Flight Club

The Ask‍

Flight Club engaged Chipman Design Architecture to bring its tech-driven entertainment and hospitality experience to a historically significant district in Washington D.C. The project required translating a U.K.-based design concept to align with U.S. construction methods and building codes. The site encompassed multiple existing spaces with varied floor elevations, and restrictions on modifying the exterior facade due to the building's historic designation. Our team was asked to integrate the new concept while preserving the architectural character of the site.

The Task

‍The project’s structural limitations, particularly the thickness and reinforcement of the existing slab, made underground coring unfeasible. In response, the bar was raised above the main dining floor, creating a distinctive feature that also addressed functional needs. The team managed a series of carefully staged concrete pours to accommodate elevation changes and unify the interior. CDA drew on its long-standing relationships and experience with the brand to maintain design continuity. The final result is a dynamic space that reflects the Flight Club identity while respecting the architectural constraints of its urban surroundings.