Oxford Finance
Alexandria, Virginia
Oxford Finance’s new headquarters occupies 17,000 square feet in a warehouse building on Union Street in Old Town Alexandria, intentionally located near its former building so that the company can remain a part of the community. The building’s interiors combine historic and contemporary aesthetics — an invigorating departure from the typical staid atmosphere of financial service firms. The workplace design concept bridges the historic nature of Old Town, with furnishings, custom rugs, and classic red and blue colors that reference the surrounding Georgian and Victorian Alexandria homes, accented by a sophisticated yet industrial warehouse style with details such as an exposed ceiling, beams, and steel framework.
The industrial building’s structure acts as the organizing element for the workplace with transparent, triangular-shaped glass collaboration zones at the center point of its floors, activating the two-story hub and creating a more flexible workspace that’s connected by a staircase. On the lower floor, the reception area is anchored by a series of meeting spaces, workspaces, and a coffee bar. Crafted out of live-edge wood, the reception desk, looks out onto a striking installation of blackened wood ceiling fins, framing a curved, perforated metal stair — a focal point of the space that offers workers full visibility of the first floor. Upstairs, a half-floor space mirrors the floor below with private meeting spaces, offices, and a cafe as well as corner rooms that enable teams to hold impromptu meetings.
The steel framework of the building’s original structure is preserved, with visible mechanical, electrical, and plumbing throughout to underscore its industrial feel. The windows at the entrance feature milky, mullion glass with dark steel frames, further signaling an edgy vibe. This innovative new space reflects the financial firm’s unique approach to its projects in the surrounding market. The ambiance of Oxford Finance’s new headquarters creates an immersive hub to attract new talent, emphasize its culture, and showcase its dedication to the client experience.