IA Opens New Seattle Office

IA Interior Architects’ new Seattle office is a testing ground for a design framework that prioritizes harmony and well-being in the workplace. The office, located in a glassy high-rise in downtown Seattle, features a unique design that incorporates elements of biophilic design and neuroscience to create a space that promotes productivity and calmness.

The design framework, known as the Harmonic Principles, is based on nine concepts, including “positive affordances,” “sensory richness,” and “authentic purpose.” These principles aim to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of employees’ mental and physical health.

Designing for Well-being

According to IA co-managing director Dave Kutsunai, the goal of the Harmonic Principles is to create a space that counters the stress and high energy often associated with the workplace. The office features a range of energetic zones, from noisy to quiet, allowing employees to choose how and where they work.

The design also incorporates a soundtrack, with birds chirping gently in the background, to create a sense of calmness. Kutsunai notes that the ultimate goal is to design a place where people feel good.

In addition to prioritizing employee well-being, the office design also takes into account business priorities, such as agility and flexibility. IA has worked with clients like Amazon, T-Mobile, and Uber to craft offices that meet their unique needs.

Sustainability and Circularity

IA’s Seattle office features a number of sustainable design elements, including a 3D-printed banquette made from biobased materials. The banquette, which runs the length of the office, is one of the largest applications of 3D-printed commercial furniture to date.

The use of 3D printing allowed for the creation of complex curves and angles that would have been cost-prohibitive with traditional construction methods. The banquette is also regenerative, meaning it can be ground down and reprinted if the needs of the office change.

IA also reused 85 percent of the furniture from its previous Seattle office and incorporated demountable walls for breakout rooms. The company’s focus on sustainability is not only environmentally friendly but also smart business, as it allows for flexibility and agility in the face of an uncertain future.

Circular Design in Practice

The 3D-printed banquette is a prime example of circular design in practice. Made from a renewable bioresin, the material is warm and organic, with a soft walnut-wood tone. The banquette is modular and infinitely renewable, making it a sustainable solution for the office.

Model No., the company that fabricated the banquette, notes that the material can be ground down and reprinted at the end of its life cycle, eliminating the risk of chemical contamination. The company is working to make 3D-printed furniture a contract-grade option, rather than just an art object.

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A post-occupancy assessment of the space found that employees scored the new office higher on all counts, with significant improvements in well-being, workplace attachment, and social atmosphere. The success of IA’s Seattle office serves as a model for the implementation of the Harmonic Principles in other workplaces.

IA’s Seattle office demonstrates the power of design to promote well-being and productivity in the workplace. With its focus on harmony and sustainability, the office is a space that truly supports the needs of its employees. It showcases the company’s commitment to creating a healthy and supportive work environment.

They continue to push the boundaries of sustainable and circular design, and the Seattle office is a prime example of this effort. The office’s design and features have created a space that is not only good for employees but also for the environment.

The Harmonic Principles have been successful in creating a space that promotes productivity and calmness. The principles are based on a deep understanding of how people interact with their environment and how it affects their well-being.

IA’s work with clients like Amazon, T-Mobile, and Uber has given them a unique understanding of what companies need to succeed. They have used this knowledge to create offices that are tailored to each company’s specific needs.

The use of 3D printing in the Seattle office has allowed for the creation of complex and sustainable design elements. The banquette is a prime example of this, and it has become a central feature of the office.

IA’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design of the Seattle office. The company has made a concerted effort to reduce waste and create a space that is environmentally friendly.

The success of the Seattle office has shown that the Harmonic Principles can be used to create a space that is both productive and sustainable. The office has become a model for other companies looking to create a healthy and supportive work environment.

IA will continue to develop and refine the Harmonic Principles, using the Seattle office as a testing ground for new ideas and designs. The company is dedicated to creating spaces that promote well-being and productivity, and the Seattle office is just the beginning.