The Clearing House Payments Co - Washington, DC Regional Office
Client: The Clearing House Payments Company (TCH)
Summary: SIGMA7 skillfully blended comfort and functionality at The Clearing House Payments Co. (TCH) Capitol region's office to foster collaboration and idea exchange between bank representatives and visiting officials. The intimate and inviting atmosphere sets the stage for productive interaction while providing for growth and expansion.
The Clearing House Payments Co. (TCH) collaborated with SIGMA7 to create their newest office in Washington, D.C., for the brand's expansion within the Capitol region. The new regional office space combines comfort, functionality, and a welcoming ambiance for effective collaboration.
SIGMA7 was engaged to complete a site search along with the TCH team to secure a new, expanded, and better suited space ,as TCH quickly outgrew their original Washington, D.C. office. The new expanded office would provide TCH with an image more reflective the stature of their brand within the setting of our nation’s Capital and provide for ongoing growth and future expansion.
The design team located and secured an 8,000 SF office to house the TCH executives, lawyers, and lobbyists.
The design aesthetic of this leasehold is based upon an inviting, residential-like feel, reminiscent of a private club, study, or library. The design prioritizes a comfortable and welcoming environment to foster collaboration and idea exchange among staff, visiting bank representatives, government officials, and other visitors. The fit and finish of the space, it’s scale, and furnishings create an intimate atmosphere conducive to productive interactions in a comfortable and relaxed setting -- unlike many offices, that can be too formal, cold, uncomfortable, and off-putting to guests and visitors.
Comfortable ‘intimate’ seating areas are integrated with niches within the public areas of the space. The office furnishings continue the theme - they feature seating that includes upholstered chairs and a sofas, all with comfortable pillows. The seating group is anchored around a coffee table that is softly lit by table lamps.
A significant feature of their new home, a 40-person Boardroom, capable of accommodating representatives of the Owner Banks for their periodic meetings as well as visiting dignitaries. The large and well-appointed Boardroom is actually a flexible space was designed to be reconfigured for a multitude of purposes. When subdivided by the acoustic movable partition, two large conference rooms are created. Modular tables are utilized to ease and simplify reconfiguration to a conference room, traditional classroom, or as a U-shaped training room. With the tables stored, the room can be set up in a traditional seating only presentation configuration. The room(s) are provide with full AV and IT capabilities including audio, visual, data, and power connectivity via an umbilical to all table seating positions regardless of the configuration in use.
The color palette is neutral with dark stained wood accents for the doors, trim and office fronts. Fritted, frosted, and clear glass contribute to the comfortable feel and scale of the space while enabling the sharing of natural light from the perimeter windows. The artwork displayed throughout the space features historic images from the extensive TCH archives of this critically important financial institution founded in 1853.
The entrance lobby and reception aesthetic is understated with a clean, polished, and professional look that eloquently bridges the gap between traditional and modern.
Visitors to the space can relax in the reception area study or partake in an informal meeting.
The gridular wood office fronts blend sold, semi-opaque, and transparent panels. The fritted glass reduces distraction and provides privacy while permitting natural light to wash the interior spaces.
The spacious and impressive Boardroom is outfitted with ample and comfortable seating capable of accommodating representatives from all of the member banks.
Artwork collected throughout the long history of The Clearing House is prominently featured throughout the office.
Soft seating within the offices sets the stage for comfortable meetings, working sessions, and the sharing of ideas.
