• by Larissa Faw , August 4, 2016

Accenture's Federal Services (AFS) division is launching its own digital studio in Washington, D.C. to provide its federal clients with end-to-end service, from research to design to implementation. 

"Today’s citizens expect government services to be as fast, convenient and personalized as those they receive from private-sector companies," says Michael Lawless, managing director, Digital Studio Lead, Accenture. "To remain effective and relevant, it’s important that federal agencies keep up with these expectations, as well as with the pace of digital change." 

The Studio is designed to serve as a high-tech collaboration hub, incorporating the capabilities of Accenture Digital’s various specialties, including interactive, analytics and mobility, as well as to enable clients to connect with the company's designers globally in real-time. 

The division will be led by Lawless, who will be joined by senior AFS executives Kathy Conrad, director of digital government; Ira Entis, managing director of strategic solutions and emerging tech; and Chris Zinner, managing director, management consulting. 

The Studio already employs more than 40 people and "we expect that in the coming years, this facility will generate hundreds of new, high-tech jobs in Washington, D.C.," says Lawless. "Likewise, we believe it will attract candidates with digital expertise who want to support some of government’s highest priority programs and, in doing so, make a difference in the lives of millions of people." 

The Digital Studio also features the Fjord Design and Innovation Team to help federal clients design, develop and implement experiences similar to what it does for clients such as Internal Revenue Service, the Census Bureau, adidas, Citibank and the BBC.  

The Studio's conception came both from a desire to better serve customers and more effectively adapt our business, says Lawless. "Customer expectations for government service are changing, and federal agencies must adapt accordingly. Our clients recognize the need to develop more citizen-facing solutions and are looking for partners to help guide them in this process." 

Accenture’s federal business has served every cabinet-level department and 30 of the largest U.S. federal organizations. 

The new Washington facility follows the opening of Accenture’s first content studio in New York two months ago.