Booz Allen Hamilton Bethesda

American management and information technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton has partnered with OTJ Architects to recast the organization’s real estate portfolio as an inter-disciplinary ecosystem that maximizes density and flexibility while advancing mission-critical recruitment and retention objectives.

The design of Booz Allen’s Bethesda facility represents the culmination of this years-long business and design partnership. The relocation from an under-performing Maryland asset to a new LEED Gold certified Class A trophy building offered the client and design team a strategic opportunity to reduce the Bethesda footprint by nearly 50% while increasing density by more than 15% through the deployment of an organization-wide hoteling policy and a reduction in RSF/staff member.

Informed by intimate knowledge of the client’s culture and brand persona, the design concept celebrates “the moment of connection:” A fulcrum where individuals, technology, and the physical space purposefully intersect to break down departmental silos and bring innovators of all levels into contact. Accordingly, designers articulated the floorplate around a signature staircase that links three floors physically and symbolically to invite staff into casual collision points rich in opportunities for the exchange of ideas. The glass, painted metal, and locally sourced oak staircase is activated by a custom, three-story mural that echoes Booz Allen’s ferocious creativity while nodding to local government clients and agencies.

Lastly, the project is designed to meet LEED certification criteria and features sustainable elements such as multi-zone daylight harvesting systems, and cradle to cradle certified carpet. In addition to its ability to advance business objectives, this new workplace reflects the evolution of the Booz Allen brand towards an urbane, and eclectic aesthetic that upends the stereotype of a consultant workplace.