At Penney Design Group, long-term partnerships are at the heart of our work. Our collaboration with Lindsay Automotive Group spans over 20 projects, allowing us to develop a deep understanding of their brand, operations, and commitment to customer experience. The Lindsay Lexus Volvo Campus in Alexandria reflects that shared vision; bringing together thoughtful design, performance, and innovation.

Lindsay Automotive Group is known throughout the region for its customer-first philosophy and forward-thinking approach to the dealership experience. As the automotive industry evolves, so too do the expectations for these environments. This campus reimagines what a dealership can be; moving beyond a purely transactional space into a cohesive, welcoming, and community-conscious destination.

Bringing together three automotive brands across five buildings on a compact, residentially scaled site might seem unconventional. Rather than allowing the campus to become a typical spread of disconnected structures, the design focuses on cohesion, efficiency, and context. Sales and service functions are carefully integrated, while features like bike share, EV charging stations, and thoughtful landscaping create a more human-centered environment that feels connected to its surroundings.

What truly sets this project apart is its approach to sustainability. The campus achieved LEED v4 BD+C Retail Silver certification in March 2024, earning 56 points under the U.S. Green Building Council’s rating system. The U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification process evaluates projects across several categories, including energy performance, water efficiency, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and site sustainability. Achieving certification reflects a rigorous, holistic approach to design, construction, and long-term building performance.

While LEED certification in architecture often focuses on building systems and materials, this particular collection of buildings also exhibits site sensitivities to the contextual residential fabric. That is what separates this campus from the typical LEED-certified project. Rather than treating sustainability as a checklist, the design embraces a broader vision; one that considers how the campus fits into its neighborhood.

Additionally, the campus setting is unique in that the sales and service buildings are not presented as an urban sprawl or as five separate heat islands. Instead, strategies such as stacked underground parking, consolidated service departments, and a green roof reduce the site’s environmental footprint.

At Penney Design Group, we understand the unique balance required between brand identity, operational efficiency, and customer experience. From high-performance service bays to refined showroom environments, our work in the automotive sector is grounded in both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for how people interact with these spaces.

This project reflects our belief that good design is about more than meeting requirements; it’s about elevating everyday experiences and creating places that work better for people, businesses, and communities alike.