Association of American Railroads

Our Approach

For the Association of American Railroads (AAR) headquarters in Washington, DC, sshape spearheaded a strategic renovation-in-place that modernized the organization’s home. By embracing a hybrid work policy, the design team was able to consolidate and optimize AAR’s footprint, reducing the occupied space from 35,000 RSF to a highly efficient 23,000 SF. This transition allowed the organization to remain in its established location while reimagining the interior to better align with a more flexible workforce. This renovation-in-place transforms AAR into a premier hospitality-driven destination for advocacy and collaboration. By integrating a member-only lounge and state-of-the-art meeting facilities with a transparent, light-filled floor plan, the design prioritizes both industry prominence and employee wellbeing. Featuring ergonomic furniture and dedicated wellness spaces, the refined environment now serves as a high-performance hub that supports the organization’s mission in the heart of the capital.