Behind the Build: A Seamless Relocation for a Global Financial Leader

Project details from Drue Long, VVA Director, Mission Critical

Relocating a major office isn’t just about finding a new address—it’s about creating a space that supports how a team works today, and how it will grow tomorrow. When a global financial services firm began planning a move to a new Arlington, VA location, they engaged VVA from the very start to help make that vision a reality.

Our team came on board during the earliest conversations, partnering with the brokerage team to help identify and evaluate potential sites. We led a design RFP process, ensuring the selected partner could provide the test fits and occupancy analysis needed to guide the decision. Once the right site was secured, we supported lease negotiations, completed programming, and ran a competitive GC bidding process to bring the rest of the project team together.

From preconstruction to punch list, transparency was key. Working alongside the GC and design team, we advised on budget, design, and schedule, keeping the client’s goals front and center. The result was a 55,000 SF workplace—delivered on-time and under budget—that spans two floors connected by a striking interconnecting stair. Inside, the space balances collaboration and focus with a mix of open workstations, huddle rooms, meeting spaces, a tech center, focus pods, and custom banquette seating. Three large divisible meeting rooms, two café areas, curved millwork walls, louvered wood ceilings, an outdoor terrace, custom lighting, and state-of-the-art AV systems round out a workplace designed for both performance and comfort.

“This has truly been one of the most rewarding projects in my 25+ year construction career. It had its fair share of challenges, but all of the hard work paid off. The project’s success was due in large part to best-in-class team members who remained 100% determined to deliver the best product possible. Remaining committed and accountable to each other ensured everyone was doing their part, and it showed.”

Drue Long, Director, Mission Critical

Consultants included IA Boston, Engenium Group, D|Watts Construction, and Office Works.

From the first site visit to the final move-in, VVA guided every phase of the project—helping our client not just relocate, but reimagine how their Arlington team connects, collaborates, and delivers.