US Coast Guard Headquarters

Washington, DC

As project manager, I led the WDG architecture team for the new U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the first phase of the Department of Homeland Security's campus at the historic St. Elizabeths Hospital site. Working with Clark Construction on this design-build project, we served as Architect of Record with Perkins & Will as the Design Architect.

The 1.3 million square foot, 11-story facility consolidates a workforce of 4,000 previously scattered across Washington D.C. Built into a 120-foot sloping hillside, only 2 levels are fully above-grade while 9 extend out from the hillside. Linked quadrangles cascade toward the Anacostia River, clad in brick, stone, glass and metal to reduce the visual scale. Extensive landscaping totals nearly 10 acres across courtyards, grounds and a green roof.

As a Level 4 facility, stringent security requirements are met through stand-off distances, hardened exteriors, and progressive collapse resistance. The building also houses over 70,000 square feet of SCIF spaces. Additional scope includes a National Operations Center, 1,973-space parking garage, road improvements, and a Central Utility Plant.

Working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and DHS, the design supports workplace flexibility and adaptability. Responding to the historic context, the building fragments into wings stepping down the slope, woven into the landscape. Daylight penetration reduces energy demands, while the material palette draws from existing brick, stone, metal and vegetation. As project manager, I led coordination through design, approvals, and construction for successful delivery of this landmark facility.