This Reston, Virginia project checked every box on the list of commercial design challenges: a massive footprint, the need to adjust to an ever-changing post-pandemic work environment, and a mandate for sustainability.

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider with a goal of, in their words, “building a more prosperous and resilient world for all.” We were tasked with furnishing 10 stories of their International Headquarters, a total of 200,000 square feet, accommodating 1,000 employees. This was a relocation for ICF after 35 years in Fairfax, Virginia, necessitated by both corporate growth and the need for greater proximity to other East Coast tech companies.

The wish of the client was a “vibe” that was collaborative and open, but with options for seated privacy as well. IA Interior Architects created a design that gave each of the 10 floors its own unique personality, incorporating cafes, gathering spaces, huddle rooms, soundproof booths, and a variety of other versatile solutions.

The planning stages of the project took place in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic amid great uncertainty about the future of the workplace in general. All planning efforts were achieved via Teams and other remote solutions and had to address the changing dynamics of in-office life during and after COVID.

The unique design of each level reflects the needs of ICF’s team members and a rising awareness of diversity in the workplace, creating spaces where every mind can focus. In addition to the more open and traditional assigned workstations where members carry out their daily tasks, ICF’s new space has a number of touchdown workstations where teams meet to work closely in a more isolated space with decreased distractions and increased productivity. These spaces foster opportunities to collaborate in new ways and overall greater flexibility in meeting spaces and were the result of a major design shift midway through the project.

Further adding to the challenges was the sheer scope of the project. The 10 floors incorporated not only office and meeting spaces but a conference center and rooftop terrace. The logistics of coordinating a phased install, with hard construction, demountable walls and furniture installations occurring on multiple floors simultaneously, were equally challenging.

A pioneer in sustainability, ICF has been carbon neutral since 2006. For this project, they partnered with JLL to ensure that the building is both LEED and ENERGY STAR certified. Among other innovations, the new headquarters features indoor bike storage and is also accessible by metro rail or bus.

Our longtime partner, Allsteel, was chosen as the incumbent to continue supplying majority of the fixtures and furnishings, specifically their Further family of products. Other product solutions included A6 HAT Desks; Structure; Approach; Lyric; Evo; Svelte; Peak; Retreat; Jetty:Mod; and Align Gunlocke Silea and Essentials.