, and community enjoy. 

Located in the dynamic Clarendon neighborhood, Arlington Center for Dentistry sought to create a contemporary office space to service an expanding client base and appeal to young professionals in the area. The doctors defined the needs of the practice: to create a comforting space for patients that maximized efficiency and defied the notion of the archetypal dental office. Furthermore, they emphasized the need for effective collaboration between different departments to provide high quality client service. To maintain a fluid and appealing design, the space was centered on a series of ellipses of multiple scales. Each change in scale defines hierarchy and programme. The largest of the curved walls are fragments of larger ellipses. Each curve creates a different service area; negative spaces between ellipses create patient treatment room and the smallest of ellipses form banquet seating areas for waiting patients. The business office was designed as a large ellipse with a corridor on the perimeter. OTJ's use of non-linear forms minimizes disconnection between various disciples while creating a warm, non-rigid environment for patients while promoting efficient and collaborative dental care. 

OTJ designed the headquarters for the U.S. Coast Guard, one of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, in Southwest Washington, DC.  OTJ created a space that is easily adaptable between closed and open environments.  This was a full service project for 80,000 SF including a data center and BOMA calculations for the building. 

FasterCures is a nonprofit action group working to improve the efficiency of medical research. Seeking to maximize productivity and reflect the scope and diversity of their operations, FasterCures approached OTJ to create a workspace that embodied their energetic company culture. In response, OTJ designed a reception and waiting area filled with natural light pouring through the conference room glass panels. To serve the client's need for a large collaborative space for group of work and discussion, OTJ composed a bright media conference room with full audio visual technology, natural light and clean accents. Recognizing that the dynamic nature of FasterCures' operations called for a range of forms for group work, OTJ included open group hubs as well as partitioned work stations addressing FasterCures dynamic nature of formal and informal meetings. Systems furniture with adjustable lightweight canopy partitions encloses personal work stations providing additional privacy. Through continuous natural light, multiple methods of transparent partitions, and sequences of group meeting spaces OTJ created the ideal creative offices for FasterCures. 

Oceana is the largest international organization focused entirely on ocean conservation. One of Oceana’s main concerns was to continue their responsible environmental policies through the construction of their new space. OTJ was able to create a "green" story by employing successful day-lighting techniques and carefully selecting materials and furniture. The colors and interior finishes were chosen to give the overall design a modern image that served to both brighten the space and reflect their commitment to conserving the world's precious oceanic environments.

Convio leased 14,000 square feet of space in the West End neighborhood of downtown Washington, DC. The goal of the design was for clients to walk in and feel like they were stepping into Convio’s website – clean, sophisticated, and fun. Convio’s tag line is “Move People”, so we focused on this concept from the beginning. The design sought to inspire Motivation and Mobilization by creating a collaborative environment that encourages the transformation of ideas into actions.The space has become a destination for both the company and visitors alike to gather, collaborate, and learn from each other.Located just east of Georgetown, in the West End neighborhood of downtown Washington, DC, Convio’s offices are steps from a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, entertainment and countless other community amenities.

IIDA Award Winner 2004

Located in a historic building in the heart of Washington, DC’s re-emerging China Town district, the offices of Navigators is primarily a study in the transformation of space. Since the 1930’s, the space had been used as a furniture showroom, displaying new product within a single volume of space and against the backdrop of 12’ high windows looking over 7th and Eye Streets. Blending the program of office use with the original intent of the space meant relying heavily on use of glass for transparency and figured wood to preserve the showcase feel. Coming off the elevators, visitors enter the lounge and are greeted by a receptionist who is also an experienced bar tender. From there, they are directed to the glass conference room that overlooks the bright lights and activity of the big city.

IIDA Award Winner 2008

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research is a global leader in public opinion research and strategic consulting, working with corporations, issue groups, and political campaigns throughout the United States and around the world. OTJ worked with the client to design a space that reflects the established firm they are; with added flair to attract young, ambitious staff members. Their space is conducive to working both in teams and individually. It allows for growth over time and will accommodate the ever contracting and expanding staff which is natural in their industry. Particularly challenging was the long and narrow shape of the space. Emphasis was placed on concentrating all gathering areas in one section (conference room, pantry, copy room) and the actual working areas in another.

One of the greatest opportunities for AWEA to “go green” came when industry growth created a need for the association to move to a new office. Early on in the office search process, AWEA decided it would make an extra effort to be environmentally conscious during the design and build-out so that the new space would be in sync with the clean, renewable energy source for which it advocates. It hired OTJ Architects and consultancy Sustainable Design to ensure that the finished space would allow the organization to work with maximum efficiency, and in a space that reflected its values.AWEA is LEED CI Gold Certified.

Leading Authorities came to OTJ looking for a design that would support their vision and mission to be "on the cutting edge of big ideas, thoughtful leadership, and innovative and transformative event planning". Their existing offices consisted merely of workstations, a couple closed offices, and an outdated Conference Room. They challenged OTJ with developing a design with unique spaces that would allow their offices to be multi-functional, appeal to their diverse clientele, and reflect their extensive abilities as a cutting-edge firm. They wanted a destination space for their clients that mirrored their company’s transformation and made them stand out as an energetic organization that "takes risks and wins". Featuring a Talent Lab dedicated to business development, an interactive Event Design Lab, and state-of-the-art audio-visual production facilities, the custom designed space echoes the creative, yet sophisticated culture of the company.

Art Institute offers a practice-oriented curriculum that's taught by experienced faculty and fine-turned by major employers across the country.OTJ's collaboration with Art Institute enriched and exemplified the school's distinctive vision and program for students and learning. The design includes gallery exhibits, color schemes, and natural light for creative studio spaces and classrooms.OTJ worked to embody the institute's creative plan while enhancing the personalized space through collaborative design and adjustments to regulation. Art Institute displays a unique rending of light, color, and space to create the school's most ideal learning experience.

From the street entrance visitors are welcomed by a high-tech LED and acrylic paneled wall. The use of bamboo creates textural continuity while simultaneously acting as a backdrop to the technology integrated throughout the space. With NCTA’s numerous member companies, the walls that surround the interconnected stair case are perfect for showcasing various display posters and cable programs. 1,500 SF of concrete was cut out of the 2nd floor slab to create space for the 100+ person High Definition, THX rated theater. This theater integrated THX requirements for sound inside the theater, isolated the slab above and below from sound transmission, and created a studio environment for proper filming of Public Service Announcements in front of a green screen. The result is the most technically advanced and visually stunning private theater in the DC area.

AIA "Award of Excellence" Winner 2006
IIDA Award Winner 2006

After OTJ performed test-fits on multiple buildings throughout DC, The Raben Group chose 1640 Rhode Island Avenue as their new home. The space was a shell, with a window line that had glass from floor to ceiling and commanding views of the city. After developing a program for Raben and studying the test-fit, it was determined that the reception space and the main client conference room should be the areas to take advantage of the view. Just beyond this area are the Raben offices. Around the perimeter of the space, as you can see with the quarter view, we tipped the exposed ceiling to make the ceiling height as high as possible, but framed the offices with an arcade to give visual interest to what would have been just a long corridor. In addition, to make the space feel as large as possible, we kept the concrete columns exposed, but warmed them with a wood base that mimics the reception desk detailing.

Wallace King specializes in litigation and arbitration of complex cases for commercial, tort, and product liability, environmental and environmental regulatory matters. Given the growth it experienced since its founding, WKDR sought to expand its offices to a new building in Georgetown. The firm’s partners were deliberate in their design direction to create a unique identity and a sense of high quality within a moderate budget. The selected building and 5th floor location of the space presented constraints including the unique building form and complex structural system. The existing elevator corridor was extremely narrow creating a restrictive feel as you entered the 5th floor. We resolved this by creating a recessed and angled demising wall with glass panels. As clients step off of the elevator onto the 5th floor they are now welcomed with a more spacious entrance which establishes a progressive spatial sequence. The visitor is lead from the entry to the reception desk, to the formal conference room and its’ feature window garden admitting abundant daylight and interest.

IIDA Award Winner 2007

Banner & Witcoff relocated to 31,651 RSF of brand new space on the 12th floor and partial 11th floor in 1100 13th St. NW. While utilizing the space to its best advantage, the overall floor plan maximizes daylight to the interiors through extensive glass walled conference rooms, clerestory windows and glass lights in all office doors. Corridors around the perimeter of the building open the space to showcase the “skyscraper” views of the city while allowing natural light to enter. Preformed curved and patterned plastic panels hang below the ceiling to add interest to these corridors. The corridors lead to the workstations, made of maple with an inset of acrylic 3-form panels. The plan features a reception area adorned with Italian ceramic tile floors, stone mosaic accent walls, a reception desk made of lacquered panels, backlit stained glass and a solid slab of onyx for the transaction ledge. A hand woven wool/silk rug, custom designed drum light fixtures, and a vintage marble cocktail table complete the design.

Law Media Group’s purchase of a 9,000 SF three story building, gave us the opportunity to do a complete building modernization. Due to the narrow facade and large buildings flanking the left and right perimeter, the building has minimal exposure to natural light. With this narrow floor plate, we were challenged with creating a layout that maximized the exposure to daylight. We achieved this through a variety of elements. On the first floor, offices were located on the left and right sides of the floor plan and workstations were located in the center to allow for light to reach the core of the building. On the second floor where windowed executive offices were desired, extensive use of glass was used to allow the natural light to penetrate the floor plan. We brightened the interior by painting all of the ceilings, walls, and ductwork white; resulting in a polished, reflective space. A continuous light cove was designed for each floor to provide indirect light allowing for even light levels throughout the structure, which reduced energy consumption for the entire building. The ceiling clouds and custom "L" shaped back panels within each office were designed to control the acoustics within the space.

E&E Publishing is a DC based studio located next to the nation's Capitol. This project required flexible and creative architectual design for its unique space. Various sizes of track lighting occupy the majority of ceiling space and offer multiple lighting options in the television studio. Three large cameras fill the back of the studio, allowing multiple camera angles for each of the three anchors. Also included in the design is a table for the anchors, a backdrop with a portable mural and hand railings. The studio was soundproofed by adding padding on the walls. The technology room offers track lighting, a table that allows for multiple monitors, a soundboard and all necessary equipment used for E&E Publishing's production services. The makeup room needed privacy for each anchor, but still provide enough room for two people to occupy that space. Therefore a partition was added that was big enough to give privacy in both height and depth. Finally, a waiting room was created to provide guests a private area to relax before going into the television studio. This room includes comfortable seating and a television to watch the show live while waiting to go on the air.

OTJ began this project with an empty shell space. The intention was to design a broadcasting studio and news room to promote Hearst studios headquarters in Washington, DC, as a world class and renowned studio. This project involved a complete build out with all new materials and mechanical/electrical finishes. OTJ coordinated the set design and technical aspects including the layout of the control room. OTJ coordinated and procured all furniture with custom color arrangements and materials. The office space was designed to promote a multiple tasking environment. OTJ coordinated the MEP engineers for all of the studio requirements. The key element for this project was the necessity for Hearst to function separately from the rest of the building with the requirement to be able to function 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. The colors were chosen to compliment the studio and office space when filmed on television. The conference room was designed to serve as a think tank room during news flashes incorporating state of the art technology. The ceilings were intentionally designed to be higher in order for the lighting to have optimum effect for the studio. The leaning glass walls were designed to eliminate glare on the camera when filming.

Chemonics International requested that we create a space which reflected their global identity. We thoughtfully did so by incorporating unique items, such as basket-woven carpet textures, into the design. The corridors are illuminated by intricate track lighting fixtures that project a translucent design on the wall, and sculpted ceilings that embellish these fixtures. Spreading natural light was a priority due to the depth of the floor plate. All perimeter offices use large glass sidelights to let light into the space. Areas around the atrium utilized glass and the absence of walls to avoid blocking the light. Direct/indirect light fixtures give interior areas an even distribution of light. Group work is an important part of Chemonics International’s work flow. To encourage staff to use the meeting spaces we reserved bright accent colors for these areas to make them “pop”. The specific colors are varied throughout the floors to give each one its own identity.

IIDA Award Winner 2004

This project faced many design challenges; the client needed a space that could be flexible and efficient, as well as incorporate the latest technologies in audio video and networking. The space also had to support various group functions and meetings in a simultaneous environment. We began to design using the client’s business strategies and concepts to describe the circulation path. We named this path the “racetrack”, as it began to carve an elliptical path through the space. The “racetrack” anchors a series of conference and team areas, each of a unique design and function, keyed to events along the path of Touchstone's business strategy.

Threespot Media, a marketing and communications firm, is located within the historic Tivoli Theater building in Washington, DC. The space is unique in that it is one of the few office spaces within the building that offers a two-story loft, vaulted ceilings, and oversized skylights. OTJ's design of the space serves to accentuate this open environment, a concept drawn from Threespot's team atmosphere and group productivity.Curved work stations were used to provide a better visual flow within the main large work area. Track lighting was then added to the conference rooms and walls to balance the natural light from the skylights. Three windows were added to each conference room to further provide better lighting, while tying into Threespot's name. Bright and neutral paint and carpet colors were used to soften the texture of the original brick walls. Iron railings, stainless steel kitchen appliances and brushed nickel light fixtures were used to match the industrial feel of the space.

AIA Presidential Citation Sustainable Design 2008

This project is registered under the LEED Green Building Rating System

The American Legacy Foundation develops national programs that address the health effects of tobacco use. They came to us with a desire to create a “healthy” work environment that would be encouraged by architecture. Having purchased the building, they were not only looking at an entire building modernization, but were also focused on a design for the long-term. In order to meet these criteria, we developed a plan that was efficient in LEED design while creating a campus-like environment that would take them into the future. Approaching the building, the landscaping provides an immediate sense of welcome where we used a brick pattern that actually penetrates into the lobby space. The reception area is open and alive with various textures, color and materials all working together to include a combination of cork and carpet that are used to show the circulation paths into the common areas. Pendant light fixtures were selected in order to spread an even, indirect light across the ceiling though mounted only 6” from the ceiling itself. Of special note is the “green” roof top deck and patio, another LEED component to the design.

The New America Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that invests in new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. The redesign/renovation of their offices required careful consideration of the main gathering space to be used by hundreds of people on a weekly basis for press conferences. These meetings are often filmed, therefore the room was equipped with all the necessary C-SPAN plug-ins and a logo-wall providing a backdrop for media sessions. Moveable partitions also serve to split the space into smaller meeting areas when necessary. Lower height workstations, pocketed cubicles layed out according to a "neighborhood" design concept, and floor-to-ceiling doorways on all offices give the illusion of a larger space with higher ceilings. Foreign Policy Magazine holds a friendly sub-let of a portion of the offices as well, allowing the New America Foundation to take over two floors of the building while both saving money and offering room for expansion in the years to come.

Originally located at 1621 North Kent Street in Rosslyn, Virginia, Winrock decided to move to 2121 Crystal Drive both in order to expand, and to locate all of their staff on one continuous floorplate to foster improved interoffice camaraderie and connection. The new facility itself includes multiple conference rooms of varying sizes and openness, centralized pantry and coffee area “hearths”, multiple print and work areas, and several small relaxation rooms for reflection and private phone conversations, all of which are provided to foster greater formal and informal teamwork and collaboration opportunities. The multitude of meeting areas are also equipped with videoconferencing equipment, which is critical to Winrock’s goal of reducing their carbon footprint as they engage in work with people and organizations across the globe.

IIDA Award Winner 2008

Having purchased two full floors of a 1920s building near the White House, our client wanted an office design that would reflect the company’s forward thinking culture and agenda while respecting the quality of the existing building’s architecture. The T-shaped and narrow floor plan presented a unique challenge in the configuration of the space. The client’s vision was to create an operationally divided yet open feel workspace that would visually “flow”. Each floor was taken back to shell and structure with new electrical and HVAC systems installed allowing for a full adaptive re-use of the space. The elevator location dictated the reception area while the glass walled main conference room frontally expands the overall space. The tile floor pattern used at the entry directionally reinforces the spatial expansion. To make the most of the limited space we designed the reception desk to flow into a seating area. To further develop the plan, we organized the principal spaces according to office functions. Executive offices were positioned near the conference room and reception area, while creating workstations and additional offices on the opposite side. These in turn surround a shared “Resource Room” for library materials and informal meeting space.

After creating a new board, their goal was to hire an architectural firm to work as part of the new branding team to design and build their first flagship branch. This branch would provide a design that set the standards for the next dozen branches scheduled to open within the Washington, DC area. The location was strategically selected to allow increased visibility within the prominent business community that is directly generated from the activities involving the Board of Trade. Specific design details included the use of a variety of flooring finishes, including stone and bamboo. These materials would draw the eye into the space and also ensure durability, especially in high traffic areas - while adding to the space’s warmth and comfort. A variety of visually stimulating, eco-friendly colors that matched the bank’s new logo were selected for the entrance and natural materials were used for the majority of the design (the front retail area and the rear/office/conference areas). Color changes were used within the space to help define transitions from public to private zones.

Searle Freedom Trust needed a space designed to reflect the passion incorporated within their work environment. In the reception area, signage is immediately visible and specifically designed to mirror the look of the Constitution. Lighting is set to accent the lettering shown for each individual right, emphasizing the importance and purpose of the foundation. The main space revolves around the conference room, strategically located in the center of the office and designed to have an “island” feel, with floating ceilings and glass surrounding all sides. Two modern light fixtures located above the conference table provide ample lighting. Special framing was added to the columns to soften their presence within the space. Throughout the hallways horizontal lines in the etched glass and walls create a linear flow and openness to the space.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA has helped to build consensus around important health care quality issues by working with large employers, policymakers, doctors, patients and health plans to decide what’s important, how to measure it, and how to promote improvement. OTJ Architects was chosen to design the 37,000SF space for the new NCQA headquarters at 1100 13th Street, NW Washington, DC. Our design team and NCQA’s committee worked closely together to define the goals of the project, engaging in multiple large-staff brainstorming sessions. The intricate details of the reception area, including the stone tile flooring and red floating ceiling, pull it all together to create a strong first impression to visitors. 3-form panels with organic material encapsulated in resin transform the reception desk into a piece of artwork. Splashes of lively colors are spread throughout the pantry giving it a warm, welcoming feeling that mirrors NCQA’s culture. Collaborative, hands on design development meetings with NCQA’s committee resulted in a finished space perfectly suited for the client.

Corning Incorporated is a diversified technology company with a proud history of developing breakthrough technologies that significantly improve people's lives. Headquartered in Corning, New York, their needs required a 6,000 square foot Government Affairs office in Washington, DC. The client wanted to incorporate glass as an important design feature because of their history in the manufacturing and production of glass products.This design reflects Corning’s rich history and accentuates their achievements in invention.

The Henry L. Stimson Center is a non-profit, non-partisan institution devoted to enhancing international peace and security. The task was to create a space that fosters the most effective research and creation of outreach products. These products need to be presented effectively to their audience of real-world policy makers.We had the added challenge of promoting their culture of a positive work/life balance grounded in personal accountability through such tools as flexibility in hours, telecommuting and job sharing. To help clients understand that they have arrived at a Center whose sole purpose is to promote and encourage international peace and security, we used (cost-effective) materials that one would expect to see used in places of importance internationally. We focused the visitor’s attention on the permanence and solid nature of the Center by using concrete for the reception and in-processing desk, also striving to create a lasting impression.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children provided emergency assistance to 3 million children and families in 26 countries in 2008, including cyclone-devastated Myanmar and hurricane affected areas of the U.S. Gulf Coast. In the last year, it expanded the number of early childhood programs to more than 6,200 sites in over 15 countries, including 60 in the U.S. In 40 countries worldwide 9 million children under 5 die each year. Their community-based model for health care delivery is helping to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of children who might otherwise die from treatable or preventable causes.

The Children’s Law Center helps at-risk children in the District of Columbia find safe, permanent homes. They also ensure these children receive the education, health care and social services they need to flourish by providing a comprehensive range of legal services to children, families, and foster and kinship caregivers.Therefore, it was important to them to create an environment that would make the children feel comfortable and where they could play while their guardians/caregivers worked with the staff at the Center. We did this by providing a colorful, child-centric design.There is a well-equipped playroom with a slide and blackboard with an adjacent meeting area so that children and adults can be near one another during consultations.Wall silhouettes of children at play throughout the space, the use of bright primary colors and even divider glass made of marbles make the mission of this office unmistakable. Since the Center is committed to sharing its expertise with the community, other professionals and policymakers through training, and technical assistance, they also wanted a “town hall” type gathering space, as well as a more traditional conference area.

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think-tank in Washington, D.C. dedicated to the study of the movement of people worldwide. MPI provides analysis, development, and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at the local, national, and international levels. It aims to meet the rising demand for pragmatic and thoughtful responses to the challenges and opportunities that large-scale migration, whether voluntary or forced, presents to communities and institutions in an increasingly integrated world.

UCS relocated to 1825 K Street in an effort to consolidate their space from three floors to one and to create a new space that would be more environmentally friendly. We helped UCS take the necessary steps to meet their goal of achieving LEED rating. The carpet, laminate surfaces and ceiling tiles were all made from recycled material. All the pantries were designed to have mini recycling stations. Each recycling station separates the paper, plastic and other debris. Many of the lights, doors and frames were re-used to limit the amount of waste and cost in the renovation process. The HVAC system was designed to save energy through reduced cooling while providing fresh air. All the paints used contain little or no volatile organic compounds. All the cleaning products for the building are entirely green based. OTJ understands how to incorporate these measures into the design. Outer cubicle walls have windows to allow more light to flow into the cubicle space. The conference room was built with glass interior walls to create openness and to eliminate an over usage of lighting. Again, this helps light to flow throughout the otherwise dark space. This project ultimately received a LEED-CI Gold rating.

StreamSage came to us looking for a collaborative, energizing atmosphere where employees would enjoy spending their working hours. Upon entering the space, guests are greeted with colorful light fixtures showcasing an interesting, centralized gathering area. The oval shaped reception area includes frosted glass panels with a blue backlight, giving the space its own identity. The gathering area is flanked by the pantry and connected to a conference room that can be separated by movable partitions. In the meeting area, flexible, comfortable chairs and tables (on rollers) can easily be configured to accommodate different sized groups. Exposed ceilings with colorful glass pendant light fixtures add to the comfortable ambiance. A combination of low wall and higher wall workstations with glass windows contribute to the distribution of the natural light. Offices were placed in the interior with glass walls, leaving the window lines open. Color was tastefully used to divide the space, giving each division their own identity; with a different accent color (various shades of blue, green, and orange) used in the corridors and conference rooms.

The Department of State Executive Offices required prestigious, upscale architectural elements for the design of their office space. The design and layout found throughout this project highlights fantastic views of Washington DC's monuments and works with the building's unique curved structure. When entering the lobby, a combination of materials were included to create a warm, open area. Dark granite was used for the reception desk counter area. Matching cherry wood was used for the walls, frames and reception desk. Cove lighting was added to the ceiling and soft accent lighting was added to the walls. Track lighting is found throughout the hallways that mirror the same pattern as the curvature of the building. To meet technology requirements of the client, high definition plasma screens and teleconferencing capabilities were added to the conference rooms. Etched glass was also used in the conference rooms to give privacy but still allow light.

DHS ICE consists of three separate divisions focusing on copyright infringement and enforcement. Each division requires various levels of security. They frequently host Fortune 500 executives and others from around the world to coordinate on strategies to combat copyright infringement and product knock-offs. The building they selected consisted of standard office space with large twenty foot columns in the center of the floor plate. The existence of large columns and unusual angles on both floors created many challenges to incorporating all of the desired functions required by the program. It was our mission to create a viable auditorium facility despite the presence of columns and windows. We designed a large 160 seat auditorium on the first floor and conference rooms of various sizes that have the flexibility to vary their function from large tele-conference areas, to training, to command center operations. The second floor contains a large reception area and conference room. The layout of the columns and the unusual angles created by the building on the 2nd floor determined the unique layout of the plan. Emphasis was placed on maximizing the amount of natural light that was allowed to enter the space. The conference rooms and auditorium utilize the latest A/V technology. The command center also consists of 12 LCD screens that allow the communication and flexibility that is required in order for the client to accomplish their mission.

OTJ Architects designed the expansion office for a large United States Government Corporation that occupies a full floor at 1401 H. This was a full service project including programming, space planning, design development, furniture services, construction documents and construction administration. The space includes a large conference and training facility. The training facility was designed to accommodate 30 people for sessions ranging from individual computer based language learning to large software classes. The large conference room was designed to accommodate 2 simultaneous meetings at one time or one large meeting ranging in size up to 150 people. The design incorporates high tech audio visual capabilities including, smart boards, video teleconferencing, preset lighting and window settings and touch screens at conference room entrances that display schedules and allow user to request rooms. A large break out space was designed that can provide touchdown capability for visitors and space for large receptions. A pantry is located behind custom built wood panels to function as a catering kitchen, staff pantry during normal working hours or a serving station/bar for large events when the panels are open.

OTJ designed ATK’s new office location in the industrial neighborhood of Canton in Baltimore, Maryland. It was a strategic location for ATK since many of their potential clients are nearby compared to the Elkton, Maryland office. The office culture had a traditional hierarchy and the office plan reflected that. The offices were located around the perimeter, the highest CEO’s had the best views of Baltimore, and the open office workstations were located centrally. Locating the office assistants was very important as well as they had to have quick access to the offices and had to be able to hear them easily. ATK works by getting contracts from the government, they wanted to showcase some of their past models of what they have done for guests that came to visit the space. The design included an area for a larger model on one side, and shelves on the opposite side of the reception for the smaller models. To give animation throughout the core of the space in the corridors, an angled, zig-zag wall was designed to display related images, highlighting it with track lighting with a high tech look.

General Dynamics needed a space that was warm and inviting, but had a hint of the technology that is so important to their organization. They needed a quantity of meeting spaces, but also needed the ability to have confidential and secure meetings. The use of blinds allowed the reception area to be open and inviting when meetings were not in session, but to be closed off when privacy was needed in the meeting rooms. Flexible furniture was the key to providing rooms that were comfortable for small groups of 10-12, but could accommodate 40 if needed. Most of the 150 sf offices had to hold two people, with enough space and storage for each. A modified furniture solution was used that gave each person enough room for their computer equipment and adequate storage.

Alion Science and Technology Corporation is an employee-owned technology solutions company delivering technical expertise and operational support to the Department of Defense, civilian government agencies and commercial customers. Their SAFTAS (Secretary of the Air Force Technical & Analytical Support) branch was located in few different places; so we helped them consolidate by relocating into one building (plaza level, 3rd and 4th floor) in Arlington, VA. The plaza level houses many conference rooms, a sizeable pantry, and large lounge/gathering areas to support in-house functions - including internal meetings as well as third party events they rent the spaces out for. The 3rd and 4th floors are mainly for offices and work stations, with a few conference rooms to provide auxiliary support, and a color-coded finish palette that relates directly to the various teams found on each floor. The glass wall of the 4th floor conference room (behind the reception desk) becomes frosted with the flick of a switch - providing added privacy / visual security when necessary.

NAIOP "Best Interiors" Award Winner 2005

Located at 300 M Street, SE across from the Navy Shipyard, the lobby of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems is designed to feel like the Quarterdeck of a ship. Our inspiration came from a round table discussion with the president of NGSS, a retired Navy Rear Admiral. We spoke about the evolution of ship design, which then inspired us to research the history of marine architecture itself. All of the detailing and construction techniques are thus derived from what we learned. The lobby acts as both a functional connection to the NGSS staff offices and conference center, as well as a testament to the rich history of ship building. Three of today’s NGSS ship designs are also displayed in the lobby. Each of these highly-detailed models are accompanied by an LCD screen that introduces visitors to current ship programs. The design of these screens is also inspired by navigational ship equipment, making the overall experience of the space both memorable and unique.

A visitor to the Northrop Grumman Demonstration Center will be greeted by one 20” LCD monitor and a row of small monitors. These monitors will be showing video and data about Northrop Grumman and information that has been customized for the visitor. A six-foot Interactive Projection Globe and Video Wall after the welcome area, and two technology showcase areas will amaze the visitor. The globe is made of special rear-projection material and inside the globe is a projector with a specially designed wide-angle lens. Using an AMX touch screen panel, Northrop Grumman can dynamically show a visitor where their technology is being used anywhere in the world through Interactive Kiosks and the Conference Room. The working area is a conference room behind a glass wall, well equipped for presentations with a 50-inch plasma, VCR, DVD, computer inputs and an AMX control panel. The end result was a truly vibrant space for all to enjoy.

Shady Grove Medical Center was designed to accommodate the needs of the infertility patient, which includes the appropriate laboratory equipment and facilities to handle the timing and coordination of complicated medication schedules, testing plans and treatment plans. Shady Grove Medical Center needed a warm office design to help patients feel comfortable when visiting the center. Tile is displayed prominently in the reception and waiting area, with bamboo and stone included in the reception desk. Curved light fixtures and walls were added to create a flowing feel throughout the space. Special light fixtures were installed behind the reception area and are prominently displayed. The carpet matches the furniture in the offices and creates a neutral atmosphere appropriate for the design of the space.

When the client decided to move across the street into Anne Arundel Medical Center’s brand new Health Sciences Pavilion in Annapolis, Maryland,our designers -having completed spaces in 8 of the client’s locations -accepted the challenge with enthusiasm. They created a plan that naturally evolved into an epicene design with curving walls and numerous points of repose, ultimately proving to be both functional and attractive. The reception area leads one immediately down a pathway of curvilinear walkways and vertical surfaces, which together act as visual cues to guide one along and provide effective spatial division. Soft, natural finishes such as plush carpet and linen-like wall covering offer comfort and quietude. Eco-timber floors keep the space refined and polished, while textured water-like acrylic “windows” filter natural light and also ensure privacy. Riverstone pebbles lit from the above bench seating complement these aqueous accents, while subtly suggesting a spa-like atmosphere.Bronze accents harbor notions of maritime style, while the recurring hues of blue and yellow mimic outside colors evoking images of Annapolis city and bay.