Clare Locke

Alexandria, Virginia

Historic charm and timeless character were key factors in Clare Locke LLP’s decision to relocate their offices to Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront corridor. Clare Locke selected an early 1700’s building whose previous owners include a prominent banker, a furniture manufacturer, a firearms dealer, and the Postmaster for the Confederate Army.

Exposed brick walls and wood columns, beams, and flooring were all salvaged and reconditioned. These historical building materials now act as the base for a modern design unique to Clare Locke, transforming the space into a bright, open, contemporary law office. Davis Carter Scott (DCS Design) worked closely with the landlord to meet all requirements set forth by the Virginia Historical Society while upgrading multiple building systems and improving ADA access. Careful planning and creative thinking were used to improve flow and functionality between two historic buildings and an enclosed adjacent alley without altering the infrastructure of the building. Existing doorways, windows, and a stair opening were utilized to connect the two very narrow, incongruent spaces.

All offices are designed with glass fronts to juxtapose the mass and heaviness of the brick and dark wood and to bring natural light into the space. Heavy black framing around all glass office fronts conveys the building’s manufacturing history and showcases the industrial aesthetic of the new design. These selections also showcase the building’s brick interior walls, creating a unified design between the exterior and interior. To control noise, the design team oriented offices in building corners, facing paths of travel. The preservation of historic features in combination with a new modern design pay homage to the history and colorful past of the iconic building and provide Clare Locke with an elegant one-of-a-kind law firm aesthetic.

9,000 SF