Enterprise Development Group/African Community Center of DC-Metro Area Commercial

Enterprise Development Group (EDG) promotes opportunities for self-sufficiency and sustainable businesses for refugees and low-to-moderate income individuals. The African Community Center of the DC-Metro area (ACC-DC) provides direct assistance to refugees and immigrants in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

These nonprofit agencies hired our firm for design and project management services for their 6,000 square-foot premises in Arlington, VA. As a non-profit, they required a design that was budget friendly but also welcoming to people going through hardships.

Starting from the blueprint stage, we partnered with the architect, builders, and various contractors to designed conference rooms, breakrooms, family friendly waiting and counseling rooms, open workspace area, personnel offices and executive offices

• incorporated the “trauma-informed design” model— design that includes light colors, curved furniture, uniformity to support an environment with an understanding of, and responsiveness to, the impact of trauma
• Programmed the layout for daily flow, productivity, and cross-team communication
• Designed a spacious kitchen with custom cabinetry, appliances, and comfortable seating
• Selected performance fabrics, commercial-grade carpet, and other durable materials
• Designed acoustic sound-proof meeting rooms