First Impressions -->

About First Impressions Program

The First Impressions Program was established in 1998 to address the decline of federal building lobbies and plazas around the nation, by extending the vision of Design Excellence into existing federally occupied buildings.  The First Impressions Program spotlights lobbies and plazas yet may extend to other public areas that shape a visitor’s “First Impression” of the federal government. 

More than just an aesthetic agenda, the program is smart business practice.  The First Impressions Program strengthens our assets, makes our buildings more profitable, and improves tenant satisfaction.

While Design Excellence Principles are readily obtainable in new construction, its charge to create or maintain facilities which are “distinguished” and “reflect the dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability of the American National Government” is well within the purview of our existing owned inventory facilitated by the First Impressions Program. 

The First Impressions Program fosters collaboration between Property Managers, Project Managers, and Asset Managers, providing continuity regarding designs of sound construction practice, and employing materials, methods, and equipment of proven sustainability, each important for all Federal buildings.  Properties which are economical to build, operate, and maintain, are more cohesively realized, and therefore make a better First Impression.

Regional Champions
Appointed by their regional leadership one representative from each: Read more...

Many First Impressions improvements take place in GSA Service Centers and greatly depend on decisions made by Property and Project Managers. These are daily decisions that affect the way buildings look and operate: carpet, paint, fixtures, equipment.  In isolation these decisions are seemingly small yet they have a tremendous cumulative effect.

Last Reviewed 4/2/2009