Document:

Exhibit 10.3

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

      EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, dated this first day of March, 1999, between Young
Design, Inc., a Virginia corporation (the "Corporation") and Michael Young (the
"Executive").

                                   WITNESSETH

      WHEREAS, the Executive is presently the President of the Corporation who,
in accordance with the policies established by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation (the "Board"), develops and oversees the implementation of the goals
and objectives of the Corporation (the "Employer"); and

      WHEREAS, the Employer desires to be ensured of the Executive's continued
active participation in the business of the Employer; and

      WHEREAS, in order to induce the Executive to remain in the employ of the
Employer and in consideration of the Executive's agreement to remain in the
employ of the Employer pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof, the parties
desire to specify the terms and conditions of Executive's continuing employment
with the Corporation and to provide certain severance benefits which shall be
due the Executive in the event that his employment with the Employer is
terminated under specified circumstances;

      NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby
agree as follows:

      1. Definitions. The following words and terms shall have the meanings set
forth below for the purposes of this Agreement:

            (a) Affiliates. "Affiliates" of the Corporation, or a person
"affiliated" with the Corporation, are any persons or entities which, directly
or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or are controlled by
or are under common control with, the persons or entities specified.

            (b) Average Annual Compensation. The Executive's "Average Annual
Compensation" for purposes of this Agreement shall be deemed to mean the average
level of compensation paid to the Executive by the Employer or any Subsidiary
thereof during the most recent five taxable years preceding the Date of
Termination (or such shorter period as the Executive was employed), including
Base Salary and bonuses or other compensation under any employee benefit plans
of the Employer.

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            (c) Base Salary. "Base Salary" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3(a) hereof.

            (d) Cause. Termination of the Executive's employment for "Cause"
shall mean termination because of willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty
involving personal profit, intentional failure to perform stated duties, willful
violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or
similar offenses) or final cease-and-desist order or material breach of any
provision of this Agreement. For purposes of this paragraph, no act or failure
to act on the Executive's part shall be considered "willful" unless done, or
omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable
belief that the Executive's action or omission was in the best interest of the
Employer. Cause shall be determined in good faith by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the whole Board of Directors (excluding the Executive) after the
Executive has been provided the opportunity to make a presentation to the Board
which presentation to the Board may be with counsel.

            (e) Code. "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.

            (f) Date of Termination. "Date of Termination" shall mean (i) if the
Executive's employment is terminated for Cause, Disability or for Retirement,
the date specified in the Notice of Termination, and (ii) if the Executive's
employment is terminated for any other reason, the date on which a Notice of
Termination is given or as specified in such Notice.

            (g) Disability. Termination by the Employer of the Executive's
employment based on "Disability" shall mean termination because of any physical
or mental impairment which qualifies the Executive for disability benefits under
the applicable long-term disability plan maintained by the Employer or any
subsidiary or, if no such plan applies, which would qualify the Executive for
disability benefits under the Federal Social Security System.

            (h) IRS. "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service.

            (i) Notice of Termination. Any purported termination of the
Executive's employment by the Employer for any reason, including without
limitation for Cause, Disability or Retirement, or by the Executive for any
reason, including without limitation for Good Reason, shall be communicated by a
written "Notice of Termination" to the other party hereto. For purposes of this
Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" shall mean a dated notice which (i)
indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii)
sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a
basis for termination of Executive's employment under the provision so
indicated, (iii) specifies a Date of Termination, which shall be not less than
thirty (30) nor more than ninety (90) days after such Notice of Termination is
given, except in the

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case of the Employer's termination of Executive's employment for Cause for which
the Date of Termination may be the date of the notice; and (iv) is given in the
manner specified in Section 14 hereof.

            (j) Retirement. "Retirement" shall mean voluntary termination by the
Executive in accordance with the Employer's retirement policies, including early
retirement, generally applicable to the Employer's salaried employees.

            (k) Subsidiary. "Subsidiary" shall mean any subsidiary of the
Corporation.

      2. Term of Employment.

            (a) The Employer hereby employs the Executive as President, and
Executive hereby accepts said employment and agrees to render such services to
the Employer, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Unless
extended as provided in this Section 2, this Agreement shall terminate one (1)
year after the date first above written; provided, however, this Agreement shall
be automatically renewed on its anniversary date ("Annual Renewal Date") each
year for one (1) additional year unless either party shall give written notice
of non-renewal, in accordance with Section 14 hereof to the other party at least
thirty (30) days prior to an Annual Renewal Date, in which event this Agreement
shall continue in effect for a term ending on the Annual Renewal Date
immediately following such notice. Reference herein to the term of this
Agreement shall refer both to the initial term and any successive term as the
context requires.

            (b) During the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall perform
such executive services for the Employer as is consistent with his title of
President and as directed, from time to time, by the Board of Directors,
including but not limited to, the supervision of the Corporation's day-to-day
operations. The Executive shall devote his full time, attention and energies to
the business of the Corporation and shall not, during the term hereof (as
defined in Section 2(a)), be employed or involved in any other business
activity, whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit or other
pecuniary advantage, except for (i) volunteer services for or on behalf of such
religious, educational, non-profit and/or other eleemosynary organization as
Executive may wish to serve, (ii) service as a director of as many as three (3)
for-profit business activities, and (iii) such other activities as may be
specifically approved by the Board of Directors (without the Executive's
participation or vote). This restriction shall not, however, preclude the
Executive from employment in any capacity with affiliates of the Corporation,
nor shall any remuneration from such affiliates be considered in calculating the
Base Salary (as defined in Section 3(a)) due to Executive hereunder.

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      3. Compensation and Benefits.

            (a) For services rendered hereunder by the Executive, the Employer
shall compensate and pay Executive for his services during the term of this
Agreement at a minimum base salary of Ninety thousand dollars ($90,000.00) per
year ("Base Salary"), which may be increased from time to time in such amounts
as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the Employer. In addition to
his Base Salary, the Executive shall receive during the term of this Agreement
such bonus payments as may be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Employer.

            (b) During the term of the Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to
participate in and receive the benefits of any pension or other retirement
benefit plan, the 401(k) plan, profit sharing, stock option, employee stock
ownership, or other plans, benefits and privileges given to employees and
executives of the Employer, to the extent commensurate with his then duties and
responsibilities, as fixed by the Board of Directors of the Employer. In
addition, the Corporation shall, to the extent they are not otherwise covered
under another plan, pay for the insurance premiums for the Executive and his
spouse and children under the Corporation's medical insurance plan. The Employer
shall not make any changes in such plans, benefits or privileges which would
adversely affect Executive's rights or benefits thereunder, unless such change
occurs pursuant to a program applicable to all executive officers of the
Employer and does not result in a proportionately greater adverse change in the
rights of or benefits to Executive as compared with any other executive officer
of the Employer. Nothing paid to Executive under any plan or arrangement
presently in effect or made available in the future shall be deemed to be in
lieu of the base salary payable to Executive pursuant to Section 3(a) hereof

            (c) During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled
to four (4) weeks (20 working days) paid vacation in each calendar year to be
taken and determined in accordance with the vacation policies and procedures as
established from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Employer.
Executive shall also be entitled to all paid holidays to which similarly
situated executives and key management employees of the Corporation are
entitled. The Executive shall be entitled to paid leave due to physical illness
in each calendar year to be taken and determined in accordance with the policies
and procedures as established from time to time by the Board of Directors.
Executive shall not be entitled to receive any additional compensation from the
Employer for failure to take a vacation, or failure to use "sick days," nor
shall Executive be able to accumulate unused vacation or "sick" time from one
year to the next, except to the extent authorized by the Board of Directors of
the Employer.

            (d) The Corporation shall provide the Executive with secretarial and
support staff and furnished offices and conference facilities in Falls Church,
Virginia, and in such other location, if any, in which the Executive hereafter
agrees to perform services on behalf of the Corporation, all of which shall be
consistent with the Executive's duties

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as the President of the Corporation and sufficient for the efficient performance
of those duties.

      4. Expenses.

The Employer shall reimburse Executive or otherwise provide for or pay for all
reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in furtherance of, or in connection
with the business of the Employer, including, but not by way of limitation,
traveling expenses, and all reasonable entertainment expenses (whether incurred
at the Executive's residence, while traveling or otherwise), subject to such
reasonable documentation and other limitations as may be established by the
Board of Directors of the Employer. In addition, the Company will provide the
Executive with an automobile allowance of approximately $300.00 per month.

      5. Termination.

            (a) The Employer shall have the right, at any time upon prior Notice
of Termination, to terminate the Executive's employment hereunder for any
reason, including without limitation termination for Cause, Disability or
Retirement, and Executive shall have the right, upon prior Notice of
Termination, to terminate his employment hereunder for any reason.

            (b) In the event that (i) Executive's employment is terminated by
the Employer for Cause or (ii) Executive voluntarily terminates his employment
hereunder, Executive shall have no right pursuant to this Agreement to
compensation or other benefits for any period after the applicable Date of
Termination.

            (c) In the event that (i) Executive's employment is terminated by
the Employer for other than Cause, including termination due to Disability,
Retirement or the Executive's death, or (ii) such employment is terminated by
the Executive due to a material breach of this Agreement by the Employer, which
breach has not been cured within fifteen (15) days after a written notice of
non-compliance has been given by the Executive to the Employer, then the
Employer shall, subject to the provisions of Section 6 hereof, if applicable,

                  (A) Pay to the Executive, in a lump sum or in twelve (12)
equal monthly installments (at the Employer's option) beginning with the first
business day of the month following the Date of Termination, a cash severance
amount equal to the Executive's Average Annual Compensation, and

                  (B) Maintain and provide for a period ending at the earlier of
(i) the expiration of the remaining term of employment pursuant hereto prior to
the Notice of Termination or (ii) the date of the Executive's full-time
employment by another employer (provided that the Executive is entitled under
the terms of such employment to benefits substantially similar to those
described in this subparagraph (B)), at no cost to the

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Executive, the Executive's continued participation in all group insurance, life
insurance, health and accident, disability and other employee benefit plans,
programs and arrangements in which the Executive was entitled to participate
immediately prior to the Date of Termination (other than stock option and
restricted stock plans of the Employer), provided that in the event that the
Executive's participation in any plan, program or arrangement as provided in
this subparagraph (B) is barred or during such period any such plan, program or
arrangement is discontinued or the benefits' thereunder are materially reduced,
the Employer shall arrange to provide the Executive with benefits substantially
similar to those which the Executive was entitled to receive under such plans,
programs and arrangements immediately prior to the Date of Termination.

      6. Mitigation; Exclusivity of Benefits.

            (a) The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of
any benefits hereunder by seeking other employment or otherwise, nor shall the
amount of any such benefits be reduced by any compensation earned by the
Executive as a result of employment by another employer after the Date of
Termination or otherwise.

            (b) The specific arrangements referred to herein are not intended to
exclude any other benefits which may be available to the Executive upon a
termination of employment with the Employer pursuant to employee benefit plans
of the Employer or otherwise.

      7. Withholding. All payments required to be made by the Employer hereunder
to the Executive shall be subject to the withholding of such amounts, if any,
relating to tax and other payroll deductions as the Employer may reasonably
determine should be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

      8. Non-solicitation of Customers and Employees.

            (a) The Executive hereby acknowledges and recognizes the highly
competitive nature of the business of the Corporation and accordingly agrees
that, during the term of this Agreement and, in consideration of the receipt of
any payment pursuant to this Agreement, for a period of two years following the
date of termination of the Executive's employment under this Agreement, unless
otherwise agreed to in writing by the Corporation, the Executive shall not,
within fifty (50) miles of Falls Church, Virginia or any other area in the
United States in which the Corporation was doing or soliciting business, either
directly or indirectly, in any manner or capacity, whether as principal, agent,
partner, officer, director, employee, joint venturer, salesman, or corporate
shareholder or otherwise for the benefit of any Person (as defined below), (i)
render services to, or solicit the rendering of services to, any Person in
competition with the business of the Corporation, which then is, or at any time
during a period of one year prior to the termination of the Executive's
employment under this Agreement (the "Termination Date"), was a Customer (as
defined below) of the Corporation, or (ii) solicit the rendering of services to
any Person of any kind whatsoever which is then or has been

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at any time during a period of one year prior to the Termination Date a
Customer, employee, salesperson, agent or representative of the Corporation in
any manner which interferes or might interfere with the relationship of the
Corporation with such Person, or in an effort to obtain such Person as a
customer, supplier, employee, salesperson, agent or representative of any
business in competition with the Corporation, or (iii) for a period of two years
following the Termination Date, hire or participate in the hiring by any Person
of an employee of the Corporation. In order to assure strict compliance with the
foregoing, and in recognition of the compensation to be paid by Employer to
Executive on the termination of this Agreement, Executive grants to Employer the
sole and absolute right to determine whether any employment or services
anticipated to be undertaken by Executive during said period of time as outlined
above, is or may be in violation of the foregoing provisions and Executive
agrees to notify Employer, in writing, fourteen (14) days prior to undertaking
any employment or services within the said time period, regardless of the nature
thereof, of the name and address of any such intended employer, proposed job
title, proposed job description and salary, and the business of the prospective
employer. If, within such fourteen (14) day period, Employer shall object on
reasonable grounds to such anticipated employment in writing to Executive,
Executive agrees not to accept the same or in any manner directly or indirectly
render services to any such prospective employer.

            "Person" means any individual, trust, partnership, corporation,
limited liability company, association, or other legal entity.

            "Customer" means any Person with which the Corporation or any
subsidiary is currently engaged to provide goods or services, has been engaged
to provide goods or services within twelve (12) months prior to the Termination
Date, or actively marketed, discussed a project with, negotiated with, provided
a bid to or otherwise communicated with in an effort to obtain an engagement to
provide goods or services sold by the Corporation or any subsidiary within
twelve (12) months prior to the Termination Date.

            (b) It is expressly understood and agreed that although the
Executive and the Corporation consider the restrictions contained in Section
8(a) of this Agreement reasonable for the purpose of preserving for the
Corporation its good will and other proprietary rights, if a final judicial
determination is made by a court having jurisdiction that the time or territory
or any other restriction contained in Section 8(a) of this Agreement is an
unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable restriction against the Executive, the
provisions of Section 8(a) of this Agreement shall not be rendered void but
shall be deemed amended to apply as to such maximum time and territory and to
such other extent as such court may judicially determine or indicate to be
reasonable.

      9. Disclosure of Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that
the Corporation's trade secrets, as they may exist from time to time, and
confidential information its products, programs, technical information,
procurement and sales activities and procedures, identity of customers and
potential customers, business

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plans, promotion and pricing techniques, and credit and financial data
concerning customers are valuable, special and unique assets of the Corporation.
In light of the highly competitive nature of the industry in which the
Corporation's business is conducted, the Executive agrees that all knowledge and
information described in the preceding sentence not in the public domain and
heretofore or in the future obtained by the Executive shall be considered
confidential information. Executive agrees that he will not disclose any or such
secrets, processes or information to any Person or other entity for any reason
or purpose whatsoever, except as necessary in the performance of his duties as
an employee of or consultant to the Corporation and then only upon a written
confidentiality agreement in such form and content as requested by the
Corporation from time to time, nor shall the Executive make use of any such
secrets, processes or information (other than information in the public domain)
for his own purposes or for the benefit of himself, any Person or other entity
(except the Corporation and its subsidiaries) under any circumstances. The
provisions contained in this Section 9 shall also apply to information obtained
by the Executive with respect to any future subsidiary of the Corporation.

      10. Business Information. Upon the termination of his employment with the
Corporation, Executive (or, as appropriate, his personal representatives) shall
deliver to the Corporation (without retaining copies of the same), all plans,
source codes, designs, customer lists, correspondence, records, documents,
accounts and papers of any description and any other property of the Corporation
within the possession or under the control of Executive (or, as appropriate, his
personal representatives) and relating to the affairs and business of the
Corporation, whether drafted, created or compiled by Executive or received by
Executive from other individuals or entities (whether employees of or affiliated
with the Corporation).

      11. Remedies. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the Corporation's
remedy at law for a breach or threatened breach of any of the provisions of
Section 8, Section 9 or Section 10 of this Agreement would be inadequate and, in
recognition of this fact, in the event of a breach or threatened breach by the
Executive of any of the provisions of Section 8, Section 9 or Section 10 of this
Agreement, it is agreed that, in addition to any remedy at law, the Corporation
shall be entitled to without posting any bond, and the Executive agrees not to
oppose the Corporation's request in the nature of specific performance,
temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction, or any other
equitable relief or remedy which may then be available, provided, however,
nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve the Corporation of its burden to prove
grounds warranting such relief nor preclude the Executive from contesting such
grounds or facts in support thereof. Nothing herein contained shall be construed
as prohibiting the Corporation form pursuing any other remedies available to it
for such breach or threatened breach.

      12. Assignability. The Employer shall assign this Agreement and its rights
and obligations hereunder in whole, but not in part, to any corporation or other
entity with or into which the Employer may hereafter merge or consolidate or to
which the Employer

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may transfer all or substantially all of its assets, if in any such case said
corporation or other entity shall by operation of law or expressly in writing
assume all obligations of the Employer hereunder as fully as if it had been
originally made a party hereto, but may not otherwise assign this Agreement or
its rights and obligations hereunder. The Executive may not assign or transfer
this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder.

      13. Notice. For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other
communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be
deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the
respective addresses set forth below:

      To the Employer:  Board of Directors
                        Young Design, Inc.
                        308 Hillwood Avenue
                        Falls Church, Virginia 22046

      To the Executive: Michael Young
                        7110 Sea Cliff Road
                        McLean, Virginia 22101

      14. Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement represents the entire agreement of
the parties relating to subject matter hereof. No provisions of this Agreement
may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or
discharge is agreed to in writing signed by the Executive and such officer or
officers as may be specifically designated by the Board of Directors of the
Employer to sign on its behalf. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any
breach by any other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or
provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed
a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any
prior or subsequent time.

      15. Governing Law. The validity, interpretation, construction and
performance of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth
of Virginia without regard to its principles of conflicts of laws.

      16. Nature of Obligations. The obligations of the Employer hereunder are
unsecured and the Executive represents a general creditor of the Corporation for
compensation which may be due and owing. Nothing contained herein shall create
or require the Employer to create a trust of any kind to fund any benefits which
may be payable hereunder, and to the extent that the Executive acquires a right
to receive benefits from the Employer hereunder, such right shall be no greater
than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the Employer.

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      17. Interpretation and Headings. This Agreement shall be interpreted in
order to achieve the purposes for which it was entered into. The section
headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall
not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

      18. Severability. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. With
respect to Section 9 of this Agreement, in the event any court of competent
jurisdiction determines that such provisions are unreasonable or contrary to law
with respect to their time or geographic restriction, or both, the parties
hereto authorize such court to substitute restrictions as it deems appropriate
without invalidating such paragraph or this Agreement.

      19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed as of the date first
above written.

YOUNG DESIGN, INC.

By:    /s/ Robert F. Fitzgerald
   -----------------------------
Name:  Robert F. Fitzgerald
Title: CEO

EXECUTIVE

By:    /s/ Michael Young
   -----------------------------
       Michael Young

                                       10Exhibit 10.4

                                      LEASE

      THIS LEASE is made as of August 24th, 2000, by and between Merry Fields,
LLC ("Landlord"), and Young Design, Inc ("Tenant").

            1. DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES. Landlord, in consideration of the rents
to be paid by Tenant and other covenants of Tenant contained herein, does hereby
lease to Tenant the parcels (each, a "Parcel") described on Exhibit A (the
"Premises").

            2. TERM. The term of this lease shall be for a period of Ten (10)
years, commencing on the First (1st) day of January, 2001 (the "Commencement
Date"), and ending at midnight on December 31, 2010, provided, however, that
this lease shall be renewable for two (2) five year periods, upon Tenant giving
Landlord written notice of its intent to renew at least One hundred and eighty
days (180) days prior to the expiration of the then current term.

            3. RENT. Tenant agrees to pay Landlord, without demand, deduction or
offset, annual rental at the initial rate of $16.50 per square foot. Rent shall
be adjusted annually on the anniversary of the Commencement Date and such
adjustment shall be equal to One hundred and three percent (103%) of the prior
period just ended during the term of the lease.

                  Beginning on the first anniversary of the Commencement Date
and annually on each anniversary of the Commencement Date thereafter, rent shall
increase for each succeeding lease year by an amount equal to One hundred and
three percent (103%) of the prior period just ended during the term of the
lease.

                  Annual rent shall be divided into twelve (12) equal
consecutive payments and shall be paid on the first (1st) day of every month
commencing on January 1, 2001, and continuing on the first (1st) day of each
month thereafter during the term of this lease and any renewals thereof. If the
term of this lease shall commence or expire on a day other than the first day of
a calendar month, the rent for any partial month shall be prorated. All rent
payments shall be paid to Landlord at its address specified below, or such other
place as Landlord designates in writing for the initial year of the lease. The
initial monthly rent payment shall be in the amount of $ 20,625.00 and shall be
due and payable at the execution of this lease agreement. Landlord shall grant
Tenant two months free rent at the beginning of the lease for purposes of tenant
renovations.

            4. SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenant shall deposit with the Landlord, with
the execution of this lease and thereafter maintain with Landlord the sum of
Twenty Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty Five dollars which shall be held by
Landlord, without interest to Tenant, as security for the full and faithful
performance by Tenant of Tenant's obligations pursuant to this Lease. If Tenant
fails to pay any amount which Tenant is obligated to pay pursuant to this Lease,
Landlord may, at its option (but Landlord shall not be obliged to), apply an
portion of such security fund to the amount owed by Tenant. Any such application
by Landlord shall not waive the default created by Tenant's failure to pay. If
any portion of the security deposit is so applied by Landlord, Tenant shall,
within ten (10) days after demand from Landlord, restore the security deposit
held by Landlord to its original amount. The security deposit, less amounts
properly charged against same, shall be refunded to Tenant within thirty (30)
days after Tenant has paid all amounts owed and performed all of its obligations
pursuant to this Lease.

            5. ACCEPTANCE OF PREMISES. Occupancy of the Premises by Tenant shall
constitute its acceptance of same. Tenant acknowledges that Landlord has not
made any warranties or representations, oral or written, as to the use or
fitness of the Premises for any particular purpose.

            6. USE AND COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. Tenant shall not use, or permit the
Premises, or any part thereof, to be used, for any purpose or purposes other
than the purpose or purposes for which the Premises are hereby leased and no use
shall be made or permitted to be made of the [Illegible]

<PAGE>

            7. QUIET ENJOYMENT AND COVENANT OF TITLE. Landlord covenants that it
has full right and power to acquire subject property of this lease. Landlord
also covenants that ownership of the property is scheduled to pass to Landlord
prior to commencement date of this lease. Landlord and Tenant agree that if
title does not pass to Landlord by September 30, 2000 then Landlord must notify
Tenant and this lease is null and void Landlord must refund all deposit money
paid to Landlord at the execution of this Lease. Landlord covenants that once
Landlord has title to the property it has full right and power to execute this
lease and to grant the estate demised herein, and that Tenant, upon payment of
the rents herein reserved and performing the terms, conditions, and covenants
herein contained, shall peacefully and quietly have, hold, and enjoy the
Premises during the full term of this lease.

            8. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR. Tenant shall maintain and repair the
Premises during the full term of this Lease, and any extension thereof, and pay,
as additional rent, as and when due to the persons or entities who are owed
money in connection therewith, all costs of such maintenance and repair. Tenant
shall promptly advise Landlord of all such work and provide evidence
satisfactory to Landlord that Tenant has paid the entire cost thereof. Tenant
shall provide and pay for all maintenance and repair of and to the Premises and
appurtenant grounds and facilities, including, but not limited to, parking lot
maintenance and repair, landscape maintenance and repair, roof maintenance and
repair, elevator maintenance and repair, and HVAC maintenance and repair.

            9. UTILITIES. Tenant agrees to pay when due all utility charges
incurred in connection with its use and occupancy of the Premises, including,
but not limited to, electricity, fuel, gas, telephone, janitorial services and
other utilities and/or services supplied to or/for the Premises.

            10. ALTERATIONS BY TENANT. Tenant shall not make or suffer to be
made any alteration, addition or improvements to the Premises, or any part
thereof, without the prior written consent of Landlord, and any alteration,
addition, or improvement to the Premises made by Tenant, without such consent
including without limitation, any partitions (non-portable) or affixed
carpeting, shall at once become a part of the Premises and belong to Landlord.
If Landlord consents to the making of any alteration, addition or improvement to
of the Premises by Tenant, the same shall be made by Tenant at its sole cost and
expense and only after Landlord's written approval of any contractor or person
selected by Tenant for that purpose. Upon the termination of this lease, Tenant,
at its sole cost and expense, shall promptly both remove all of Tenant's movable
furniture, portable partitions, non-built-in bookshelves, machinery and
equipment and trade fixture, together with any alteration, addition or
improvement made by Tenant and shall repair any damage to the Premises caused by
such removal. If not so removed at the termination of Lease, the same shall
become the property of Landlord.

            11. REPAIRS. Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall at all
times during the term hereof provide for the routine care and maintenance of the
Premises and every part thereof, including, without limitation, any
appurtenances and fixtures, windows, doors and skylights (but excluding other
than routine maintenance and the exterior walls and roof), in good and sanitary
order, condition and repair, ordinary wear and tear, and wear and tear or damage
thereto occasioned by fire, failure to provide other than routine maintenance,
earthquake, acts of God or the elements along excepted. Upon the termination of
this lease, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as when
received, ordinary wear and tear, and wear and tear or damage occasioned by
fire, earthquake, failure to provide other than routine maintenance and require,
acts of God or the elements excepted. It is specifically understood and agreed
that Landlord has no obligation and has made no promises to alter, add to,
remodel, improve, repair, decorate or paint the Premises or any part thereof
except Landlord will maintain the structural foundation and roof of the building
and provide other than routine maintenance and repairs, and that no
representations respecting the condition of the Premises have been made by
Landlord to Tenant except as may be specifically hereinafter set forth.

            12. CONSTRUCTION LIENS. Tenant shall keep the Premises free from any
liens arising out of any work performed, materials furnished or obligations
incurred by Tenant. In the event that Tenant shall not, within ten (10) days
following the imposition of any such lien, cause the same to be released of
record. Landlord shall have, in addition to all other remedies provided herein
and by law, the [Illegible]

<PAGE>

            13. CONSTRUCTION DEPOSIT, It is understood that Landlord has leased
premises to Tenant with the understanding that certain improvements (Exhibit B)
will be made by tenant to the premises. Tenant has agreed to deposit, as
collateral, without interest, with Landlord the sum of $350,000 upon the
execution of this lease. Landlord agrees to release the funds as the work is
completed. Within thirty days of Tenant request, Landlord shall refund any
unused portion of the deposit, subject to Landlords approval that all
improvements that Tenant has agreed to make to premises have been made and that
there are no construction/mechanics liens on the property.

            14. SUBLEASING, ASSIGNMENT. Tenant shall not assign, transfer, or
hypothecate the leasehold estate under this Lease, or any interest therein, and
shall not sublet the Premises, or any part thereof, or any right or privilege
appurtenant thereto, or suffer or permit any other person to occupy or use the
Premises, or any portion thereof, without, in each case, the prior written
consent of Landlord. A consent of Landlord to one assignment, transfer,
hypothecation, subletting, occupation or use by any other person shall not
release Tenant from any of Tenant's obligations hereunder or be deemed to be a
consent to any subsequent similar or dissimilar assignment, transfer,
hypothecation, subletting, occupation or use by any other person. Any such
assignment, transfer, hypothecation, subletting, occupation or use without such
consent shall be void and shall, at the option of Landlord, exercised by written
notice to Tenant, terminate this Lease. The leasehold estate under this Lease
shall not, nor shall any interest therein, be assignable for any purpose by
operation of law without the written consent of Landlord.

            15. DAMAGE TO PREMISES. If the Premises are damaged or destroyed,
Landlord shall promptly repair or rebuild the same if, in Landlord's sole
judgment, such repair or rebuilding can be made within sixty (60) days after
such damage or destruction in which event this Lease shall remain in full force
and effect. If there shall be damage to or destruction of the Premises and such
damage or destruction is not the result of the act, neglect, default or omission
of Tenant, its agents, employees of invitees, Tenant shall be entitled to a
reduction of rent while such repair is being made in the proportion to the
interference, if any, to which such damage interferes with the business carried
on by Tenant in the Premises. If such repair cannot be made within sixty (60)
days, Landlord and Tenant shall each have the option to give notice to the other
at any time within thirty (30) days after occurrence of such damage or
destruction terminating this Lease as of a date specified in such notice which
shall be not less than thirty (30) nor more than sixty (60) days after the
giving of such notice. If such notice of termination is so given, this Lease and
all interest of Tenant in the Premises shall terminate on the date specified in
such notice (unless earlier terminated as otherwise herein provided), and the
rent, proportionately reduced upon the condition and as hereinabove in this
paragraph provided, shall be paid up to the date of such termination. Landlord
hereby agrees to refund to Tenant any rent theretofore paid for any period of
time subsequent to such date. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this
Lease, Landlord shall in no event be required to repair or replace any damage or
destruction by other cause whatsoever to any panelings, decorations, partitions,
railing, ceilings, floor coverings, trade or office fixtures, machinery or
equipment or any other property of Tenant or its customers or improvements
installed on the Premises by Landlord.

            16. PAST DUE RENTS. Tenant recognizes and acknowledges that if rent
payments are not received when due, Landlord will suffer damages and additional
expense thereby and Tenant therefore agrees that a late charge equal to ten
percent (10%) of the late rent may be assessed by Landlord as additional rental
if Landlord has not received any rent or additional rent due pursuant to this
Lease within five (5) days after its due date. If any check given in payment of
rent is not honored when due, Landlord may require that subsequent rent payments
be made by certified or cashier's check.

            17. INSURANCE; TAXES. Tenant shall pay, as additional rent, in full,
in advance, on the Commencement Date, all fire and casualty and liability
insurance premiums and, all taxes including but not limited to real estate taxes
attributable to the premises.

            18. LIABILITY. Landlord and its agents shall not be liable for any
injury to persons or loss or damage to property resulting from any cause other
than the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents and
employees. Tenant shall indemnify and save Landlord harmless from all suits.

<PAGE>

            19. INSPECTION OF PREMISES. Landlord and Landlord's agents shall
have free access during normal business hours to the Premises for the purposes
of inspection, maintenance and repair and at all times for emergency purposes.

            20. CONDEMNATION. If all or a part of the Premises sufficient to
render same unusable for Tenant's purposes or all means of access to the
Premises shall be condemned for a period in excess of ninety (90) days or sold
under threat of condemnation, this lease shall terminate and Tenant shall have
no claim against Landlord or to any portion of the award in condemnation for the
value of any unexpired term of this lease. Tenant may seek to recover
independently compensation from the condemning authority for moving expenses,
the value of any of Tenants property taken (other than Tenant's leasehold
interest in the Premises) or other compensable loss or damage. In the event of a
temporary taking of ninety (90) days or less, this lease shall not terminate,
but the term hereof shall be extended by the period of the taking and the rent
shall abate in proportion to the area taken for the period of such taking.

            21. DEFAULT. (a) If Tenant does not pay any rent or other sum
payable by Tenant pursuant to this lease and such default continues for a period
of ten (10) days after written notice is given to Tenant (provided, however,
that no written notice shall be required if Landlord has previously given
written notice of failure to pay rent during the then current calendar year), or
if Tenant shall fail to perform any other covenant, agreement, or obligation of
Tenant pursuant to this lease and such default continues for thirty (30) days
after written notice thereof is given to Tenant, or if Tenant should become
bankrupt or insolvent or any debtor proceedings are taken by or against Tenant,
or if Tenant vacates or attempts to vacate the Premises, then Landlord shall
have the following rights and remedies:

                  (i) Landlord may terminate this lease by written notice to
            Tenant, in which event this lease, all rights of Tenant, and all
            duties of Landlord shall immediately cease and terminate, and
            Landlord may re-enter and take possession of the Premises, remove
            all persons and property from the Premises and store such property
            in a public warehouse or elsewhere at the cost of, and for the
            account of, Tenant and enjoy the Premises free of Tenant's estate
            pursuant to this lease, without prejudice, however to any and all
            rights of action against Tenant that Landlord may have for rent,
            damages, or breach of this lease, in respect of which Tenant shall
            remain and continue liable notwithstanding such termination;

                  (ii) Landlord shall have the right to re-enter the Premises
            and remove all persons and property from the Premises and store such
            property in a public warehouse or elsewhere at the cost of, and for
            the account of, Tenant, without terminating this lease. Landlord
            shall have the right to take such action without service of notice
            except as may be expressly required herein or by applicable law and
            without resort to legal process (unless required by law) and without
            being deemed guilty of trespass or becoming liable for any loss or
            damage which may be occasioned thereby. If Landlord elects to
            re-enter the Premises as aforesaid, Landlord may, at any time
            thereafter, elect to terminate this lease by giving written notice
            to Tenant of such election. Whether or not Landlord elects to
            re-enter the Premises or takes possession of the Premises pursuant
            to legal proceedings or pursuant to any notice required by law,
            Landlord may, at its option, re-let the Premises or any portion
            thereof for the benefit of Tenant for such term or terms (whether
            shorter or longer than the term of this lease) and at such rental
            and upon such other terms and conditions as Landlord in its sole
            discretion, deems advisable, and, at the expense of Tenant, Landlord
            shall have the right to make such repairs or alterations to the
            Premises as Landlord deems necessary in order to re-let same.
            Provided this lease has not been terminated by Landlord, upon each
            such re-letting, all rentals actually received by Landlord from such
            re-letting applicable to the unexpired term of this lease shall be
            applied as follows: First, to the payment of any costs and expenses
            of such re-letting, including costs incurred by Landlord for
            brokerage fees, legal fees and alterations and repairs to the
            Premises; Second, to the payment of any indebtedness other than rent
            due hereunder from Tenant; Third, to payment of any unpaid portion
            of rent then due. On the scheduled expiration date of this lease,

<PAGE>

relieve Tenant of any of its liabilities or obligations hereunder which arose
prior to or by reason of such termination, whether or not the Premises are
re-let.

            22. LEGAL COSTS AND EXPENSES. In case suit shall be brought for an
unlawful detainer of the Premises or for the recovery of any rent due under the
provisions of this lease or because of the failure of performance or observance
of any other term, covenant or condition herein contained on the part of
Landlord or Tenant, the unsuccessful party in such suit shall pay to the
prevailing party therein a reasonable attorney's fee which shall be fixed by the
Court of competent jurisdiction. If Landlord should be named as a defendant in
any suit brought against Tenant in connection with or arising out of this lease,
Tenant shall pay Landlord its costs and expenses incurred in such suit and
reasonable attorneys' fee unless in such suite there is an express finding made
that the conduct or omission complained of constituted negligence on the part of
Landlord.

            23. HOLDING OVER. If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises
after the expiration or termination of this lease without Landlord's written
consent, such possession be construed as an extension of this lease on a
month-to-month basis, upon the terms and conditions applicable to the last year
of the preceding term except for the rental amount which shall be increased by
125% over the preceding period. Acceptance of rent by Landlord during any
holdover tenancy at sufferance shall not waive the default created by Tenant's
holdover or Landlord's consent to the month-to-month tenancy created by the
holdover. The provisions of this paragraph are in addition to, and do not affect
Landlord's right of re-entry or other rights provided hereunder or at law.

            24. SURRENDER OF PREMISES. Tenant shall surrender the Premises at
the termination of the lease term, broom-cleaned, with all rubbish removed, free
of subtenancies, and in good condition and repair, reasonable wear and tear
excepted. Tenant shall deliver all keys to Landlord or Landlord's agent.

            25. NOTICES. Any notices required pursuant to this lease shall be in
writing. Addresses to which notices shall be sent are as follows:

                TO TENANT:   Young Design, Inc
                             8000 Lee Highway
                             Falls Church, Va 22042
                             Attn: Steven J. Rotter

                TO LANDLORD: Merry Fields, LLC
                             3011 Cedarwood Lane
                             Falls Church, Va 22042
                             Attn: Robert Fitzgerald

                  Either party may at any time designate by written notice to
the other a change of address for notices. All notices, demands and quests which
are addressed as provided above and are (i) deposited in the United States mail,
registered or certified, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (ii)
accepted for overnight delivery by a guaranteed overnight courier, delivery
charges prepaid or with delivery not conditioned upon payment of charges, shall
be deemed to have been given for all purposes hereunder two (2) days after such
notice shall have been deposited in the United States mail or one (1) day after
such notice shall have been accepted for delivery by the applicable overnight
delivery service. Notices given by personal service shall be deemed received on
the date of such personal service.

            26. SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS. This lease shall bind and inure to the
benefit of the successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators and legal
representatives of the parties hereto. This provision shall not give Tenant by
implication any right to assign its rights or interest pursuant to this lease.

            27. PERFORMANCE BY LANDLORD AND TENANT. If Tenant fails to perform
any of its obligations hereunder Landlord [Illegible]

<PAGE>

which shall thereafter accrue, and shall not waive Landlord's right to assert
any other right, claim or cause of action. Acceptance by Landlord of rent from
Tenant during the existing of any default shall not constitute a waiver of such
default, or a waiver of the right of Landlord to insist upon Tenant's strict
compliance with the terms of this lease.

            29. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph headings of this lease are
used for convenience only, and are in no way to be construed as a part of this
lease or as a limitation on the scope of the particular provision to which they
refer.

            30. INVALIDITY; CONSTRUCTION. If any provision of this lease shall
be held to be invalid, whether generally or as to specific facts or
circumstances, the same shall not affect in any respect whatsoever the validity
of the remainder of this lease, which shall continue in full force and effect.
Any provision held invalid as to any particular facts and circumstances shall
remain in full force and effect as to all other facts and circumstances. This
lease has been drafted in mutual contribution of language and is not to be
construed against either party hereto as belong the drafter hereof or causing
the same to be drafted.

            31. GOVERNING LAW. This lease and the rights of the parties
hereunder shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth
of Virginia.

            32. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essense in this lease and
of each and all of its provisions.

            33. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This lease, together with the attached
exhibits and riders, if any, contains the entire agreement of the parties
related to this transaction, supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements
and represents their final and complete understanding. This lease may not be
modified orally, through course of performance or in any manner other than by
agreement in writing, signed by the parties hereto.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this lease has been duly executed by the parties
hereto as of the date and year first above written.

                             LANDLORD By: /s/ Robert E. Fitzgerald
                                         ---------------------------------

                                          Title: President/Managing Member

                                          Date:  8/24/00

                             TENANT   By: /s/ Stephen Rotter
                                         ---------------------------------

                                          Title: CFO

                                          Date:  8/24/00

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