As part of Capital One’s headquarters campus in McLean, Virginia, the Capital One Lecture Hall Building serves as a major convening space for large gatherings, presentations, and public-facing events. Designed by architect John Jessen in collaboration with interior designers Mancini Duffy, the project demonstrates Jessen’s expertise in creating civic-minded architecture—buildings that support learning, engagement, and community within institutional environments.

The 32,000-square-foot expansion was conceived to provide a purpose-built, 400-seat lecture hall capable of hosting major assemblies previously held off-site. The new building was envisioned not simply as an internal amenity, but as a cultural and educational resource—a venue where large groups could gather for presentations, training, community partnerships, and organizational events.

At the heart of the facility is the state-of-the-art Lecture Hall, designed with modern aesthetics, advanced audiovisual capabilities, and flexible seating configurations to support a wide range of program types. The hall is supported by a network of multipurpose rooms, green rooms, and catering facilities, enabling the building to accommodate high-demand events with ease.

A defining feature of the project is the Garden Atrium, a light-filled indoor landscape conceived as an informal gathering space and social hub. Acting as a counterpoint to the formality of the Lecture Hall, the Atrium provides a restorative environment that encourages informal interaction, reflection, and connection. Its role mirrors that of a civic commons—an inviting space that serves everyday activity as well as special gatherings.

Throughout the design process, Jessen focused on creating adaptable, people-centered spaces that reflect the broader values of civic architecture: supporting assembly, fostering communication, and enriching the experience of shared engagement. The result is a building that not only enhances Capital One’s headquarters but stands as a meaningful example of how design can elevate institutional life and contribute to a culture of learning and community.

Project location: McLean, VA

Project size: 32,000 SF

Work previously completed by John Jessen as Principal Architect & Architect-of-Record with VOA Associates (now Stantec).