HKS Washington, D.C.  

The Challenge

When HKS’ design and real estate team began the search for a new home for the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, they saw an opportunity to create more than a workplace. The project became a chance to demonstrate how thoughtful design can measurably improve environmental performance, human health and the daily experience of the people using the space.

The Design Solution

The team approached the project as both a workplace and a living laboratory for high-performance interiors.  

Located at the intersection of global influence, national politics, and neighborhood culture, Washington, D.C. provided a unique contextual framework for the design. The office celebrates both the formal character of historic Washington and the vibrancy of its local arts and community identity. Historic brick, trim, and fenestration are referenced throughout the space alongside contemporary interpretations of arches, vaults, and fluting. Custom glass film artwork incorporates iconic D.C. landmarks, sports culture, and local traditions, embedding a sense of place throughout the workplace experience. 

 The design team established ambitious performance goals centered on operational energy reduction, embodied carbon reduction, and occupant wellbeing, informed in part by HKS research into brain health and cognitive performance.  Targeting both LEED Platinum and WELL Platinum certification, the project was designed to exceed baseline code requirements and deliver measurable environmental and human performance outcomes. Energy performance formed the backbone of the sustainability strategy, achieving a 19% improvement over baselines in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions reductions for operational energy.  

A highly efficient lighting strategy reduced lighting power density to 0.56 watts per square foot while supporting occupant comfort and circadian health. Efficient all-electric building systems, enhanced commissioning processes, and integrated performance coordination further contributed to the project’s operational efficiency. 

The project also underwent a comprehensive lifecycle carbon analysis, resulting in a 19.5% reduction in embodied carbon from baseline as of May 2026. Carbon reduction strategies included prioritizing a majority pre-owned furniture package, reclaimed and recycled FF&E, and material selections evaluated through the lens of carbon impact and long-term sustainability. 

Planning strategies prioritized a brain-healthy work environment that empowers occupants with choice, flexibility, and control over how they work throughout the day. At the center of the office is a social hub that integrates reception, pantry, lounge, and collaboration spaces, alongside a flexible “Test Kitchen” for ideation and team-based work. Workstations are positioned along the exterior window line to maximize daylight and views, while enclosed meeting and focus spaces are located within the interior of the floorplate. A dedicated “Quiet Car” provides space for focused individual work. 

Environmental quality strategies support occupant comfort and cognitive wellbeing through daylight optimization, glare control, tunable circadian lighting, enhanced acoustics, increased outside air, MERV-13 filtration, low-emitting materials, and filtered potable water.  Together, these strategies create an environment designed to foster performance, psychological wellbeing, satisfaction, and long-term resilience. 

The Design Impact

The HKS Washington, D.C. office demonstrates how workplace design can simultaneously advance environmental performance, human wellbeing, and organizational culture. 
  
By integrating operational efficiency, embodied carbon reduction, and brain-healthy design strategies from the outset, the project establishes a measurable framework for high-performance interiors and workplace design. The office supports greater flexibility, collaboration, focus, and occupant choice while serving as a living showcase for clients, partners, and the broader design industry. 
  
More than a workplace, the project reflects HKS’s belief that design can actively contribute to human performance, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience.