Appian

For the Appian Headquarters in McLean, Virginia, DEX was commissioned by CallisonRTKL to produce a series of architectural concrete elements that balance bold aesthetics with technical precision.

A focal point of the project is the 80-foot-tall feature wall at the monumental stair, spanning seven floors. Designed as a continuous interior façade, the wall panels were crafted from Dexterity High Performance Concrete to achieve the desired visual effect—natural tonal variation and mottling typical of cast-in-place concrete, with the precision and durability of thin-profile prefabrication. Each panel shape was unique, with no pattern repeats. All pieces were numerically indexed and packed securely in the precise order required for bottom-to-top installation.

DEX also produced 130 stair treads with integrated warning grooves and seven landings, each recessed to conceal a ⅜” steel structural pan. The treads and landings were custom-colored and polished to seamlessly match the interior flooring palette.

Complementing the stair feature is a branded reception wall with a CNC-milled and formed Appian logo, showcasing concrete’s capacity for crisp detailing and clean relief. Together, these components form a cohesive architectural narrative that reflects Appian’s innovative brand identity, crisp lines and a refined relief that brings the brand to life with clarity and permanence.