Gensler | DC Office Terrace | Washington, D.C.

One of the project’s most ambitious goals was to divert 90% of construction and demolition waste from landfills. A major obstacle emerged in the form of broadloom carpet, a material traditionally considered unrecyclable and often destined for landfill. To meet diversion targets, the team needed a breakthrough solution. In collaboration with Gensler and MycoCycle, DPR piloted a pioneering approach using mycelium—a naturally occurring component of fungus—to break down and repurpose the carpet fibers. This innovative strategy not only helped achieve the project’s sustainability goals but also introduced a scalable model for reducing embodied carbon and rethinking material reuse across the industry.

The Gensler DC Office Terrace project operated under an aggressive schedule, made more complex by ongoing design changes during construction. To stay on track, DPR implemented rigorous project management strategies to mitigate potential delays. A key challenge was the integration of an Addota wall that connects the indoor office space to the new private terrace. While a temporary wall was installed to maintain progress, final construction could not proceed until the Addota wall was delivered and installed. This dependency on long-lead materials required proactive coordination and contingency planning to uphold schedule integrity and minimize disruption.

Executing a multi-floor renovation in an occupied office presented unique challenges for DPR Construction. With nearly 300 employees onsite daily, the team prioritized business continuity and employee comfort throughout the project. Activities involving heavy machinery and drilling were carefully scheduled and managed to minimize noise disruptions. Temporary area closures required strategic planning to maintain safe and efficient circulation within the workspace. Additionally, construction-related odors from materials and equipment were mitigated through enhanced ventilation and proactive communication. These efforts reflect DPR’s commitment to delivering high-performance spaces while respecting the needs of those who use them every day.

To address the challenge of recycling broadloom carpet—traditionally considered unrecyclable—Gensler partnered with DPR Construction, Tarkett and MycoCycle to explore innovative waste diversion strategies. Through extensive research and collaboration, the team discovered the transformative potential of mycelia, the root system of mushrooms, which naturally breaks down carpet fibers and diverts them from landfills. This process produces a sustainable byproduct with the qualities of an ideal raw material for the built environment, reducing reliance on virgin resources. DPR’s partnership with Gensler and Tarkett not only minimized construction waste but also exemplified DPR's commitment to sustainability and creative problem-solving, setting a precedent for future Zero Waste initiatives in the industry.

Faced with an aggressive schedule to complete the renovation ahead of Gensler’s Red Party in early October, DPR Construction maintained proactive and transparent communication with the client and trade partners throughout the design and build process. The team strategically coordinated trade sequencing and optimized scheduling to accommodate material delivery fluctuations and evolving site conditions. This collaborative, agile approach enabled the project to stay on track while minimizing disruptions—demonstrating DPR’s commitment to delivering high-quality results on time, even under compressed timelines.

DPR led the project with adaptability and collaboration to prioritize the occupied environment. The team prioritized employee experience and business continuity by implementing a clear communication plan that addressed noise, dust and logistical concerns, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Leveraging expertise in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), DPR used Building Information Modeling (BIM) to visualize sequencing and phasing, allowing for precise coordination and proactive problem-solving.

DPR Construction successfully met its ambitious goal of diverting at least 90% of construction and demolition waste from landfills. Through strategic planning and sustainable practices, 22% of construction waste was reinstalled directly into the project. Of the remaining materials removed from the site, an impressive 91.17% were recycled. This achievement reflects DPR’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its leadership in advancing zero-waste construction strategies.

After 127 days of focused planning and execution, DPR Construction successfully completed the renovation. Seamless coordination among architects, engineers and skilled craft professionals enabled the team to overcome challenges and meet tight deadlines. This achievement not only enhances the infrastructure of Gensler’s D.C. office but also sets a precedent for future projects, showcasing the power of collaboration and precision in delivering high-performance spaces on schedule.

DPR successfully completed the 6,133-sq.-ft. high-end renovation while maintaining full operations within Gensler’s active office environment. With up to 300 employees working onsite daily, the team relied on consistent communication and agile coordination to minimize disruption. Through thoughtful planning and flexibility, DPR delivered a seamless expansion that enhanced the workplace without interrupting tenant productivity—demonstrating our commitment to building great things, even in complex, occupied settings.