Designing for a Defining Moment
For many people, a USCIS field office is where one of life’s most significant milestones takes place. The space needs to function with precision, but it also needs to respect the gravity of the experience. Our team provided interior design and building engineering services for a 55,000-square-foot fit-out spanning three floors, supporting every step of the citizenship process from applicant intake and interviews to naturalization ceremonies.
Where Process Shapes the Plan
Programming drove the design from the very beginning. The layout follows the natural sequence of applicant processing, moving visitors through waiting rooms, interview rooms, and a ceremony hall while maintaining clear separation between public and employee-only zones. Behind the scenes, workstations, offices, meeting rooms, and staff amenities were designed to give USCIS personnel a secure and comfortable environment during their workday. Balancing operational efficiency with the human needs on both sides of the counter required close coordination and a deep understanding of how the space would actually be used.
Sustainable from the Start
USCIS requires all new facilities to achieve LEED Certification with a minimum of 40 points. Serving as both LEED Administrator and sustainability consultant, our team guided material selection and construction practices with energy efficiency, air quality, and responsible sourcing at the forefront. The project successfully achieved LEED Certification in May 2024, meeting federal sustainability mandates while delivering a healthier, higher-performing workplace.
