Trends 2 - Architecture, Design & Planning Firm

A Design Story: 7209 Arrowood Road Residence

At Penney Design Group, our work spans both commercial and residential architecture, from national dealership networks to one-of-a-kind homes in our own community.

Each project challenges us to think about how people move, gather, and live in the spaces we create.

The 7209 Arrowood Road residence in Bethesda, Maryland exemplifies a large-scale Mediterranean-modern mansion, on a rare scale: 22,000 square feet spread across four levels. The house is one of the largest in the DC market.

Designing at Scale

When approaching a home of this size, circulation and flow become as important as aesthetics. The residence is organized vertically around a commercial-grade elevator and horizontally through layered gathering spaces that balance openness with intimacy. Our design team was tasked with making a very large home feel warm, livable, and cohesive.

The Entry Experience

The house welcomes guests with a three-story entry gallery at approximately 42’ high. This space is more than an introduction—it sets the tone for the home by blending vertical drama with a refined material palette. Exotic finishes sourced internationally add richness without overpowering the architecture.

Everyday Living Meets Luxury

At the core of the home is a gourmet kitchen with dual islands, supported by both a butler’s pantry and a secondary pantry. The kitchen anchors a sequence of interconnected spaces: a family room that opens directly to a covered terrace, a sunlit morning room, and a glass-lined sunroom. These transitions allow for a natural movement between interior and exterior life.

Integrating Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The design intentionally extends living areas to the outdoors. A covered terrace with an outdoor kitchen overlooks a landscape that includes a koi pond, swimming pool, and tennis court. These features are not add-ons but integrated elements that reinforce the home’s connection to its site.

Specialized Spaces

The residence layers in purpose-built rooms designed for specific experiences:

A theater room for immersive entertainment.
A library paired with a wine cellar and wet bar for quiet evenings or social gatherings.
An exercise room with direct terrace access, bringing wellness into contact with fresh air and natural light.

Private Retreats

The primary suite is conceived as a retreat within the home, featuring dual walk-in closets, a spa-inspired bath, a sitting area, and a secluded balcony. Each additional bedroom includes its own bath and private access to outdoor terraces, giving family members and guests a sense of autonomy within the larger structure.

Flexibility and Wellness

The upper levels balance productivity and restoration. Two private offices with terraces provide ideal live-work spaces, while a dedicated spa suite with sauna and steam room supports wellness and relaxation. These features highlight how residential design increasingly blurs the line between work, leisure, and health.

Entertainment and Collections

The lower level includes a playroom with a wet bar that opens onto yet another terrace, continuing the theme of indoor-outdoor connection. For car enthusiasts, garaging for seven vehicles plus a carport is seamlessly integrated into the design, reinforcing that architecture can support not only daily living but also personal passions.

Beyond Luxury

What makes 7209 Arrowood Road special is not just its size or amenities—it’s the way those elements come together into a cohesive architectural vision. The design demonstrates how commercial-scale planning and detail can be brought into the residential realm to create a home that is at once grand, functional, and deeply personal. The house is like a resort or a private cultural building compressed into a residence. The combination of a formal arrival, towering internal volumes, carefully arranged mezzanines/galleries, and purpose-built amenity spaces produces an experience that’s more about spatial sequence and material quality than about any single flashy feature.

Designing Car Dealerships for the EV Revolution: Architecture for a Changing Market

September 16, 2025/ Automotive • Trends

A Market in Transformation

The automotive industry is in the midst of its most significant transformation in over a century. Electric vehicles have moved from niche products to mainstream options, and every major manufacturer is investing heavily in their EV lineup. This shift isn’t just changing what we drive—it’s changing where and how those vehicles are sold. Dealerships, once designed primarily for gasoline-powered cars, now face a new set of architectural challenges. At Penney Design Group, we’ve been working with manufacturers and dealer groups to design facilities that aren’t just ready for EVs today, but can evolve with the market over the next decade.

Charging as a Core Experience

One of the most visible changes in dealership design is the integration of charging infrastructure. Unlike a traditional fuel pump, which customers rarely use at the dealership, EV chargers can be part of the showroom, the service center, and even the customer waiting experience. This requires careful planning—chargers must be easily accessible but not disruptive to vehicle flow, and their placement must work for both short-term visits and longer service appointments.

We’re designing spaces where chargers are seamlessly incorporated into the architecture, whether that means a bank of fast chargers at the service entrance, integrated chargers in the delivery bay, or customer parking equipped for top-ups during a sales appointment. These placements also serve a branding purpose—showing customers that the dealership is a leader in EV technology.

Powering the Future

Charging stations require more than just parking spots and pedestals—they demand serious electrical capacity. Future-ready dealership design means accounting for higher loads from the outset. In some cases, we design mechanical rooms and conduit runs to support three or four times the current charging needs, ensuring the infrastructure is in place when the EV portion of the lineup grows.

Battery storage systems are also becoming part of the conversation. These systems can store energy during off-peak hours and deploy it when demand spikes, reducing costs and strain on the grid. We’ve worked on designs that include dedicated space for these systems so they can be added as the dealership’s needs evolve.

Rethinking the Service Department

EVs change the nature of service work. Without oil changes or complex combustion systems, service bays are being reimagined for diagnostics, battery replacement, and software updates. This shift has spatial implications—less space for fluids and parts storage, more space for specialized lifts, battery handling equipment, and EV-safe work areas.

In our designs, we’re integrating service bays that can handle both EV and traditional vehicles, allowing dealerships to serve today’s mixed fleet while being ready for tomorrow’s electric dominance. This flexibility ensures service departments stay productive and relevant through the transition.

Customer Spaces and Education

For many customers, buying an EV is a completely new experience. Dealerships play a key role in educating buyers on charging, range, and maintenance. This means architecture needs to support learning spaces—whether it’s a consultation area with digital displays, an interactive charging demo zone, or even a visible installation where customers can see how the charging systems work.

These features aren’t just functional—they help build trust. Customers leave feeling informed, confident, and supported in their decision to go electric.

Outdoor Planning and Site Design

The rise of EVs has site-wide implications. More chargers mean different parking patterns, which affect circulation, lighting, and even landscaping. We consider how charging zones are lit for safety and usability, how traffic moves in and out without congestion, and how to integrate chargers without compromising the aesthetic of the property.

We’re also factoring in the possibility of solar canopies over EV charging areas. These not only provide shade and weather protection but also generate renewable energy to feed directly into the dealership’s operations or its charging infrastructure.

Future-Proofing the Investment

The pace of EV adoption is accelerating, but no one can predict the exact timeline. That’s why our EV-focused dealership designs are grounded in flexibility. We plan for scalable infrastructure, adaptable interior spaces, and site layouts that can evolve without major disruption. This ensures dealerships can respond to customer demand, OEM requirements, and new technology without starting from scratch.

Our Perspective

At Penney Design Group, we see the EV revolution not as a challenge but as an opportunity for innovation. By integrating charging infrastructure into the customer journey, future-proofing power and service capabilities, and designing spaces that educate and inspire, we’re helping dealerships become leaders in a rapidly changing market. In our view, the dealerships that succeed in the EV era will be the ones that see this as more than a technical upgrade—it’s a complete rethinking of how the dealership fits into the customer’s life and the community it serves.

Select Auto Imports: A Modern Landmark in Alexandria’s Automotive Scene

July 30, 2025/ Automotive • Trends

17,000 SF | 3 Stories | Automotive Sales & Service

Penney Design Group is proud to showcase Select Auto Imports in Alexandria, Virginia—a striking, three-story, 17,000-square-foot automotive sales and service facility that redefines the customer experience in the luxury pre-owned auto market.

Turning Constraints into Opportunities

The project’s narrow, irregular site along Richmond Highway required a high degree of ingenuity in both design and construction. Bordered by commercial neighbors and shaped by zoning and access limitations, the lot demanded a compact but impactful footprint. Our design team transformed these constraints into opportunities, employing a vertical stacking strategy to consolidate showroom, office, and service functions within a cohesive architectural envelope.

Vehicle access and circulation were carefully choreographed to ensure seamless movement on the tight site, while pedestrian access was emphasized through a prominent entry plaza and refined urban frontage. Structural creativity played a major role: the stairwell, for instance, features expressive interior cross-bracing that doubles as both a seismic element and a bold architectural feature.

A Thoughtful Approach to Environmental Design

While not formally certified, Select Auto Imports reflects several principles of sustainable design. First and foremost, the project revitalizes a previously developed urban site—leveraging existing infrastructure rather than consuming undisturbed land. This commitment to adaptive site reuse supports a more sustainable growth model in Northern Virginia’s commercial corridor.

Natural daylighting was a key priority in the design. Expansive, high-performance glazing reduces the need for artificial lighting and enhances occupant well-being, while energy-efficient mechanical systems and LED lighting reduce the facility’s environmental footprint. Materials were selected not only for durability and aesthetics but also for their low-maintenance and long-life-cycle characteristics—minimizing waste over time.

Stormwater management strategies were also considered in the site design, with careful grading and drainage integrated to meet local environmental requirements and reduce runoff impacts.

Form, Façade, and First Impressions

The building’s exterior is a modern composition of clean lines, contrasting textures, and bold geometry. The sleek façade combines smooth architectural panels, high-performance glazing, and metal screening to create an identity that is both elegant and assertive. The black and silver palette offers a restrained sophistication, allowing the luxury vehicles inside to take center stage while still projecting a strong visual presence from the street.

At the entry, a tall vertical glass volume announces the main stair tower, becoming a beacon from Richmond Highway and inviting guests into the space. The form is dynamic yet composed—featuring subtle cantilevers, layered masses, and crisp detailing that express the precision and performance values of the dealership brand.

Elevated Interiors with Purpose

The refined materiality of the exterior continues inside. Expansive glazing, contemporary surfaces, and a light-filled interior palette create a welcoming environment that mirrors the quality of the vehicles on display. Glass-front sales offices provide openness and transparency, while warm woods and textured finishes add richness and contrast.

One standout element is the “coffee stop” area, clad in a textured black wave tile that introduces a tactile moment of hospitality within the retail space. It’s one of several thoughtful design gestures aimed at enhancing the customer experience.

The restroom finishes deserve special mention. Clean-lined contemporary tilework and full-height doors offer a level of privacy and elegance more commonly found in hospitality settings—a trend we hope to see adopted more broadly across the auto dealership sector.

Crafted in Collaboration

To complete the interiors, we teamed with Global Commercial Furnishings—a national leader in commercial-grade furniture, custom millwork, and Cambria quartz surfaces. Their craftsmanship and materials expertise were integral in translating our design vision into a cohesive, elevated customer environment. From custom sales desks to built-in cabinetry and reception pieces, every detail was carefully curated for both form and function.

We also worked closely with a talented team of engineers to support the technical execution of the project. The civil engineer was Tri-Tek Engineering Inc., the structural engineer was Tarantino Engineering Consultants, and the MEP engineer was Integrated Design Consultants.

A Dealership That Reflects the Brand

More than just a sales floor, Select Auto Imports is a brand-forward environment that communicates trust, sophistication, and quality. The building’s architectural language—clean, modern, and confident—acts as a quiet but impactful backdrop to the high-performance vehicles it houses. The result is a dealership experience that feels less transactional and more curated, aligning with the expectations of today’s luxury buyer.

Sustainability in Automotive Architecture: Trends & Best Practices

July 15, 2025/ Automotive • Sustainability • Trends

A Shift in the Industry

For years, the automotive industry has focused on innovation—smarter engines, sleeker designs, and most recently, a push toward electric vehicles. But there’s another transformation underway, and it’s happening in the buildings that sell and service these cars. Dealership architecture is going green. Not just with flashy buzzwords, but through meaningful design decisions that help reduce environmental impact and support long-term efficiency. At Penney Design Group, we’ve embraced this shift and continue to shape spaces that align with a more sustainable future.

Choosing the Right Materials

Sustainable design starts with smart material choices. Today’s dealerships don’t have to rely on high-impact construction elements to make a statement. Instead, we’re seeing growing interest in using recycled metals, low-VOC paints, reclaimed wood, and durable finishes that reduce the need for frequent replacement.

Green roofing systems, translucent panels for natural daylighting, and advanced insulation methods are becoming more common in our projects, helping to lower energy demand while enhancing the overall aesthetic. These aren’t just “nice-to-have” features—they’re practical investments that pay off over time.

Energy Efficiency that Performs

A major focus of sustainable architecture is energy performance. In our dealership designs, this shows up in everything from HVAC systems to lighting layouts. We design spaces that make the most of natural ventilation and daylight, reducing the need for constant mechanical cooling and artificial light. LED lighting systems are carefully placed to maximize coverage while using as little power as possible.

We also work with engineers to specify high-efficiency HVAC systems that can adapt to different seasons and usage patterns. The result is a dealership that works smarter, uses less energy, and lowers operational costs for the owner.

The Site Matters Too

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the walls of a building. It starts at the site. When we plan a dealership, we look at the bigger picture—how stormwater moves, where sunlight hits, and how vehicle traffic flows in and out. Proper grading and permeable paving help reduce runoff and improve groundwater recharge. Landscaping with native plants cuts down on water use and maintenance.

Thoughtful orientation of the building can make a huge difference in how efficiently it handles heat and light. These early planning decisions are crucial and often determine how well the entire project will perform over time.

Designing for What’s Ahead

The dealerships of today need to be ready for tomorrow. That’s why our sustainable strategies also consider future growth and adaptability. We design service areas that can accommodate electric vehicle infrastructure. We plan mechanical rooms that allow for upgrades down the line. And we create flexible showroom spaces that can be reconfigured as brands and customer experiences evolve.

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints—it’s also about designing smarter spaces that can adapt to change without needing to be torn down or rebuilt.

Our Commitment

At Penney Design Group, we don’t treat sustainability as a separate checklist—it’s part of our process. Whether we’re designing a luxury flagship dealership or a family-run service center, we’re always looking for ways to make it more efficient, more resilient, and more responsible.

We believe the best buildings are the ones that stand the test of time—architecturally, functionally, and environmentally.

Meet The Whitley: New Luxury Residences in Old Town North

July 9, 2025/ Sustainability • Trends

Meet The Whitley: New Luxury Residences in Old Town North

Penney Design Group is thrilled to unveil The Whitley, a new landmark in the heart of Alexandria’s vibrant Old Town North neighborhood. This sophisticated, boutique-style building at 805 N Columbus Street brings 78 elegantly designed condominium residences, 8 of which will be affordable for 100% AMI residents, ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes with terraces, to one of the region’s most sought-after addresses. Developed by PT Blooms with Eichberg Construction as the general contractor, The Whitley is set to deliver in Fall 2025.

Design Vision at Penney Design Group

Our vision for The Whitley began with a clear goal: to bring to Old Town North a distinctively contemporary design which blends a carefully considered modern aesthetic with the character and details of Alexandria’s built heritage; a building which seamlessly fits within the neighborhood yet distinguishes itself by setting a new standard in the area for progressive, forward-looking, high-quality development.

As seen from the corner of North Columbus & Madison streets, The Whitley’s primary massing matched the scale, materiality, and fenestration of the adjacent rowhouses. At the same time, its upper-level setbacks and façade articulations are differentiated using more contemporary materials and treatments. Project-wide, we employed a 12” long brick as a contemporary counterpoint to the 8” standard brick used in traditional rowhouses.

Communal amenities in the project include outdoor terraces on the 5th and 6th floors with defined seating and gathering areas, gas grills, landscaping and city views; a resident lounge with kitchen/bar and fireplace; boutique fitness center; 1st floor courtyard space; bike storage; EV charging; pet-wash; and package room with cold storage for grocery deliveries.

In the residences, the interiors were optimized with open-plan layouts and high ceilings, and accessorized with wide plank white oak flooring, custom micro-shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, solid-core doors, roller shades, and carefully designed storage solutions.

21st-Century Sustainability

The owners’ mandate to create a one-off residential destination of refined living and contemporary convenience is supplemented by their commitment to the earmarks of 21st-century sustainability: community, wellness, accessibility, and economy of means.

Sustainability today is a broad concept encompassing various environmental, social, and economic components meant to foster better conditions for present and future generations. The Whitley promotes these concepts through the following:

Community

Community begins at The Whitley with a more economically diverse population. Affordable housing units are offered alongside market-rate units. This more comprehensive demographic comes together in The Whitley’s various communal spaces: the resident lounge, the boutique fitness center, the outdoor terraces and courtyards on varying levels, social spaces which promote and foster a sense of belonging and social support.

Wellness

Along with community, individual well-being is nurtured at The Whitley through the thoughtful management of the building’s various environmental features. From the ground level to the rooftop, The Whitley is ecologically engineered to integrate the project’s stormwater management requirements with the climate/health/aesthetic benefits of its greenscape. A green roof, terrace planters, Bio-retention ponds in various locations, and extensive planting throughout the project capture and recycle rainwater, reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality and enhance biodiversity.

Accessibility

The Whitley’s prime location, a short walk to the historic core of Old Town Alexandria, the Potomac waterfront, and an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and shopping options, offers a pedestrian-friendly urbanism with Alexandria being a model for a unique, ideal urban environment with a small town feel. Just blocks away, the Braddock Metro stop provides connections to Washington, DC and its array of civic, cultural, and business amenities. Recreationally, there are bike and running trails with easy access to DC, Mt. Vernon, and beyond.

Economy of Means

At The Whitley, economy of means is expressed through the thoughtful integration of form, function, and finish—where each design decision serves multiple purposes, and where restraint becomes a tool for elegance. Rather than relying on an abundance of materials or ornate gestures, the building achieves impact through the careful calibration of its elements: a reduced material palette, refined detailing, and efficient spatial planning.

Every brick course, window alignment, and recessed volume was designed to balance aesthetic presence with cost-conscious execution. For example, the use of a singular, elongated 12” brick delivers both a modern identity and an efficient installation process, offering a contemporary rhythm that ties back to local traditions while reducing complexity.

Inside, open-plan layouts maximize livable area and flexibility within a compact footprint, allowing for generous spatial experiences without excess. Shared amenity spaces are consolidated across levels to encourage vertical circulation and offer layered communal experiences without requiring oversized common areas.

Owner/Architect/Contractor Collaboration

The project’s success is a result of thoughtful collaboration among the Owner, Architect, and Contractor. Along with our specialized team of consulting engineers, this collaboration guided the project on a clear and deliberate path through the stringent review processes of the Community and the City of Alexandria’s review board. It continued throughout the project’s various design development, construction documents, and construction administration phases.

What’s Next

Sales milestones: Over 35% of residences sold within weeks of sales launch, with pricing ranging from the $500,000s to $1.9 million.

Construction timeline: On track for Fall 2025 delivery, slated for move-ins in early 2026.

Follow along: Stay tuned for updates on interior finishes, landscape activation, and official opening announcements.

In Closing

The Whitley reflects Penney Design Group’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, sustainable design, meaningful community connections, and impeccable execution—from programming to ribbon cutting. We’re honored to be part of this well-curated collection of homes in Old Town North—welcome home.

Porsche Beachwood Wins NAIOP 2025 New Construction Project of the Year

June 5, 2025/ Sustainability • Trends

We are honored to announce that Porsche Beachwood, one of the first Generation 5 Porsche dealerships in the Midwest, has been honored with the 2025 New Construction Project of the Year award by NAIOP Northern Ohio.

This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional achievement in commercial real estate development, architecture, and construction within the region, and we are thrilled that our design work played a central role in this project’s success.

At Penney Design Group, this milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to brand-focused architecture that brings spaces to life. We partnered with Penske Automotive Group and Marous Brothers Construction to bring this flagship dealership to life, turning a formerly abandoned hotel site just outside Cleveland into a dynamic 65,000-square-foot automotive destination that redefines what a luxury dealership can be.

The significance of the award

NAIOP’s New Construction Project of the Year award honors projects demonstrating excellence in design, function, sustainability, and community value. Winning this award reflects the deep collaboration and forward-thinking approach that went into Porsche Beachwood, transforming a neglected site into a vibrant commercial hub that serves both the brand and the local community.

Bringing Porsche’s vision to life through design

Porsche’s global design standards shaped every decision, from layout to materials. We aimed to create a facility that would not only meet the rigorous functional demands of a modern dealership and service center but also embody Porsche’s spirit.

One of the most striking architectural features is the custom ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) façade at the main entrance, inspired by the rear silhouette of the Porsche 911 Carrera. During the day, the façade filters natural light into the showroom, while at night, it is illuminated in glowing red, making a bold statement that perfectly captures Porsche’s iconic style.

Inside, the dealership boasts a two-story showroom connected by a built-in vehicle elevator, allowing for dramatic vehicle displays on both levels. This design not only maximizes the visual impact for customers but also optimizes space efficiency in the showroom.

The service area is equally impressive, featuring 19 in-ground vehicle lifts, each paired with fully equipped workstations designed to streamline technician workflow and enhance customer service. This level of operational sophistication supports Porsche’s commitment to high maintenance and repair standards.

The collaborative journey

From concept through completion, we worked side by side with Penske Automotive Group and Marous Brothers Construction to ensure every detail reflected Porsche’s brand standards of excellence and Penske’s operational and aesthetic requirements.

This synergy of design and construction expertise resulted in a dealership that is as functional as it is beautiful, earning high praise from the client and industry alike.

IMPACT BEYOND THE DEALERSHIP

Beyond serving as a state-of-the-art automotive retail and service center, Porsche Beachwood represents a significant investment in the local community. The project revitalized a previously underutilized site, contributing to the area’s economic development and job creation.

Furthermore, the design incorporates sustainable practices and materials that align with modern environmental standards, emphasizing responsible development.

Looking ahead

Winning the NAIOP 2025 New Construction Project of the Year motivates us at Penney Design Group to continue pushing boundaries in automotive dealership architecture and commercial design. We are passionate about creating spaces that elevate brands, enhance customer experience, and positively impact communities.

Porsche Beachwood is a proud example of what can be achieved when visionary design, skilled craftsmanship, and brand collaboration come together. We look forward to bringing the same dedication and creativity to future projects that help shape the future of automotive retail.

Here’s to bold design—and the teams that make it happen, including our design partners Tarantino Engineering Consultants, P.C. and Westside Engineering, LLC.

At Penney Design Group, our work spans both commercial and residential architecture, from national dealership networks to one-of-a-kind homes in our own community.

Designing at Scale

The Entry Experience

Everyday Living Meets Luxury

Integrating Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

Specialized Spaces

Private Retreats

Flexibility and Wellness

Entertainment and Collections

Beyond Luxury

A Market in Transformation

Charging as a Core Experience

Powering the Future

Rethinking the Service Department

Customer Spaces and Education

Outdoor Planning and Site Design

Future-Proofing the Investment

Our Perspective

17,000 SF | 3 Stories | Automotive Sales & Service

Turning Constraints into Opportunities

A Thoughtful Approach to Environmental Design

Form, Façade, and First Impressions

Elevated Interiors with Purpose

Crafted in Collaboration

A Dealership That Reflects the Brand

A Shift in the Industry

Choosing the Right Materials

Energy Efficiency that Performs

The Site Matters Too

Designing for What’s Ahead

Our Commitment

Meet The Whitley: New Luxury Residences in Old Town North

Design Vision at Penney Design Group

21st-Century Sustainability

Community

Wellness

Accessibility

Economy of Means

Owner/Architect/Contractor Collaboration

What’s Next

In Closing

We are honored to announce that Porsche Beachwood, one of the first Generation 5 Porsche dealerships in the Midwest, has been honored with the 2025 New Construction Project of the Year award by NAIOP Northern Ohio.

The significance of the award

Bringing Porsche’s vision to life through design

The collaborative journey

IMPACT BEYOND THE DEALERSHIP

Looking ahead

17,000 SF | 3 Stories | Automotive Sales & Service