Founded in 1986, Architecture, Incorporated is a 60-person, award-winning planning, architecture, and interior design practice. We are united in the belief that as trusted advisers and design leaders, we reach beyond the predictable to turn vision into reality while solving complex challenges for public, private, and government clients—improving quality of life through the built environment.
Our projects range from complex renovations to new construction for commercial, hospitality, education, healthcare, senior living, multifamily, and sports and recreation clients across the region. This wide range of design experience and core value of client service has made Architecture, Inc. recognized as one of the most prominent firms in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
CONTENTS
• Practice Area
• Trends
• Case Studies
• On the Boards
• Design Recognition
• Client List
SPORTSANDRECREATION
There is an increased understanding that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected—athletic activities and competition improve all three. At Architecture, Inc., we understand the complexities of delivering fitness and wellness amenities to a community; the competition for market share, the seasonal focus of members, as well as the cost and space associated with the variety of activities in demand today.
Our experience includes professional NBA, NHL, and WNBA facilities; upscale fitness clubs and studios; build-to-suit specialty facilities; as well as sports and recreation amenities shared by schools and communities. These projects range in scale from small interior renovations and rebranding to comprehensive interior fit-out and ground-up new construction.
TRENDS
Health club design is driven by consumer demand. Today’s health clubs balance function with aesthetics while being cost effective—no small task. In a competitive environment, it’s the small details and thoughtful design that can drive loyalty. Integrated electronics, open space, and green features all make a difference. Flexibility is also key; as exercise trends evolve quickly and consumers expect the latest, clubs need to quickly adapt—yesterday’s boxing ring is today’s CrossFit.
TRENDS
The new generation of gym members do not seek a traditional gym experience. Their affinity for community and technology is imparted into their philosophy, which spills over to the gym floor. Aside from getting into shape, these gym members are on the lookout for adventure and excitement. They are always community-orientated, and this reflects on the rising popularity of Zumba, Pilates, dance classes, and Yoga. Millennials dominate these classes disproportionately, and some of these activities take place even outside the gym; in boutique studio classes, running clubs, online streaming services, or even outdoors. This cohort of gym members prefer body weight exercises and bodyweight training, and are less inclined to spend eternity “pumping iron.” They are focused on a body at large, and embrace a holistic mindset—making an effort to facilitate broader lifestyle changes.
TRENDS
Once relegated to bowling alleys or a dart board in the back of a bar, purpose-built entertainment/fitness facilities have exploded in both suburban and urban markets. Everything from simulated skydiving, downhill skiing, ax-throwing, ping pong, and firing ranges has a purpose-built facility today—there are more options than ever before. As commercial landlords looked to fill larger retail spaces vacated by big box stores, they began to consider unconventional tenants like indoor trampoline parks. These facilities combine the social aspects of restaurants and bars with specialized fitness and entertainment activities. Facilities range from 6,000 sf to 40,000 sf depending on the location and activity. This new trend in fitness entertainment will surely continue as guests look for new adventures and challenges.
Sport & Health Multiple Locations
Capitals Iceplex Arlington, VA
XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness Ashburn, VA
Propel Swim Academy South Riding, VA
CASE STUDY
CAPITALS ICEPLEX
Capitals Iceplex is a 145,000 sf facility built on top of an existing occupied seven-story parking garage. The project includes two full-size NHL ice rinks, a 20,000 sf state-of-the-art training center for the Washington Capitals, and 20,000 sf of executive office space for the Capitals and WNBA Washington Mystics administrative staff.
Arlington County and the Capitals were committed to developing an energy efficient and environmentally conscious facility that would serve as a model for future urban development projects throughout Arlington County and beyond. The facility was designed to achieve LEED certification standards as developed by US Green Building Council. It is the only high-rise ice rink project of its kind.
DESIGN RECOGNITION
DESIGNArlington
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award
Structural Engineers Association of Metropolitan DC
01 CASE STUDY
nhl rink
locker room
main lobby
SPORT & HEALTH
Architecture, Incorporated has completed 25 Sport & Health locations within the Washington, DC metro area. Providing a wide variety of architectural services tailored to each health club, most of these projects have included both renovations and additions to existing spaces.
Through careful space planning and upgraded finish selections, these highly functional spaces are punctuated by streamlined, modern design. Programs have included gymnasiums, group exercise rooms, and multi-purpose spaces, as well as cardio centers, weight-lifting areas, aerobics and spinning studios, spas, nurseries, locker rooms, and storage spaces.
SPORT & HEALTH
weight room
CASE STUDY
PROPEL SWIM ACADEMY 03
For their first purpose-built facility, Propel Swim Academy sought to create a state-of-the-art pool building to provide year-round developmental swim lessons for all ages and abilities. The new 13,025 sf familyfriendly swim school features pools for various age groups, family changing areas, a party room, and multiple viewing areas. Rather than one large pool, the facility includes three smaller pools, allowing instructors an extra degree of specialization between age groups during lessons.
Acoustical challenges were minimized with the addition of acoustic “clouds” over the pool areas that also create visual interest. Additionally, the design incorporates acoustic wall panels to lessen the amount of sound reflection in the pool area, ensuring that instructors and swimmers can easily communicate. An aquatic motif and the company’s branding influenced the interiors, moving the design towards flowing, curving features including striking white pendant lights, a curved soffit and reception desk featuring a sparkling blue tile accent stripe, and blue wall panels.
DESIGN RECOGNITION
US Swim Schools Association
CASE STUDY
PROPEL SWIM ACADEMY
dressing area
viewing area
pool
XCAL FITNESS
The new 94,000 sf XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness facility provides numerous recreation activities at the expanding One Loudoun development. The goal for XCAL was to deliver a high-quality user experience in all areas of the project. The first level features multiple 25-yard shooting ranges totaling 26 shooting stalls, including five private lanes. It also houses 18,000 sf of retail, classroom training rooms, and a café with juice bar.
The second level comprises 36,000 sf of gym and fitness-oriented areas including cardio machines, Dojo hall, indoor and outdoor spaces for group athletic classes, saunas, a massage suite, and a 6,500 sf of indoor/outdoor high intensity training area. It also contains a 10,000 sf high-end VIP lounge area that incorporates a full-service bar, conference rooms, a billiards room, cigar lounge, and a large outdoor patio for both members and private events.
athletic training
Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC)
College Park, MD
2025
Arlo Washington DC
NAIOP DC | MD Awards of Excellence, Best Renovation, Historic Preservation: Award of Merit
Brick Industry Association (BIA) Brick in Architecture Awards, Historic Renovation: Gold Award
Town of Hall at Campus Commons
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Amenity Space: Award of Excellence
Louise Archer Elementary School
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Capital Improvement Public: Award of Excellence
ABC of Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Awards, Educational: Award of Excellence
ABC Chesapeake Shores Excellence in Construction Awards, Institutional: Award of Excellence
ABC Delaware Excellence in Construction Awards, Institutional: Award of Excellence
Monumental Sports Network
Washington Building Congress | Craftmanship Awards, Lighting and Electrical Systems
2024
Monumental Sports Network
NAIOP DC | MD Awards of Excellence, Best Interiors 25,00175,000 sf: Award of Excellence
District E
restaurant development+design awards, Form and Function Innovation Award
2023
Ellen M. Bozman Government Center
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Buildings, Capital Improvement Institutional: Award of Merit
Inova Center for Personalized Health Executive Suites
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Buildings, Interior Tenant Space 50,000 + SF: Award of Merit
Inova Center for Personalized Health Tower 8
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Buildings, Capital Improvement Non-Institutional: Award of Excellence
Mellow Mushroom - Virginia Beach
HRACRE Excellence in Development Design Award, Buildings, Best Restaurant/Eatery/Bar: Award of Merti
The Residence at Colvin Run
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Buildings, Multi-Family Residential: Award of Excellence
Fairfax County James M. Scott Exceptional Design Award, Community Benefit Project: Award of Merit
2022
8150 Leesburg Pike Amenity Space
Fairfax County James M. Scott Exceptional Design Award, Commercial Interiors: Award of Merit
Knollwood Country Club
Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Central Connecticut, Hobi Award: Best Commercial Rehab
2021
8150 Leesburg Pike Amenity Space
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Buildings, Amenity Space: Award of Excellence
Maryvale Elementary School / Carl Sandburg Learning Center
ABC of Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Awards, Educational: Award of Excellence
Learning by Design Architectural Awards, Multi-Use/Joint-Use Building : Outstanding Project
Salamander Resort & Spa
US News and World Report, Best Hotels in the US: Gold Badge
Viceroy DC
ABC of Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Awards, Commercial/Residential Renovation $2-$4M - Award of Excellence
2020
Coolidge Senior High School
Learning by Design Architectural Awards, Combined-Level School: Outstanding Project
West Springfield High School
ABC of Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Awards: Award of Excellence
2019
700 Constitution
Multifamily Executive MFE Awards, Adaptive Reuse: Grand Winner
Coolidge Senior High School
ACEC Metropolitan Washington Excellence Awards, Renovations and Additions: Honor Award
Inova Sports Medicine
Fairfax County James M. Scott Exceptional Design Award, Institutional: Honor Award
Mellow Mushroom - Chantilly
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Restaurant Interior
Build-Out: Honorable Mention
IIDA Mid-Atlantic Premier Design Awards, Retail: Honor Award
2018
700 Constitution
AIA Northern Virginia Design Award, Historic Architecture: Award of Merit
Building Design + Construction Reconstruction Awards: Bronze
NAIOP DC | MD Awards of Excellence, Best Renovation: Award of Excellence
Compass Rose
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Interiors, Tenant Space
0 to 10,000 sf: Award of Excellence
Current Salon Shop! Design Awards Competition, Service Retailer: Silver Award
Mellow Mushroom - Chantilly
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Building - Hospitality/ Retail: Award of Excellence
Opaline Bar and Brasserie
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Commercial/ Residential Renovation under $1M: Award of Excellence
Propel Swim Academy
US Swim Schools Association, Facility: Award of Excellence
Salamander Resort & Spa
Forbes Travel Guide, 2018 World’s Most Luxurious Hotels
Terraset Elementary School
Learning by Design Architectural Awards, Elementary School: Outstanding Project
TRUEBODY Bethesda
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Commercial $512M: Award of Excellence
2017
Terraset Elementary School
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Capital ImprovementInstitutional: Award of Excellence
2016
Arlington County Department of Human Services
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Interiors Tenant Space 50,000 sf and Above: Award of Merit
Hotel Palomar
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC): Award of Excellence
Morrison-Clark Hotel
NAIOP DC | MD Awards of Excellence, Best Hospitality ProjectBoutique Service: Award of Excellence
RECOGNITION
QIAGEN
NAIOP DC | MD Awards of Excellence, Best InteriorsHealthcare/Biotech/Lab: Award of Merit
2015
Children’s Science Center
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Best Interiors - Retail: Award of Merit
Marina Landing at Belmont Bay
Great American Living Awards (GALA), Best Design and Architecture - Multi-Family/Mixed-Use
Sage
Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards, Commercial Office (Interiors): Honorable Mention
Tower Club
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Best Interiors - Retail: Award of Excellence
2014
3251 Old Lee Highway
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Best Building Renovation - Capital Improvement: Award of Excellence
Graham Road Elementary School
American School & University Magazine, Outstanding Designs: Interior Renovation
Loudoun Medical Office Building III
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Best Building Renovtion, Adaptive Re-Use: Award of Merit
Mellow Mushroom – Herndon
IIDA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Design Awards, Retail: The Bronze Award
2013
Salamander Resort & Spa
Best of NAIOP Northern Virginia Award, Best Building - Build-toSuit Non-Institutional Facility: Award of Excellence
W.T. Woodson High School
American School & University Magazine, Outstanding Designs: Renovation/Modernization
2012
CurvyGirls Bridal
Fairfax County Exceptional Design Awards, Office (Interiors): Honorable Mention
