Design Narrative

Using the momentum of JBG’s revitalization of Arlington, Virginia’s National Landing neighborhood, the client set out to transform an existing Marriott Hotel into an AC by Marriott, revitalizing the property and appealing to new audiences. With an ultramodern concept steeped in artistic flair, the brand engaged local firm //3877 as the architect and interior designer, tackling both the exterior and interior property renovations. Spanning from the facade and patio to the guestrooms, fitness center, and beyond, the design team’s approach to the project embraces the surrounding community, incorporating local elements into the design and highlighting the area’s prominent Brutalist architecture.

The National Landing location marks one of the first renovation projects for AC Hotels, which are typically created from new-build properties;with this in mind, the design team carefully navigated retrofitting brand standards into the unique footprint of the existing late-1960s era concrete structure, inspiring moments of discovery and customization. One of the most prominent aspects of the hotel is its Brutalist concrete exterior, a signature style of the architectural language of National Landing. The rounded radial facade provided both an exciting opportunity and challenge to the //3877 team––poised on a prominent corner, the eye-catching exterior creates a bold first impression of the AC Hotel. Knife-edge detailing on the overhangs and supporting columns builds movement on the facade, marrying the structure’s brutalist themes and rigid window geometry with a modern and intriguing twist.

To further engage the property’s street presence, the design team extended the hotel space outward toward the street, establishing an outdoor patio that opens up the lobby and bar area with Nanawalls, creating a more open and energized feel throughout the public space. The result draws the eyes of passersby, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the onset of the experience. The renovation also added much-needed exterior signage to the hotel with clearly marked monument and drive aisle displays. Further, the //3877 team worked to enhance the arrival experience, incorporating thoughtful lighting that becomes brighter as guests drive up to the entrance, creating a clever pattern to help with wayfinding and orienting the entry sequence. Inside, the building’s transformation embraces existing low ceilings while opening up the space as much as possible, creating an ultramodern, clean aesthetic. The hotel’s public space executes a sleek look while maintaining an inviting and cozy atmosphere––supported by the incorporation of intimate spaces and warm-toned millwork by RB Woodcraft throughout.

Where possible, the existing furniture was thoughtfully donated to extend the life of materials. A cornerstone of the AC Hotel brand is the establishment of rooms within rooms, physically manifesting in the establishment of smaller seating areas and nooks for respite in the lobby, lounge, and library. To cultivate an intimate feel, //3877 utilized soft and rounded furniture finishes that pay homage to the exterior curve of the building, providing comfort in individual spaces that establish privacy within the open space. A major element of the renovation included the mezzanine level of the hotel; the design team completely reoriented the floorplan, expanding the fitness center and adding additional guestrooms while repositioning the meeting space. The state-of-the-art fitness center is open and bright, featuring an abundance of natural light emanating from existing skylights. The high-end gym is fully outfitted with the latest fitness equipment alongside private studio rooms fully dressed in modern, warm finishes. Within the gym, an accent wall portrays the Virginia skyline, including the area’s iconic cherry blossoms––a subtle yet charming nod to the locale. The prefunction space establishes itself as an optimal spot for a variety of gatherings, from corporate events to weddings and family reunions.

The renovation added nine new guestrooms to the hotel from both the mezzanine restructure and the splitting of the Presidential Suite in two. The AC Hotel offers a variety of room types outfitted with refreshed casegoods, soft goods, lighting, and bathrooms. Each room embraces the artistic brand focus of AC, featuring handmade pieces that further cultivate the local narrative––many guests experience the iconic view and energetic feeling of flying into neighboring Reagan Airport, marveling at the recognizable landscape of D.C. The property’s artwork curation pulls from forms, linework, colors, and energy that abstractly reference this view from above, including dimensional paintings depicting a bird’s eye map of D.C., embroidery-style building plans, and hand-embellished textural canvases. Deeply ingrained in the culture and aesthetic of the surrounding National Landing neighborhood, the AC Hotel brand conversion merges the historic Brutalist architecture of the area with the modern, yet welcoming design language of the hotel. Striking a careful balance of form and function, the AC Hotel National Landing establishes an experience fit for business and leisure travelers alike.