The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Headquarters in Washington, D.C., was reimagined as a next-generation workplace that reflects the organization’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and responsible design. The renovation achieved the rare distinction of earning LEED® Platinum, TRUE Platinum, and WELL Platinum certifications, demonstrating how an existing workplace can be transformed into a healthy, flexible, and environmentally conscious office.
Designed to support a hybrid work environment, the headquarters incorporates conference rooms, collaborative gathering spaces, a podcast studio, and flexible workstations that accommodate a variety of work styles. Natural light, living plant walls, and biophilic design strategies create an environment that promotes well-being, productivity, and a stronger connection to nature.
2023 NAIOP Award of Merit for Best Sustainable Project
2023 ASID Honors – FOCUS Wellness – Large Firm Merit Recipient
2023 District of Columbia AIA Citation for Resources (AIA DC Chapter)
2023 Premiere Design Awards, Finalist-Design with Purpose (IIDA Mid-Atlantic Chapter
CUSTOM FSC®-Certified White Oak flooring was selected to reinforce the project’s biophilic design principles while supporting its rigorous sustainability objectives. The natural warmth and refined grain of the wood complement the office’s abundant daylight and living plant installations, creating a welcoming environment that balances contemporary design with the restorative qualities of natural materials.
Specified in a clear-grade Rift & Quarter cut, the flooring offers a clean, consistent appearance with the distinctive vertical grain and ray fleck characteristics unique to rift and quarter sawn White Oak. In addition to its timeless aesthetic, the flooring provides exceptional durability for high-traffic commercial environments while contributing to a healthy, low-maintenance workplace.
Working closely with Perkins & Will, RESAWN supplied a CUSTOM FSC®-Certified White Oak flooring solution tailored to the project’s sustainability and design requirements. The specification focused on a clear-grade Rift & Quarter product that aligned with USGBC’s vision for a high-performance workplace centered on environmental responsibility, material transparency, and occupant well-being.
Perkins & Will is a globally recognized architecture and design firm known for innovative and sustainable solutions. Founded in 1935, the firm emphasizes creating spaces that enhance human experiences and promote environmental stewardship. Their projects span various sectors, including education, healthcare, and commercial spaces, reflecting a commitment to functional and aesthetic excellence.
