Group Goetz Architects (GGA) announced that it has been awarded LEED Platinum Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for the design of its corporate offices at 2900 K Street in Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood.
To establish its continued commitment to green building, GGA's design compliments the evolving culture of the American workplace. The new, 16,000 SF office has a completely open floor plan zoned by a "main boulevard", which runs the full length of the office. This spine separates a high-tech conference center, library and employee lounge from the firm's design studio. The studio contains spacious communal workspaces for both executives and staff that encourage employee communication and peer relationship building. The firm's employees enjoy the benefit of 100% natural light penetration as well as day light controlled lighting and individual temperature controls. The open layout and glass exterior also lower energy consumption by reducing the need for artificial and engineered lighting. To improve accessibility to alternative transportation, GGA employees enjoy access to metro, car sharing, shuttle service and bike racks. Staff also have access to a state of the art health club facility and subsidized health food vending machines.
"LEED Platinum certification further demonstrates our commitment to sustainable environments for our employees and clients alike," said Lewis J. Goetz, FAIA, FIIDA, president and CEO, Group Goetz Architects. "We are proud to lead this charge and encourage others to improve their social, ecological and financial performance by greening their spaces."