NCLA
"Originally, NCLA had a different architect for the test fit when we were considering the space we wound up leasing, but we weren't happy with that architect. The design was very basic, uninteresting, and had some odd uses of space that made no sense to us. Given the opportunity to build out our own space rather than sublet, we wanted to get something more custom, more useful.
Luckily, just then, we were introduced to Mariela, at Estudio MBC, and she produced a plan for the exact same space that gave us everything we were looking for and then some. She listened to our needs. She respected our choices. She pushed back occasionally when she thought we weren't looking at something the right way or may be missing an opportunity, but in the end, she gave us what we wanted, or really, something better than what we imagined, but that still fully incorporated our vision for the space.
Mariela and her team were a pleasure to work with. She has excellent taste. She provided us with a range of options and helped guide us to choices that will keep the space looking bright and new for the duration of the 12-year lease and beyond. Her attention to detail both in the design of the space and in the build-out were remarkable. Even at the final walkthrough, Mariela and her team pointed out tiny problems I didn't see so that the contractor could fix them and make everything just so.
I would unreservedly recommend Estudio MBC to anyone. We are thrilled with the results Mariela delivered, and you will be too."
Mark Chenoweth
New Civil Liberties Alliance President and General Counsel
Cassidy & Associates
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Innovative bipartisan government relations firm that provides customized solutions to their clients. The design is based on creating a different perspective at every angle as you walk through the space; hence, experiencing opposite, conflicting, and different points of view. The historic nature of the building brings an array of columns to the space. To integrate them, the team developed graphics inspired by an image of a boat cutting through swirling waters. This design is a powerful metaphor for how the firm helps its clients navigate rough waters and at the same time provides a sense of calmness.
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Area: 15,000 RSF
Photographer: JJ Jetel, courtesy of Gensler
* As Design Director while at Gensler
Confidential Financial Firm 1
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The design of this leading financial company in the energy sector is inspired by its core business, local context, and unobstructed views of the Potomac River. Elements of fire, water, and wind are integral to the design and represent their business sectors. The building’s lack of square lines inspired the team to develop a language of organic solutions that embrace a natural vernacular. The result is a unique experience that takes them into the future.
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Area: 51,000 RSF
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Photographer: JJ Jetel, courtesy of Gensler
* As Design Director while at Gensler
Confidential Financial Firm 2
LEED CI Silver Certified
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The design of this headquarters in Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City, is about incorporating the core values of this organization into a holistic (physical and mental) experience. The design embodies its mission to promote initiatives of social entrepreneurship focused on improving the quality of life of the least favored people in society in the education, health, economic development, and early childhood sectors. The team created a series of paths and curated branded views that enhanced the user experience. Sustainability and wellness were also an integral part of the design. Using Active Design strategies and a fitness center as well as choices to refuge in the chapel or roof terrace (urban farm) promote universal wellness.
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Area: 20,000 RSF
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Photographer: Ana Georgina Barba Ampudia, courtesy of Gensler
* As Design Director while at Gensler
Confidential Law Firm 1
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This regional partnership exemplifies the profile of a progressive, finance-oriented legal firm with a refined appreciation for tradition. To enhance communication across the client's international offices, the designer crafted a conference center equipped with state-of-the-art video conferencing capabilities and an auditorium-style room. Through a consistent design approach implemented across the law firm's global offices, all systems are standardized, empowering attorneys to seamlessly operate from any location while maintaining a familiar and comfortable working environment.
Upon the successful completion of the 112,000-square-foot Washington, DC office, the client entrusted the designer with the task of developing three additional expansion spaces, thereby supplementing an extra 30,000 usable square feet to accommodate their accelerated growth. The design not only exceeded the client's expectations but also aligned seamlessly with their business objectives. As a testament to its success, the Washington, DC office served as the benchmark for eleven other offices situated globally.
Photographer: Dean Alexander, courtesy of Gensler
* As Design Director while at Gensler