March 30, 2026
When a prominent international corporation in Washington, D.C. prepared their building for a major high-profile event, they knew their vertical transportation needed to match the prestige of their newly renovated Class A office space. They approached SnapCab with a significant task: design, engineer, and deliver custom interiors for twenty elevator cabs that would perfectly mirror the building’s updated aesthetic.
Large projects like these often come with a pre-defined architectural plan. Instead, the client looked to our team to serve as the lead designers. Without initial design goals the challenge was twofold: Develop a luxury aesthetic from scratch that would satisfy a high-end corporate identity. In addition, manage the logistical and engineering complexities of twenty individual cabs, each requiring a perfect fit and finish.
Leveraging over 40 years of industry experience, our team provided a curated portfolio of possibilities. We did this through a collaborative process of renderings and critiques, we distilled a wide range of ideas into a singular, focused vision.
As a result, the final design showcased a delightful combination of premium materials and sophisticated finishes.
To ensure a seamless flow from the lobby to the cab, we utilized Rift Cut White Oak Veneer. Our craftsmen employed a meticulous multiple-round-toning method—staining and sealing in layers—to achieve an exact match with the building’s interior wood accents.
In addition to the veneer, the centerpieces of the panel design featured elegant grey and white imagery mounted behind Gorilla Glass using optically clear adhesives. This was bordered by Rimex T22 metal in Onyx Black, providing a rich, professional contrast that also matched the high durability of the Gorilla Glass.
To provide contrast, our client opted for a deluxe satin bronze metal for the reveals, handrails and bumpers, adding a layer of warmth and elegance to the cab’s perimeter.
Finally, to enhance the sense of space and modern flair, perimeter LED lighting was installed to complement the standard downlighting.
To ensure this high-profile project was executed flawlessly, we moved beyond standard manufacturing to provide white-glove onsite services. In fact, our team members travelled to the client’s building to perform cab surveys for each of the twenty elevators.
Recognizing the difficulty of choosing designs from a screen, we transformed one of the twenty elevators into a physical showroom. We installed a custom interior where each wall featured a different design option. This allowed the client to physically step into the space and experience the materials in situ before final production.
True craftsmanship is often hidden. While the design utilized materials of varying thicknesses, our engineers refused to take the easy route of using multiple substrates. Instead, they utilized custom milling and precision spacers to create a single, perfectly flush panel. This “flush-mount” engineering not only looks superior but also simplifies the installation process for mechanics on-site.
When we discovered that the existing Customer Operating Panels (COP) didn’t perfectly overlap our reveals, we engineered a solution, utilizing our provided MDF wall packs, to bring the entire wall out further. This eliminated visual inconsistencies and ensured a tight, “built-in” feel while maintaining full mechanical access for maintenance.
From traveling to D.C. to hand-measure every inch of all twenty cabs to overseeing the first installations, our commitment to the project went far-beyond the factory floor. We provided a turnkey solution that balanced the high-end demands of a Class A building with the rigorous safety standards of ASME A17.1 and ASTM E84 Class A fire-ratings. The result is a stunning, durable interior that reflects the excellence of the corporation it serves.
This project highlights the power of a true design-build collaboration. By taking a “blank canvas” and applying four decades of engineering expertise, we helped this Washington, D.C. landmark achieve a cohesive, luxury environment from the ground floor to the top floor. Whether it’s through physical prototyping or precision wood-tone matching, we remain dedicated to elevating the standard of elevator interior design.
If you have any questions about our custom elevator interior systems, please reach out to start your consultation.
Corning© Gorilla© Glass
Rift Cut White Oak Veneer
Anodized Bronze Reveal Package
Rimex T22 Accents
Integrated LED Lighting
