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Modern space showcases engineering advancements, emphasizes employee health
Washington, D.C. — The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) has opened the doors of its new office at 1400 L Street, NW in Washington, D.C. The new office transforms ACEC’s physical presence with a fresh, modern space that reflects the engineering industry, emphasizes collaboration, and incorporates an innovative design approach to the Council’s new hybrid work model.
The new space was contracted just before COVID-19 took hold, and, while the team transitioned to remote work like so many other D.C. organizations, the project moved forward. As the pandemic diminished in strength, ACEC returned to its new space a few short blocks away from the White House and the vibrant downtown area.
“This office captures the excitement in engineering right now and reflects the expectations of today’s workforce,” said Linda Bauer Darr, ACEC president and CEO. “We’ve designed this space to help employees stay healthy with a focus on the science around light, air, sound, and sustainable materials.”
The office features collaboration spaces, social hubs, and abundant open space, and was designed to earn WELL Building Certification. The certification emphasizes strategies that aim to advance health by setting performance standards for design interventions, operational protocols and policies, and a commitment to fostering a culture of health and wellness.
“ACEC’s presence in Washington ensures that America’s essential engineering firms are well represented in the nation’s capital, while they also tackle some of the most difficult challenges facing our country,” said ACEC Board Chair Art Barrett. “This new space, in addition to ACEC’s Capitol Hill townhouse just blocks from the U.S. Capitol building, demonstrates the organization’s commitment to educating policymakers and decision-makers on the essential role engineering firms play in our communities.”
The project team that completed the work was chosen by a steering committee of ACEC member firms and was selected based on proven quality performance in design, architecture, and interiors space, and WELL Building work in particular. The project team included ACEC member firm HKS, Inc.; MAY Construction Group; White and Whitney Consulting, LLC; and Officeworks.
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