At a Glance
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202K
Square Feet
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LEED
Silver Certified
- Location
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Offices
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Client
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U.S. Bureau of Overseas
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Buildings Operations
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Awards
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Architizer A+ Awards Jury Winner, Government and Civic Building, 2025
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American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Chapter, Honor Awards, 2024
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AGC BUILDSouth Award Honorable Mention, New Design-Build Category, 2024
- Location
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Offices
- Client
-
- U.S. Bureau of Overseas
- Buildings Operations
- Awards
- Architizer A+ Awards Jury Winner, Government and Civic Building, 2025
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Chapter, Honor Awards, 2024
- AGC BUILDSouth Award Honorable Mention, New Design-Build Category, 2024
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Symbolizing a shared commitment to democracy and economic development, the new U.S. Embassy Guatemala City supports the continued expansion of U.S.-Guatemalan relations. Like all good partnerships, the embassy represents both countries, blending Guatemalan culture with American innovation and technology. The stone base anchors the building, drawing inspiration from Mayan architecture. A light, airy glass office tower emerges from the base, signifying the openness and optimism of democracy.
The campus is a physical representation of diplomacy. Open courtyards and collaboration spaces—mirroring the ceremonial layout of Mayan cities—create places of community for mission staff. For those visiting, a large plaza and consular garden are shaded and protected by canopies, providing a hospitable waiting area.
Surrounded by a mountain valley and deep forested ravines, the embassy is located on a steep site with an 82-foot (25-metre) grade change. The team turned the topographical challenge into an opportunity, setting the building into the site with a complex series of volumes, like cascading steps down a hill. The terraced layout accommodates the eight-story building without being overbearing, while providing generous outdoor gardens and views of the landscape. The building acts as a retaining wall to stabilize soil and prevent runoff, delivering a high-performing asset that offers lasting value.
The new embassy optimizes building performance and enhances efficiency. Energy consumption is reduced by over 30% when compared to industry standards, with photovoltaics providing 9.5% of the chancery’s energy usage. Native vegetation and on-site wastewater treatment further conserve resources and reduce operating costs.
" }At a Glance
-
202K
Square Feet
-
LEED
Silver Certified
- Location
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Offices
-
-
Client
-
-
U.S. Bureau of Overseas
-
Buildings Operations
-
-
Awards
-
Architizer A+ Awards Jury Winner, Government and Civic Building, 2025
-
-
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Chapter, Honor Awards, 2024
-
-
AGC BUILDSouth Award Honorable Mention, New Design-Build Category, 2024
- Location
- Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Offices
- Client
-
- U.S. Bureau of Overseas
- Buildings Operations
- Awards
- Architizer A+ Awards Jury Winner, Government and Civic Building, 2025
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle Chapter, Honor Awards, 2024
- AGC BUILDSouth Award Honorable Mention, New Design-Build Category, 2024