Page 49 - ArchDC_Summer2021

Buren’s columnar sculptures stop just short of the ceiling.

The relationship between DC-based architecture firm LSM The Cleary Gottlieb skylights as seen from the roof terrace.
and international law firm Cleary Gottlieb began in 2015,
Colorful Installations when LSM assisted the client in finding space for its new
Washington offices. This search culminated with a lease in
Elevate Law Offices an as-yet unbuilt building at 2112 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Because construction had not yet started, it was still possible
by Steven K. Dickens, AIA, LEED AP to modify and customize aspects of the base building to suit
Cleary Gottlieb’s needs. Working with the building’s developer,
Skanska, and architect, Gensler, LSM inserted a double-height
reception space with skylights, a grand stair connecting the six
stories of Cleary Gottlieb’s suite, a skylit, top-floor multipurpose
room, and a roof deck separate from the building’s common-
use deck. “This allowed the building to meet a series of unique
client program requirements,” said Donnie Morphy, senior
director of design at LSM and lead designer for the project, Project: Cleary Gottlieb,
working directly with founding partner Debra Lehman Smith. Washington, DC
The word “bespoke” is overused these days, but it has
long applied—accurately—to LSM’s body of work, numerous Architect: LSM
Base Building Architect: Gensler
examples of which have been featured in ARCHITECTUREDC, Artists: Daniel Buren, Adrienne Gaither, Chris “Daze” Ellis
as well as in national architecture and design magazines. Landscape Architect: Constructed Ground Landscape Architecture
Clearly Gottlieb continues this legacy, with precise minimalist Structural Engineer: Tadjer-Cohen-Edelson Associates, Inc.
detailing, custom millwork, a limited palette of refined MEP Engineer: Dewberry
materials, and painstakingly integrated systems. The program Lighting Consultant: FMS
Audiovisual Consultant: CMS
entailed a combination of private offices and open workstations, Food Service Consultant: FDS Design Studio
“touchdown” spaces, meeting rooms, a dining area, and so General Contractor: rand* construction

ART FOR WORK’S SAKE 47