Judge's Chambers, US District Court 
Washington, DC

The United States District Court on Constitution Avenue, built in 1952, is a good example of Washington’s version of the stripped classicism which was still prevalent in that era. From its severe limestone-clad facades to the abstract detailing of the ceremonial spaces, the building represents the synthesis of classical planning and modern detailing with Art Deco overtones. Time has not, however, been kind to some of the interiors. We sought to go beyond interior decoration in order to restore the suite to its former stature, while updating it functionally to accommodate current office requirements.

The sickly, faded mahogany paneling was refinished in a darker and richer tone, magenta carpets were replaced with sisal. Jury-rigged fluorescent cove lighting, apparently original, was replaced. Fluorescent troughs in the ceiling over the desk were changed to incandescent down-lights, and new monopoints were added to highlight the art and the standing desk.

All new interventions and all the custom pieces—standing desk, bookshelves, and credenza/computer desk—were designed to be removable without any damage to the existing paneling and casework, allowing future inhabitants of the chambers to revert back to the original configuration, if desired. A vocabulary inspired by the simple Art Deco influences found in the original room is executed in mahogany, painted steel, aluminum and glass to create a space that is both modern and elegant, and also respectful of the original intent of the building.