Custom Biophilic Design Transforms Vision Into Reality at Pedersen Foundation
When the Pedersen Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization, designed their new McLean, Virginia headquarters, they had a bold vision: a 14-foot Black Olive tree positioned on the second floor beneath a skylight, serving as the visual and emotional centerpiece of the space. The tree would symbolize everything the Foundation stood for: growth, innovation, and forward-thinking design.
There was one problem. The only way to get a tree that size onto the second floor was through a 38-inch window opening using a crane. The logistics were daunting. The architectural constraints were severe. And no one had ever attempted this type of installation in this space configuration before.
Interior Plantscapes turned an unprecedented challenge into the defining feature of the Foundation’s new building.
The Challenge: When What You Want Seems Impossible
The Pedersen Foundation’s leadership team knew exactly what they wanted. They didn’t want a smaller tree or a modular system. Both were technically feasible, but neither would deliver the visual and emotional impact they needed. They wanted a full-size statement tree, and they wanted it in a place where standard installation methods wouldn’t work.
The Foundation had explored smaller tree options and modular installations, but none achieved the desired impact. A compromise wouldn’t accomplish their goals.
Brooklyn Kovacs, the Pedersen Foundation’s project manager, knew they needed a specialized partner with proven expertise in engineering, logistical planning, and large-scale custom plant installations. The challenge required coordination across building engineers, crane operators, and millwork contractors, all while protecting the newly constructed facility’s interior finishes and ensuring compliance with architectural and safety requirements.
The Foundation needed someone who could merge technical precision with creative problem-solving to bring their ambitious design concept to life.
The Solution: Custom Engineering and Expert Coordination
Interior Plantscapes was selected for its engineering expertise, logistical planning capabilities, and proven track record with large-scale custom plant installations requiring complex rigging and crane operations.
The team spent weeks developing a detailed rigging plan in coordination with building engineers and crane operators. Every detail mattered: the crane’s positioning, the tree’s angle through the window, the protection of interior finishes, the timing of the lift. The installation had to be executed in a single, carefully timed operation to minimize risk and disruption.
Strong communication and collaboration with the client and contractors proved essential throughout the process. Interior Plantscapes maintained close coordination with all teams to ensure everyone understood their role and timing.
On installation day, the crane operator positioned the 14-foot Black Olive tree outside the second-floor window. The team guided it through the 38-inch opening with precision, protecting all interior finishes throughout the process. The tree was placed beneath the skylight exactly as envisioned.
Beyond the signature tree installation, Interior Plantscapes created a complete biophilic environment throughout the space: two custom-designed living walls (an 11.67-foot by 9.67-foot curved wall and an 8.42-foot by 9.67-foot conference room wall with integrated millwork), plus 750 tropical plants in 6-inch containers arranged in bespoke patterns. The result was a cohesive environment aligned with the Foundation’s values and mission.
The Impact: Vision Realized, Space Transformed
The 14-foot Black Olive now stands in its designated space beneath the skylight on the second floor. It became a defining architectural feature, symbolizing resilience and innovation, exactly the spirit the Foundation wished to express.
Brooklyn Kovacs reflected on the project: “What seemed impossible became the highlight of our new space. The tree and living walls capture everything we stand for: innovation, compassion, and forward-thinking design.”
The biophilic environment enhances the space for employees and visitors daily. The living plant installations contribute to improved indoor air quality and occupant satisfaction, while the visual impact reinforces the Foundation’s brand identity.
The Foundation continues to partner with Interior Plantscapes for ongoing maintenance and is exploring additional living features for future expansions.
Interior Plantscapes: 45 Years of Custom Biophilic Design
Interior Plantscapes is the leader in custom plant design, installation, and maintenance throughout the DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. With over 45 years of expertise, the company specializes in complex custom biophilic solutions including interior plantscaping, living walls, moss art, and large-scale plant installations requiring advanced engineering and coordination.
The company works directly with architects, designers, facility managers, developers, and organizational leaders to understand project requirements, design custom solutions, and deliver installations that align with specific goals and architectural constraints.
Ready to Create Biophilic Spaces That Express Your Vision?
Whether you’re designing a new corporate headquarters, transforming an existing office environment, or creating hospitality, retail, or healthcare spaces that elevate occupant experience, Interior Plantscapes designs custom biophilic solutions tailored to your unique vision and architectural requirements.
Interior Plantscapes combines 45 years of expertise, award-winning design, and proven capability in complex large-scale plant installations requiring advanced engineering and coordination.
Schedule a free consultation today and discover how Interior Plantscapes can design a custom biophilic environment that brings your vision to life. Visit bezoarbletia.shop or call to learn more about our services, view our portfolio of installations, and connect with our design team.
