Software firm Appian hires design firm CRTKL to design a new office in McLean, Virginia.
“As Appian continued to grow, it commissioned CRTKL to design an extension floor for its adjacent office tower. Design for this new floor began pre-pandemic, but was quickly put on hold due to the changing nature of work. In 2021, Appian restarted the project: They asked CRTKL to design a hybrid office with a focus on creating a space that would withstand future disruptions and encourage employees to return to the office. I requested that it be reviewed.
Recognizing the needs of employees in a post-pandemic office environment, the design sought to create an inviting and inviting space through hospitality features, key brand elements, the inclusion of nature, and flexible workspaces. Elements of hospitality are on display in the clubhouse, which features patterned floors, paneled woodwork, coffered ceilings and custom curved chaise lounges. The clubhouse and café open onto a large outdoor terrace for work and social gatherings, creating a desirable indoor-outdoor working environment. The cafe serves staff with gourmet his coffee and snacks such as frozen his yogurt his bars complete with dispensers containing cereal and other sweet toppings.
The corners of the clubhouse are anchored with wooden “trees” with cascading layers of preserved moss. The wooden canopy is made up of acoustic and wooden baffles, with intermittent glowing lights reminiscent of a jar containing fireflies, and the use of gobo lights to create a dappled light effect through the tree branches. You get The clubhouse also features a large picnic table, serving “family-style” meals and providing a place for teams to gather and socialize. Another nod to nature is the ‘skylight’ in the jewel box meeting room by the reception area. The entrance to the reception area features a custom faceted upholstered wall that serves as guest seating, meeting breakout spaces, and a feature wall.
The new floor offers a variety of workspaces including a clubhouse, terrace and collaboration areas distributed throughout the floor. These areas include glass markerboard ‘activity walls’, breakout booths with integrated AV, and project rooms with tiered bench seating.
There was also an emphasis on making the employees sitting in this new space feel connected to and part of the company. To this end, CRTKL has integrated elements of Appian’s newly revitalized brand throughout this expanded floor. Examples include the new logo as a life-size ‘a’ sculpture in the reception and the node pattern in the insets of the metal screen and metal floor. To maintain a sense of unity, we used a color palette and finishes similar to the rest of our headquarters to create a unique space with a welcoming look and feel. Employees in other office towers can also take advantage of the extended floors to further connect the headquarters space. ”
- position: McLean, Virginia
- Completion date: 2020
- size: 23,000 square feet
- design: Karison RTKL
