When the Office Becomes a Studio: How RDC Celebrates Creativity Beyond the Drawing Board
At RDC, design doesn’t stop at architecture. It lives in the people, the process, and the space we create together
When visitors step into RDC’s DC Metro office at One Loudoun, they’re greeted by a thoughtfully designed workplace, curated in collaboration with PDO. A vibrant triptych lines the wall, an art piece that tells the story of the region’s transformation across decades. What makes the installation even more meaningful? It was created by one of RDC’s own architects.
Veronica Guzman joined RDC in 2018 and has brought more than technical expertise to her role on the National Retail team. She brings a lifelong love of art and a belief that creativity thrives when people are encouraged to show up fully.
A Creative Path Shaped Early
Art has always been part of her story. Growing up with a father who was an artist, she spent countless hours painting in a home studio. That foundation stayed with her through high school art classes and into college, where she briefly considered pursuing art full-time.
Architecture ultimately became the bridge—combining creativity with engineering, structure, and problem-solving. After studying at Cornell University (starting in civil engineering before transitioning to architecture), she found her way to the DC-region, drawn to the opportunity to work at the intersection of growth, infrastructure, and community.
“Architecture felt like the perfect balance of creativity and structure”.
Turning Place into Story
The idea for the artwork began with a simple question: How can the office reflect where we are?
Inspired by Loudoun County’s rapid evolution over the last 70 years, she began researching historical maps and satellite imagery. Zooming out from the exact office location, she selected three moments in time—1950, 2002, and 2024—each capturing a distinct phase of transformation. Those years became both the visual inspiration and the titles of the paintings.
Rather than a single large piece, she landed on a triptych, allowing the story of change to unfold panel by panel.
“I wanted the artwork to feel rooted in place—to visually show how much this landscape has changed over time.”
A Culture That Makes Room for Talent
The opportunity came organically. While discussions were underway to include work from a local artist, she shared a proof of concept—and within days, a sketch. The idea resonated.
RDC’s leadership supported the use of bold color to contrast with the studio’s neutral palette, giving the artwork presence and energy. The result is a piece that doesn’t just decorate the space—it activates it.
Importantly, this opportunity is made possible by RDC’s commitment to fostering an environment that encourages creative expression across diverse mediums, from painting and sculptures to illustrative design.
“It made me feel like I was contributing to the culture of the firm—not just through architecture, but through another creative outlet.”
Designed With Care—Down to the Lightbulbs
The paintings—each 30 by 48 inches—were created over the course of three weeks, with evenings and weekends devoted to the work. To ensure accuracy, she adjusted her apartment lighting to mimic natural daylight so the colors would read correctly in their final home. A local framer built the floating frames to complete the installation.
It was an intensive process—but never a burden.
“It didn’t feel taxing at all. It was the definition of combining your passion with your work.”
An Invitation In
Today, the triptych does more than showcase personal talent. It reframes how people experience the office.
“It doesn’t just feel like a place you come to work,” she reflects. “It feels like a shared studio space.”
For prospective employees, it’s a glimpse into a culture that values individuality and creative expression. For clients and partners in the commercial real estate community, it’s an open invitation—to visit, to meet, and to experience RDC’s approach to design in a more human way.
“When people walk in, I hope they feel inspired—to think differently about their workspace and what it can represent.”
We’re proud of the talent and creativity that shape RDC every day. If you’re interested in learning more about our work, our culture, or our studio spaces, we’d love to connect and welcome you into our Loudoun County studio.