CohnReznick LLP

Bethesda, Maryland

Like many of the stories we tell these days, the story of CohnReznick’s Bethesda office is also a COVID-19 story.  The story of its new design begins pre-pandemic, continues through the devastating months of the outbreak, and when and how it ends is still being determined.  Yet, this story is also one of resilience, innovation, vision, and a lot of employee pride in the company they love and their new workplace.

Even before the pandemic, CohnReznick (CR) leadership had made the decision to reduce their footprint by adopting a flexible, work-from-home-option work model.  A 60% non-assigned workspace plan allowed CR to give back one-third of their overall square footage.  As a result – and after test-fitting multiple buildings — they made the decision to renew their lease and renovate in-place.  The goal of the new design was broad flexibility for staff rotating in and out of the office, a sleek, up-scale design which also feels homey and comfortable, and a headquarters-esque aesthetic to reflect employee pride in the Bethesda location.

The floorplan is designed into distinct team “neighborhoods” which consist of non-assigned, reservation seating, multiple huddle-rooms, open team areas, and focus/meditation rooms for private heads-down work.  Each area is designed to create unique team identity.  Since most staff do not have assigned workspaces, personal lockers are incorporated into the design.  The entire 60,000 sf office is designed as flexible space to support productivity, efficiency, and creative problem-solving within and across teams.

In 2012 CohnReznick relocated their headquarters from Bethesda to New York City.  Still the Bethesda office maintains their “headquarters pride” and wanted the newly designed office to reflect this essence of leadership and exclusivity.  The wow-factor in entering the space is an expansive, full-wall mural showcasing the Bethesda street grid and highlighting the CR location.  Clean, contemporary design featuring white porcelain tile, full-height glass walls and doors, heavy black door framing to project an industrial look, and dramatic, angled, grid lighting are juxtapositioned with warm light wood to create a welcoming and residential feel.   A reclaimed wood feature wall with the CohnReznick logo is the focal point when entering the reception area.   Sustainable and locally sourced products are used throughout the design to support CR’s commitment to sustainability best practices.  This includes materials, finishes, furniture, and maximizing natural sunlight throughout the space.

Branding is especially important to CohnReznick, beginning with the branding wall in the reception area, and continuing throughout the space.  A pedestrian bridge connects two building towers, and it was important to position strong branding elements along the travel path to the bridge entry, including direct site lines to the branding wall.  The uniquely open lunchroom directly off the elevator lobby also celebrates the CR brand, specifically the DC Metro location. A large colorful mural of the U.S. Capitol expanses a full wall, and the Bethesda street grid which is introduced in the reception area is subtly repeated in architectural elements and wall graphics.  In addition, the lunchroom creates a fun, flexible environment for staff to eat, play ping-pong, or check to see how they are faring in seasonal sporting tournaments by referencing the writable “bracket wall.”

Overcoming challenges is a universal experience right now, and this project was no different.  The pandemic hit its current peak during construction, shutting the project down three times due to construction personnel testing positive for the virus.  Construction areas were cleared and professionally sanitized before crews were allowed back on-site.  All crew members were tested before returning.  In addition, production of materials and products nearly came to a stand-still as factories around the world closed with unknown re-opening timeframes.  All review processes, construction walk-throughs, and decision-making meetings were held virtually to negate team exposure.

With the space now complete, CohnReznick is now carefully considering reopening. There is a sense of renewed togetherness and even greater pride in their new office and the challenges everyone continues to face — together.