Milton Maltz came to RSH+P looking to translate the financial success of the Spy Museum downtown into a landmark within the cultural map of Washington DC. Stating its own identity within a building that has been designed to reflect the important aspect of intelligence gathering. The concept is based on ‘concealment’ and ‘in plain sight’ - the tools of espionage. These themes combine to inform the architecture and result in a prominent building form composed of the ‘black box’ and the ‘pleated veil’ that hangs from it. As a cultural and education building the new Spy Museum will be a catalyst for the regeneration of 10th street, initiating and reinforcing the rejuvenation of the SW waterfront.
Chris developed the design alongside partners Ivan Harbour and James Stopps. He led the team from Concept through to Construction Documentation handoff to local architect Hickok Cole. During this period travelled back and forth to Washington from RSH+P's London offices meeting with the client, consultant team, and contractor. Perhaps his proudest moment was presenting alongside Richard Rogers to the Committee of Fine Arts, the key planning authority in Washington DC.