Since beginning work on Richmond International Airport’s (RIC) long-term master plan in 1994, Gresham Smith has designed numerous projects to enhance the airport’s airside facilities and passenger experience, including multiple concourse renovations and expansions, an improved international processing facility, and new environmental graphics throughout.

The architectural character and interior design of the airport’s airside facilities were established through comprehensive renovations to Concourses A and B and the Atrium area beginning with the Concourse B expansion. All public spaces were updated with new finishes to include: carpet, terrazzo flooring in high-traffic areas, ceiling systems, including new lighting and various electrical, mechanical and fire protection improvements. Airline gate counters and podiums were replaced, and an airport-wide signage and wayfinding program was implemented based on design standards established by Gresham Smith.

Gresham Smith’s design of a 10-gate expansion to Concourse B introduced new finishes and elements of the airport’s future terminal building to achieve a unified appearance from gate to curb. Skylights and glass curtain walls that provide open views of the airfield spread natural light throughout the area. This project included new passenger boarding bridges, hold rooms sized to accommodate larger aircraft, new concession/retail lease spaces and public restrooms and an expanded airline operations area.

The concourse also included an International Arrivals Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility. The design is based on modified program requirements for passenger processing with bag claim systems and regulatory and wayfinding signage.

Gresham Smith has been involved in more than 100 separate projects at RIC for over two decades and continues to serve as the airport’s on-call architectural consultant. The story of this long-lasting relationship is one of planning, patience and pride, with the overarching goal of providing Richmond residents and visitors an airport that reflects the city’s elegance, timeless architecture and 21st century ambition.

Client

Capital Region Airport Commission

Location

Richmond, Virginia

Project Type

Aviation

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Wilson Rayfield, AIA, LEED AP
Wilson Rayfield, AIA, LEED AP
Executive Vice President, Aviation