Yes, designing for DC-based clients can be different than designing for suburban ones. This has been a long-debated premise in the real estate and architectural world. The energy and vitality of the city are palpable, and as designers and architects, we strive to capture that essence as part of our design. Themes and characteristics of this historic yet progressive city are also frequent design elements which identify place and pay homage. And then there is function which can be unique to urban workplaces and dwellings such as appealing to a younger more mobile workforce; accommodating employees who walk, ride bikes, use public transportation — and what that can mean to the space (lockers, showers, storage, etc.); accessibility to the outdoors — be it designing outdoor spaces such as terraces and green spaces, as well as natural light and outdoor views; and working within a smaller urban footprint.

From a client-service perspective, a seamless design and production process is critical.  So, no matter where the design firm physically resides, it must feel like they are conveniently located right next door.  This matters in terms of meetings, working sessions with the client, and critical on-site meetings during construction.

Here are a few of our DC projects we are extremely proud to call our clients, friends and “neighbors!”

The Lydian

The Lydian is the latest addition to the Mount Vernon neighborhood, building on the success of the adjacent Lyric. While the two buildings share unifying design elements, The Lydian’s 324 residential units appeal to a more mature demographic by incorporating upscale finishes and a larger amenities package. A luxurious, landscaped roof terrace and club room incorporate indoor/outdoor spaces, providing visual connectivity to the neighboring Lyric and downtown DC.

The Lyric

The Lyric at 440 K Street helped kick-off the rapid transformation of Mount Vernon Place into one of the District’s newly thriving neighborhoods—the perfect place to live, work, and play! This architectural and interior architectural gem provides 234 apartments and 9,500 square feet of retail/amenity space on a compact site by fitting 14 stories within the District’s 130-foot height limit. Designers achieved nearly a 9 foot interior ceiling height, complemented with floor-to-ceiling windows which create a bright and open environment for residents.

Modera Sedici

Modera Sedici, home to the Italian Embassy from 1925 – 1977, has been reimagined as an upscale community offering historic elegance with modern amenities. DCS Design teamed with Mill Creek Residential to redesign the architecture and interior architecture of this Neo-Renaissance building along with a new nine-story high-rise building offering views of the DC skyline from the top of Meridian Hill.  Residents of this 135-unit luxury development are living “the beautiful life” (see our Lifestyle Video creation on all social media platforms) with private terraces and storied spaces that once hosted the world’s dignitaries.

Finnegan

Finnegan is lauded as having one of the largest interconnecting spiral staircases (seven floors!) in the country and has been photographed by top national publications. Originally designed by DCS Design in 2005, we provided an interior update to the 293,000 square foot intellectual property firm to address their evolving needs and to attract new talent.  The design team implemented recent trends in law firm design to enhance connectivity, productivity and space utilization. And this time we surrounded that incredible staircase in glass!

POD DC

Pod DC Hotel is one of DC’s most innovative hotels with 245 “Pod” hotel rooms, averaging an incredibly efficient 135 square feet. Its central H Street location next to Chinatown’s “Friendship Archway” provides guests with quick and easy access to all the city has to offer. The Crimson Diner, Whiskey Bar and Roof Top Lounge bring a popular local restaurant on-site as well. Pod DC has quickly become a leading hotel by offering an affordable connection to the Capital’s world-class culture, emphasizing its unique take on what it means to travel.

2017 Award of Merit, Best Hospitality Project, NAIOP Maryland/DC Chapter

White & Case

White & Case wanted to create an international hotel experience upon entering the 140,000 square foot law firm.  The completed project is reminiscent of a high-end art gallery and boutique international lounge, featuring a two-story, back-lit onyx wall. The in-place interior renovation also included a large, multi-zoned lunchroom created on the 12th story building atrium, repositioning the library for multi-functions, and relocating the large conference center.  A large-scale relief of the world map, along with photo representations of White & Case’s offices worldwide, reinforced their over-all international brand.

2016 Award of Excellence, Best Interiors over 75,000 sf, DC/MD NAIOP.

International Food Policy Research Institute

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)’s new 100,000 square foot DC headquarters is designed to architecturally translate their life-saving mission into tangible design elements. The interior architecture and design communicate the organization’s essential work to create short and long-term sustainable solutions to end poverty and hunger in developing nations.  Unique branding elements include a large metal installation of IFPRI’s logo in the reception area and staff cafeteria, organic textures, and colors inspired by nature; and finish selections symbolic of harvest.

2019 Award of Excellence, Environment Designed for Work, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

2018 Award of Excellence, Best Interiors over 75,000 sf, DC/MD Chapter

2018 Best Interior Design, CREW DC.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting

(Currently in Design)

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is a beloved DC non-profit organization and provides the largest source of federal funding for public radio, television, and related online and mobile services. If you listen to NPR in the morning … or watch PBS in the evening … you have CPB to thank!  After DCS Design conducted a ten-month program assessment, CBP made the decision to stay in their current location in the heart of DC. The two-floor renovation will allow staff to fall in love with their space all over again.

For more information about these or other projects, contact Marcia Calhoun at 703.556.9275.

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