OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE AFFAIRS (OIRA)

Completed in early 2018, OIRA’s vibrant new home transformed a former dentist’s office on the 16th Floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower into an engaging and flexible workplace, featuring warm materials, ample natural light, and diverse collaboration spaces. The primary conference room, clad in reclaimed wood and fritted glass, is the visual heart of the space. The open office work-spaces are organized along the exterior walls for optimal views and natural light, with the support spaces aligned along an interior spine. Shared spaces includes open collaboration areas, wellness room, focus room, and a kitchen/breakroom with ample glazing. ORA worked closely with the client group, project managers, and contractors to optimize the project value within a tight budget and timeframe. The use of wood panels in limited areas and the integration of low-cost custom frit on the glass panels created a sense of quality while working within the limited overall budget. Designed to meet Seattle Capital Green sustainability standards, the project features energy efficiency lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, low VOC finishes, and FSC certified reclaimed wood.

Image Credits: Cody Cobb and Stephanie Hsie Photography