Where Life and Theatre Unite

The ART Tower project will create 314 apartments on a half-block site adjacent to Portland’s Artist Repertory Theatre (ART). By leveraging the development potential of the entire block, the residential tower will draw new artists and performers to the Goose Hollow cultural district. This 21-story residential tower features an oversized, stage-like ground floor lobby that will play host to live performances and various art installations. Continuing the theatrical design language to the rooftop amenity space, sloping, mirrored soffits will amplify the activity below, creating an engaging experience for those underneath. Developed with Wood Partners, ART Tower is Portland’s first high-rise project to adopt the city’s Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) code, which addresses the need for affordable housing.

Rainier Square sits in the heart of Seattle, adjacent to the iconic Rainier Tower. The newly built high rise has 59 stories and contains 734,000 square feet of office space, 189 ultra luxury apartment residences, and 24,000 sq. ft. of amenities, all with 360-degree unobstructed views of the city. Upon arrival residents are greeted by a doorman, and an exclusive elevator waits to take them to the 40th floor. We had the pleasure to design the luxurious residential units on floors 39 to 58. In Seattle, success is not measured by flashy trends, but rather by discovering a sense of purpose. Rainier Square’s residents are leaders, executives, and locally engaged philanthropists. They are dedicated to social causes and involved in their community while staying connected to their passions. They are looking for a home that offers space to pursue their creative interests and feel like the world is at their fingertips. We deliver all of this and more right to their doorstep. Here, a dedicated concierge is available to fulfill every need. A variety of spacious lounge seating groups are spread across the sky lobby giving residents the opportunity for a quiet moment or gathering with friends and family. Glass walls stretching 20 ft. high offer uncompromised panoramic views. Smart design is woven through the building starting with the touchless entry and remote elevator access controls. A well-lived life blends beautiful surroundings with a seamless integration of comforts, replacing the demands of a busy life with one of wellbeing. State of the art fitness areas are connected to the natural environment, creating a sanctuary for balance—mind, body, and soul as part of a holistic living experience.

Sustainability is Beneficial: Elevating Assisted Living and Memory Care

The first assisted living community built to meet a Living Building Challenge certification, Aegis Living Lake Union uniquely combines a rich local history while providing residents with a sustainable and healthy living standard that far exceeds any other senior community in the U.S. Located in the East Lake neighborhood of Seattle, the aesthetics and environmentalism of Aegis Living Lake Union have been inspired by the historic rowing clubs and culture of the area. The exterior exhibits dramatic, quality materials of natural cedar siding and rough brick, and the surrounding landscaping has been thoughtfully curated to consider biodiversity and rainfall. The pattern of cedar cladding on the north side of the building is reminiscent of oars through water, while the unique steel pattern canopy echoes the rowing shell, the shape of the oars, and has been dramatically extended beyond traditional lengths to accommodate rooftop solar panels. These strong shapes and patterns can be seen in the exterior brickwork and entry canopy and continue into the interior of the building. The lobby presents a sensational tribute to the UW rowing team; an original Pocock racing shell suspended from the sustainably sourced wood ceiling - a geometric composition suggesting rowing cadence and waves. Indeed, nature is frequently alluded to in many details found throughout the building. Biophilic principles are utilized, and the natural world referenced, as natural light spills through wide windows, a greenspace and watercourse offer peace and mindfulness, by way of the patterns in the carpet, the shape of the lighting fixtures, and the art adorning the walls. Aegis Living Lake Union is a beautiful, holistic home where residents can feel vital and connected, where their families are assured of their wellbeing.

Transformed HQ Leads to a Thriving Community

Community Transit of Snohomish County is an innovative transportation leader in the Puget Sound region. Their rapidly expanding services and forward-thinking culture required a larger and more dynamic headquarters, and to that end our interiors team partnered with OTAK Architecture on this project. This collaborative undertaking represents the essence of sustainability, in that after many scenarios of new development were explored, ultimately the organization decided to repurpose an under-utilized and neglected industrial property. Community Transit is deeply committed to the well-being of its people. So much so, that the four design pillars for this project were borne from futurecasting the sensations employees would be feeling in their forthcoming new office, each pillar starting with the words, “I am”. “I am valued”, “I am learning”, “I am caring”, and “I am well”. These pillars can be discerned through many unexpected design features. The importance of civic engagement is demonstrated by Community Transit’s contribution of a large chamber within the new headquarters that is dedicated to the Everett City Council for their monthly community meetings. It includes state-of-the-art technology and security, a custom board dais in which all members have an individual microphone, a custom podium for the public to address the Counsel, and seating for over 60 people. The new workplace for the employees of Community Transit is not just a beautiful vision, though it is that. It’s also proving itself to be a place that employees can be proud to take a family member through. It’s a place where they feel valued and heard, and where they can realize a sense of belonging.