Titled Projects

Architecture, Incorporated Design Studio
Reston, Virginia

Architecture Inc has grown and recently moved to a new office in Reston, Virginia. The 13,000 square foot space was a natural for Architecture Inc. in many ways. It is open, bright, on grade, and will achieve a LEED™certification from the US Green Building Council. The design concept was to provide a studio environment that encouraged designers to interact, experiment, and explore opportunities in an open volume, reminiscent of their design studio days.

The vacant shell space included a 2,500 square foot garage, previously used as a vehicle assessment facility by USAA. The space was reclaimed and made whole by installing fifty linear feet of retractable exterior glass walls creating a conference room, kitchen and staff lounge as an extension of the design studio. To further improve the space, asphalt drives surrounding the "garage" on three sides were removed and replaced with a 4,000 square foot floral garden.  

With the new conference and kitchen opening up to the garden, the space literally becomes multi-purpose with wireless internet service, flowering trees, and tall grasses. The space will be used by staff and clients alike for outdoor meetings, social events and charitable fundraising.

The open plan preserves daylight views throughout. Large glass panels layered with oversized sliding birch panels create several discrete, yet flexible, work spaces. Work stations are generous, with low drywall partitions that sit on 6" faired birch legs. The open ceilings allow for a twelve foot high volume. A ten foot diameter "phone booth" provides a private space for clients and staff alike to make private cell phone call. This circular room accommodates three for quiet discussions and coffee.  

Oversized three foot by three foot ceramic floor tiles establish public zones and "main streets" connecting the lobby to the rear garden. This "Main Street" is separated from the studio by a fifty four inch tall birch veneered wall stained a deep coffee brown contrasting with the crisp white ceilings. 

Lighting is calculated. The lobby and formal conference rooms are illuminated with thin recessed fixtures, three inches wide and eight feet long.  White oversized drum pendent shades define seating areas and conference tables. Halogen pin lights and ceiling mounted pinpoint task lighting illuminate the work stations.

The space is clean, comfortable, and flexible with red fabric club chairs, light gray textured area rugs and neutral tone walls and ceilings.

Big Buns
Arlington, Virginia

In early 2006, Architecture Inc. joined forces with two young entrepreneurs to create Big Buns Gourmet Grill.  Their vision was to create the best fast-casual restaurant in the Washington DC metropolitan area.  They wanted the first venue to look, feel and operate as if it were the fiftieth.  Architecture Inc. took that vision, from pencil sketches and rough graphics, to a sophisticated, well branded operation.  Nestled in an urban courtyard in the Ballston Corridor of bustling Arlington, Big Buns’ first 2,000 square feet store includes an outdoor beer garden, full grill & kitchen, beverage & condiment station, and custom designed furniture and furnishings.  The branding of the store was critical to the success of the space, and was incorporated throughout, from design of the menus, to the wrought iron “brand” on the custom millwork.  Clear finish birch veneer plywood, stained concrete floors, galvanized metal, wooden pallets and the signature Big Buns green define the space.  Oversized, galvanized industrial canopy lighting and green spiral ductwork accent the volume.  Local photography and distinctive artwork complete the design.  The success of both the space and their Big Buns Burgers & Brew are evident from the line of customers stretching out the door on any given evening.