Cafe Culture Charged with redesigning the Washington-area office of Sapient Corporation, a global services company, FOX Architects was asked to unify the diverse aesthetic needs of its government, non-profit, commercial and global markets divisions. Principal Andy Yeh and project designer Kelly Sigmund worked with Sapient on a design concept for the two-floor, 42,000-square-foot Arlington space. They developed a motif of curved lines—inspired by Sapient’s logo—that would carry through between floors, and a sleek café (pictured) that would draw employees together.

The café’s style reflects the whole, which blends modern and classic design elements to appeal to all employees. White panels float above the kitchen, juxtaposed with an exposed ceiling, rustic wood floors and over-sized, industrial pendants. Custom millwork and walls of windows create an airy feel, while banquettes and a TV framed in eased edges invite employees to congregate.

ARCHITECTURE: ANDY YEH, Associate AIA, LEED AP, principal, and KELLY SIGMUND, IIDA, project designer, FOX Architects, Washington, DC. PROJECT MANAGEMENT: NEWMARK GRUBB KNIGHT FRANK, Washington, DC. GENERAL CONTRACTOR: BOGNET CONSTRUCTION, Arlington, Virginia. PHOTOGRAPHY: RON BLUNT.