GHT delivered comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineering design and commissioning services for Choice Hotels’ new headquarters in Bethesda, MD, helping transform five floors of first-generation tenant space into a high-performing, flexible corporate workplace.

Completed shortly after the building’s core and shell construction, the 130,000 SF project involved a first-generation tenant fit-out across Floors 6–10. The sixth floor required substantial modifications to the base building MEP systems to support a large classroom and conference center, catering kitchen, café, business center, flexible meeting spaces, and an outdoor terrace.

Beyond design, GHT played a critical quality-assurance role as the project’s Commissioning Authority (CxA). Using an internal team that is separate from the design allowed our Commissioning team to independently verify that the MEP systems supporting Choice Hotels’ headquarters were installed, tested, and performing as intended. In accordance with Maryland’s 2018 Energy Conservation Code (Section C408), our team led the commissioning efforts by maintaining regular communication, verifying system startups, reviewing the system testing and balancing, overseeing the implementation of functional performance testing, and ensuring proper documentation was provided for all commissioned systems serving the tenant spaces on Floors 6–10—supporting a reliable, efficient, and ready-for-occupancy workplace environment.

To keep the project moving efficiently, GHT integrated commissioning activities directly into the construction schedule, coordinating closely with the contractor as key milestones were reached. Because the project was phased across several floors, coordination with the Contractor and alignment with Commissioning activities were critical to maintaining the project schedule. By inspecting and testing equipment and systems at the right points in the process, our team helped identify issues early, support timely resolution, and maintain momentum toward a smooth turnover and successful project delivery.