United States Embassy Chancery and New Office Annex

The United States Embassy Chancery and New Office Annex, built 17 years apart, convey commitments to openness and to strengthening relationships between the American and Russian people.

HOK’s initial project involved transforming the chancery from an inward-facing, solid cube to a glassy, contemporary building that opens toward the Russian White House. The project included a vertical addition and renovation to a partially constructed base structure. Strict technical and security criteria guided the design.

The annex, one of the first projects built under the Department of State’s Design Excellence Program, extends the message of transparency. The seven-story addition features a consular section, 300 desks for State Department and U.S. federal agency personnel, and public diplomacy spaces including a new auditorium and two floors of residential apartments. While the chancery’s design reflected the embassy’s official business functions, the design of the annex promotes the bond between the American and Russian people.

The annex building’s clear solar orientation and major south-facing facade, which incorporates sun shading elements and light shelves, express a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability.