Primary Navigation OUR WORK OUR FIRM Secondary Navigation CONTACTCAREERS中文 OSSE & DISB AT SENTINEL SQUARE An example of how thoughtful interior planning and design can shape an environment, two government clients in the same building each get a workplace that reflects their very different character and needs. CLIENT Office of the State Superintendent of Education & Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking LOCATION Washington, D.C. MARKETS/SERVICES Architecture, Government, Government Office, Interiors, Programming, Workplace SIZE 168,000 SF When two different District of Columbia government agencies made plans to move into a 12-story, multi-tenant building in the popular NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC, they each turned to SmithGroup to design their new offices. As the designer of the original Sentinel Square base building, SmithGroup created distinctly different workplaces for each agency, repurposing what was originally designed as federal office space. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) was eager for a more open and collaborative workplace, one with a fresh, vibrant palette that reflects its role guiding K-12 education. Many OSSE office users were not routinely at the workplace; they needed an occasional base and place to collaborate, rather than a permanent office presence. So interactive areas make up about 80 percent of the workplace, which occupies two floors, with a variety of seating areas along the windows on the exterior of the floorplate. Quiet work areas and glass-fronted offices are concentrated along the interior. Polished concrete floors, bright pops of color and low furnishings allow for maximum daylight throughout the space and imbue a fresh, modern look. The building’s first floor, originally intended for retail, houses a large OSSE conference/multi-function center. A street entrance accommodates the public for the many events OSSE hosts here, while maintaining the security of the building’s lobby for tenants only. The first floor also features a training room shared with the other DC agency in the building. Other OSSE amenities include hoteling space for employees, training rooms, a large, shared pantry, and a vending area. The other DC agency in the building, the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) occupies two floors in the same building. While the floorplate is identical to the OSSE offices, the client needs were considerably different. DISB preferred a serene environment with an emphasis on quiet, private workspaces. About 80 percent of the space is devoted to individual offices, with a subtle palette and more traditional furnishings. RELATED John Crump Vice President, Workplace Studio Leader PEOPLE DC Water Headquarters PROJECT Reimagining the Activity-based Workplace Following COVID-19 PERSPECTIVES Chris Smialek Principal, Interior Designer PEOPLE Noblis Headquarters PROJECT Next SHARE Secondary Navigation CONTACTCAREERS Connect