The agency administers federal student aid programs for the U.S. Department of Education. InterSpec was asked to provide a distinct work environment that responded to the agency’s progressive philosophy.

InterSpec’s design solutions included:

·higher ceilings by integrating the mechanical ductwork into the overall design;

·using direct and indirect lighting systems;

·filtering natural light into the space by employing an interior glazing system in the perimeter offices; and

·introducing bold accents and innovative floor coverings.

The 195,000 square foot, 11-story building also featured a column-free conference center on the ground floor and a main computer room on the ninth floor that housed the agency’s telephone and computer systems. Several of the floors were linked with internal stairways, allowing efficient interdepartmental communications. The end result was a visually appealing, efficient work environment, which met the agency’s distinctive requirements.