Conservation International

Attaining LEED Gold certification at its Crystal City workplace marked the first step in Conservation International (CI)'s extensive commitment to create an environment that holistically embodies the organization's mission. The environmental nonprofit's mindful approach impacted the design, sustainability elements, and overall building improvements, going beyond LEED requirements. CI's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint began with the commitment to repurpose its existing space rather than build out a new space — consolidating two floors into one open-plan floor, while also pushing for overall tenant improvements within its office building. Utilizing change management techniques to bolster this shift to an open plan, the floorplan mimics the organic growth of nature to inspire impromptu encounters in a space that has no prescribed central path. Each area of the workplace is carefully designed, weaving different elements of the CI story together through the rich layering of visuals and materiality.