Washington DC Commercial Architects Hospitality, Retail & Institutional Design

Crafting innovative, site-responsive spaces in Washington, DC and beyond.

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Commercial Architecture in Washington, D.C.

GriD Architects brings modern, contextual design to Washington D.C.'s commercial landscape. With our office at 1140 3rd Street NE, we're deeply embedded in the city's design community and have delivered hospitality venues, retail spaces, and institutional projects throughout the District. We understand the complexities of building in D.C.—historic preservation requirements, zoning challenges, adaptive reuse opportunities, and the importance of creating spaces that serve both locals and visitors.

From transforming existing buildings into boutique hotels to designing craft cocktail bars and community wellness centers, our work demonstrates how thoughtful architecture elevates the commercial experience. Whether you're a restaurateur, developer, university, or business owner, we approach each project with the technical rigor and design sensibility that defines our practice.

Washington DC Project Experience

Death & Co | Shaw

3,000 SF cocktail bar for the acclaimed New York brand's fourth location. Architect of record for the transformation of an existing second-floor space, including new restrooms, main lounge, and refurbished outdoor terrace. Features 30-foot marble bar, custom booths, heated patio, and preserved hand-cut tile mural from previous tenant.

Hotel on the Circle | Dupont Circle

Adaptive reuse of a modernist office tower into a 110-key boutique hotel on Dupont Circle. The 56,000 SF conversion transforms challenging office space into intimate hotel configurations. Design creates vertical connections from rooftop restaurant to subterranean spa, with ground-floor amenities activated by a triangular skylight over the former atrium.

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Flight Wine Shop | Crystal City, Arlington

2,000 SF wine shop and tasting space in Crystal City. Design centers on communal tasting area beneath suspended lighting, with retail displays along the perimeter. Warm woods and textured finishes create intimate atmosphere for retail browsing and sommelier-led classes.

George Washington University                                            Cancer & Wellness Center | Ward 8

4,300 SF community wellness center establishing GW Cancer Center's presence in Ward 8. Design integrates biophilia and local culture through color theory abstracted from Sam Gilliam's "Green April." Graphic mural unites community spaces while celebrating neighborhood identity.

Why Choose GriD Architects for DC Commercial Projects

DC-Based & Connected
Our office at 1140 3rd Street NE puts us in the heart of the District. We know D.C.'s permitting processes, historic preservation requirements, and the network of contractors, consultants, and officials who make projects happen. This local knowledge translates to smoother approvals and more efficient construction.

Hospitality & Retail Expertise
Our portfolio demonstrates deep understanding of the guest experience—from craft cocktail bars to wine shops to boutique hotels. We design spaces that balance operational efficiency with atmosphere, creating environments that keep customers coming back while meeting the bottom-line requirements of successful commercial ventures.

Adaptive Reuse & Urban Infill
D.C.'s built environment often requires transformation rather than ground-up construction. We excel at unlocking potential in existing buildings—whether converting modernist office towers into hotels or reimagining retail shells into destination venues. Our designs respect architectural heritage while introducing contemporary interventions.

Institutional & Community-Focused Design
Our work with George Washington University demonstrates our ability to deliver complex institutional projects that serve broader community missions. We understand how to navigate university processes, engage stakeholders, and create spaces that reflect institutional values while honoring local context.

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Our DC Commercial Services

  • Restaurant & Bar Design – Concept development through construction for hospitality venues

  • Retail Architecture – Wine shops, boutiques, and experiential retail spaces

  • Hotel Design – Boutique hotels, adaptive reuse, and guest experience optimization

  • Tenant Fit-Outs – First-generation and renovation projects in mixed-use buildings

  • Institutional Projects – Universities, healthcare, community centers

  • Historic Preservation & Adaptive Reuse – Transforming existing buildings while respecting character

  • Permitting & Entitlements – Navigating DC's regulatory environment

Areas We Serve in Maryland

  • Shaw & U Street Corridor

  • Dupont Circle

  • Capitol Hill

  • Navy Yard

  • H Street NE

  • Logan Circle

  • Georgetown

  • Foggy Bottom / West End

  • Columbia Heights

  • Brookland

    We also serve Arlington, Alexandria, and the broader DMV region.