GF designed the new administrative offices for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), spanning four floors and including a reception and conference center on half of the first floor. The design transformed a previously uninspiring, high-walled cubicle environment into a modern, open workplace that supports staff collaboration and provides daylight access to all workstations.
To meet tight budget and schedule constraints while reusing the existing Dell build-out, the team implemented a universal plan that retained perimeter offices on each floor’s corners, maintaining an open window line for workstations and the unimpeded flow of natural light. The finish palette was bright and uplifting, featuring light, neutral carpet; paint; workstation panels; accent furniture with pops of primary colors; and strategically placed glass panels and lighting. Inspirational quotes from renowned authors enliven each floor’s entry and reflect FCPS’s dedication to teaching and learning.
The first-floor assembly occupancy load required a rigorous jurisdictional permit review and a third-party peer review. Rather than creating a new building opening, GF strategically renovated the service corridor and loading dock to serve as an egress, meeting occupancy requirements efficiently.
