Work - SABArchitects

Teaming up with ARUP, SABA performed a ground-up re-analysis of a multi-building campus with an enormous footprint and the associated program. In a dead-sprint effort to  maintain deadlines, the design team lead the client through an extensive overhaul of all programmatic elements with rigorous documentation of potential downstream expenses and materials escalations.

Medical Device Manufacturing Campus Predesign

Sector

Size

Program

Planning, New Construction, Architecture, Interior Design

Services

Teaming up with ARUP, SABA performed a ground-up re-analysis of a multi-building campus with an enormous footprint and the associated program. In a dead-sprint effort to  maintain deadlines, the design team lead the client through an extensive overhaul of all programmatic elements with rigorous documentation of potential downstream expenses and materials escalations. SABA’s involvement in the project extended to the end of the predesign phases at which point a local design and construction team took on final design and budget considerations.

Head Building
Located on the south side of an industrial campus in Penang, Malaysia, the Head Building incorporates spaces for offices, meeting and conference rooms, locker room, engineering labs, and various amenities such as a cafeteria with kitchen services, a large dividable auditorium space, an occupiable terrace, a coffee shop, a convenience store, and a fitness center.


Architecturally, the building is broken down into two main wings including a 5-storey square-shape volume which houses main headquarter programs and a 4-storey trapezoidal-form enclosure which is dedicated primarily to employee amenities. These two components are linked by a long and narrow 4-storey atrium space capped by two sloped skylights which let a generous amount of daylight in. The daylight is also captured through fully glazed south and north facades of the entire complex.


The glass facades of the Head Building are articulated by monumental and deep overhangs (brows) that frame around the upper levels of the east and west wings. These brows offset the direct heat gain through glass surfaces in the hot tropical climate of Penang. Visually, the dynamic layout of the brows in contrast with the simple expression of the glass façade as well as in combination with the extra-large company branding signage create a statement building that is about corporate impression, material balance, and visual interaction. 

Manufacturing Buildings
Centrally located in an industrial campus in Penang, Malaysia, the three manufacturing buildings (CERs) run east-west with a material highway (spine) on the north side and a conditioned glass linkway overlooking a central courtyard to the south. Each building consists of three stories including a 7.2 m high kitting space and engineering labs at ground level; a 7.2 m high column-free controlled environment room (CER) at second level with additional lab/engineering spaces; and a large mechanical room at third level along with other building services. The buildings also accommodate supporting programs such as gowning rooms, prayer rooms, general purpose rooms, offices and conference rooms. 


In addition to the EW connectors, each building incorporates a higher roof expressing a volume running N-S containing circulation and mechanical space, called the Sentinel, that intersects with the material highway. These building elements create a compositional factory setting that is all about programmatic performance, connectivity, and dynamism. The dynamism is also pronounced through exterior surfaces and cladding with the use of contrasting metal panels, varying roof slopes, large communicative signage, and glazed areas at linkway. 

Site/Campus Development
The central green space bound by the manufacturing buildings on the north and headquarter building on the south is governed by two angled pedestrian skybridges at the second level that connect the two buildings. Large-scale steel supports resembling chopsticks support the glass skybridges creating covered paved areas underneath at ground level for circulation as well as for outdoor seating areas. The rest of the courtyard features turf ground cover, wood deck areas, and trees.  


The design of the security guard stations utilizes recurring features of the campus composted at a more human scale. A balanced combination of surface materials including glass, wood, and aluminum panels with contrasting color tones along with a unique shading system with vertical wood elements create textured and elegant checkpoint entries that are intended to fashion a unique first impression of the site. 


At the southern portion of the campus, a butterfly-shaped metal roof canopy marks an employee drop-off zone. The canopy was designed to collect rainwater to serve nearby planters.

Central Utility Building
Located on the north side of the campus the 4-story Central Utility Building (CUB) is programmed to provide main building services for the entire site with various building types. It consists of a 13-bay outdoor loading dock covered with a deep overhang at ground level, an indoor shipping and receiving space, and three levels of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) equipment and infrastructure such as generators, cooling towers, and large air handling units. The west and south sides of the building are adjacent to warehouse and fabrication buildings while the east and north facades make a bold presence on the site with solid walls. 


Thin, long, and fairly deep overhangs punctuated with accent colors provides variety along the façade. In addition, the north façade facing the highway becomes a communicative billboard by displaying a very large sign of the company with the same accent color. As a result, the envelope portrays a timeless, elegant, and somewhat playful image which overall seeks to differentiate itself from a utilitarian look- highlighting its type as corporate.

Block 21 is a  convergence zone of new thinking for one of SABA’s major tech clients. Our workplace strategy specialists worked closely with the client to refine and implement their new workplace and design strategy in two Seattle-area towers. The fundamental ideas guiding the project were connectivity and immersion. It was  important to have a shared sense of space and energy for staff and visitors traveling between and buildings while creating spaces for teams  and individuals to work quietly with a sense of privacy. Throughout the process, SABA coordinated closely with the client's contractor and  sub-consultants to update their pre-existing standards in accordance with the new  thinking. All tenant improvement design  decisions were in line with the client’s  sustainability goals.

Community at The Core
The design concept was extended to the program,  positioning vibrant community zones, conferencing, and  kitchenettes directly off of the elevator lobbies. This creates opportunities for chance encounters between staff and visitors  from other floors or buildings on campus.

Team & Focus Oriented Program
Circulating away from the core community zones, team and focus oriented spaces provide non-bookable breakout areas and  comfortable nooks for private work. At the building perimeter, program is pulled away from the windows to create contiguous circulation around the entire floor, creating  adjacencies between working spaces and a visual connection across the tower. Between these  interwoven spaces transition zones are demarcated by dynamic light fixtures, dimensional CNC routed plywood walls.

A modern office designed by Seattle, WA based architecture firm, SABA for an artificial intelligence company.

Office designed for an artificial intelligence company

This project marks the third expansion for this institute’s non-profit known for their artificial intelligence research. While their main headquarters are located in a new, flashy building offering great views to Lake Union, this expansion space was in a building that was a little old and a little drab. The client challenged the team to create a space that employees would want to work in just as much as their other location.

SABA got creative and designed a space emphasizing light and openness. Through the use of strong conceptual renderings and thoughtful planning, the design breathed life back into a challenging interior. 

As you enter the lobby, varied height partitions made of an dichroic glass help punctuate the main circulation through the suite and provide a bold focal point. Dynamic and thoughtful textures in the break-room provide a subtle complement and balance the brightness of the open office.

Headquarters Expansion

Spaceflight is a premier launch and in-space transportation services provider, offering routine, cost-effective access to space for innovators.

Situated in Bellevue, Washington, this former shoe manufacturing facility was converted into a state-of-the-art aerospace headquarters. This project unites Spaceflight's office and production locations under one roof, improving operational efficiency and significantly expanding their footprint.

A central feature of this project is the creation of the high bay cleanroom production facility, a 2,400 SF ISO 8 cleanroom within the repurposed manufacturing warehouse. This facility, equipped with a 30’ x 50’ crane, facilitates the construction and assembly of space vehicles slated for orbit via rocket transport.

The project necessitated months of meticulous coordination, including the relocation of a 3-ton capacity high bay crane, the installation of a custom-built dock lift, and comprehensive structural, fire protection, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing improvements to meet stringent standards.

The ISO 8 cleanroom enables Spaceflight to process four to five Sherpa OTVs simultaneously, accommodating four to twenty satellites per Sherpa. This is a substantial increase in capacity compared to the old space, which could only handle two Sherpa OTVs at a time.

Ambulatory Surgery Center

When the team at Orthopedic Outpatient Center (OOC) decided to build a facility for their ambulatory surgeries, they took it as an opportunity to redefine the patient experience, driven by the guiding principles of improving patient safety, privacy, and dignity. They set out with two goals: To improve the patient experience during the ambulatory surgery process by optimizing the process from beginning to end; and to improve patient safety by reducing error-causing patient handoffs. 

The team knew that redefining the patient experience must begin with redefining the health care delivery process and program, so they sought out the Virginia Mason Institute, engaging the expertise of Chris Backous, a Lean and Transformative Care expert, to facilitate a series of 3P exercises (production, preparation, and process). The client stakeholder group went through a rigorous charette to develop their goals for the project, process improvements, and a planning diagram incorporating their desired flows for patients, staff, and materials. 

The architectural and interior design team initiated the concept design phase with the client’s project leadership team, picking up where the 3P charette left off, and driving the continued development of the user-developed 3P diagram as well as the entire building and site design based. The development of the building design and detailed planning was continuously evaluated against the 3P assumptions; this rigorous work extended to equipment, workstation, and built-in selection. The result of those exercises is The Dedicated Care Model -- a restructuring of the patient flow focused on improving the patient and family experience.

In a conventional model, both the patient and the surgeon will commonly interact with three or more nurses as they move through the facility. This not only creates an impersonal experience for the patient, but each successive contact point is also another opportunity for critical errors in patient care. The Dedicated Care Model improves the patient and care provider experience by creating a connection between the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and dedicated nursing team for each patient. It is meant to develop a rapport with the primary team, both internally and externally, to maximize communication and efficiency.

The planning is organized into four layers. Once the patient is checked in at the front desk, they are guided to the outmost layer of circulation which connects to their private room; filled with natural light, the corridor allows patients to self-room, family members to come or go without hurdles, and for easy egress and pickup when operations are complete. 

Once the patient reaches their room, they enter the second layer: Universal Rooms. The patient has their own room throughout the duration of their procedure, allowing them to store their belongings, family members to visit and wait, and a familiar recovery space after operation. In a conventional layout, the patient will commonly experience their prep, and recovery in up to three different rooms. 

Directly adjacent to the Universal rooms are nursing stations which occupy a restricted corridor. This third layer of circulation that surrounds the operating rooms allows for the efficient transfer of staff and patients into and out of surgical spaces. Once the patient is prepped for surgery, they are brought through the third restricted corridor and into the fourth layer, the Operating Rooms.

The Operating Rooms are at the center of the facility and easily accessible from each patient room. Once the surgery is finished, the patient is then transported out of the OR and returned to their dedicated prep and recovery room. After the patient has had time to recover, they can freely and discreetly leave through one of the exits and pick-up zones adjacent to the outer circulation layer. This four-layer system simplifies the process for the patient. It gives them autonomy and dignity, and most importantly, improves safety by reducing hand-offs during treatment. 

The design team had the privilege of bringing this thoughtful program to life. The design evolved to meet emergent needs of clients and staff through the design process, but always remained true to the client’s vision of the patient journey while incorporating building code and health care guidelines.

It was important to tie the patient experience to the aesthetics. This patient-centered approach led to warm wood tones provided by cross-laminated timber beams, with vaulted ceilings to bring light into the space. At each main entry and exit — four in total — there is a prominent wood canopy. This creates a clear hierarchy of entry and exit points. It also serves to break up the long facades of the building. Between these  points, the team developed a simple rhythm of materials that alternate between wood, fiber cement panels, stone and EIFS — depending on the  location around the building. Significant stone was used at the ASC and Physical Therapy entrances and stone elements were incorporated into the patient pick up canopy locations. These elements, when put together, create a varied design that breaks up the building into smaller, human-scale moments related to patient movement and wayfinding.

The site landscape design draws inspiration from the raw and natural landscapes found throughout the Rogue Valley. Planted areas consist of native vegetation of varying heights, shapes, and colors. The design brings the landscape directly up to the edge of the building, which makes the building feel grounded and natural. In addition, there  is substantial planting throughout the site, which will create pockets of usable outdoor space, and buffers the site and building from adjacent properties and roads. Together, the design elements make the new building seem at home in its Rogue Valley setting in Medford, OR.

ArtHOME

SABA partnered with the Path with Art foundation to create the ArtHOME. The ArtHOME is a 4,858 SF space designed for Seattle’s community experiencing homelessness to find healing through a variety of artistic mediums including music, theater performances, poetry, painting and sculpting. 

The ArtHOME will be the new headquarters for the hard-working members of the foundation and a safe space for the thousands of participants they serve in the community. Path with Art offers free Art Classes to people who have or are experiencing trauma. The ArtHOME is made up of a 600 SF Gallery Space the features a large garage door that opens to the patio, two 475 SF Art Studios, 420 SF Jewel Box (black box theater), 1000 SF open office, five private offices and a conference room. 

Equity through design was essential in selecting the finishes for the space. SABA made creative and cost-consciousness selections to ensure quality finishes were specified for the project and helped keep costs low by partnering with companies that heavily discount products for Non-Profits. 

Designing a mezzanine of any sort is a challenge in itself. The addition of a mezzanine late in the design process was an extreme undertaking. Plymouth Housing gifted the addition of the mezzanine to Path with Art in order to increase the square footage of the ArtHome. The allowable SF of a mezzanine is 50% of the area open to the level below. SABA designed the mezzanine in such a way to utilize 100% the maximum allowable area ( all 50% in other words). Our square footage was right on the money. This allowed the ArtHome to add 1,264 SF of private offices, open office area, conference room, and an open work studio for employees to photograph participant’s art work.

SABA designed Bullet Proof's high-end retail flagship with intelligent lighting systems, grounded steel floors, graphic elements, and hexagonal detailing in line with the companies brand. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto the street with modular tables which can be configured to accommodate large or small groups and seasonal outdoor seating.

Bulletproof Coffee Company, Seattle Flagship Store

Salem Pain + Spine Clinic - SABArchitects

The Salem Pain & Spine project consisted of a new ground-up outpatient clinic and planning for the future site expansion for a growing spine and pain management medical practice in Salem, Oregon. The client wanted a contemporary design that would be an inviting vibrant place for healing and work while solidifying their roots within an environmentally responsible community. The project incorporates thoughtful use of materials, natural daylighting and ventilation, metal sunshades, storm retention, and solar panels to meet sustainability goals.

Shell Design

The simple shed roof over the lobby transforms into a dramatic prow shape across the span of the building, creating room for a second floor doctor’s office and lounge area. Contemporary metal panels reflect the area's industrial past that has a sense of scale and texture and is low maintenance. The wood soffit brings in warmth.

On site water retention and treatment is a green storm water retention designed for 6”-18” of ponding  and infiltration rain gardens designed to be capable of infiltrating up to a 10 year storm event to minimizes off site water run off which is important because parts of Salem flood in the winter

Exterior operable windows provide natural ventilation

Exterior sunshades over the windows on the south and west sides provide cooling for the warm months

Photovoltaic solar panels on the roof generate electricity

Expected energy produced is 24,774 kWh/yr representing a 17% reduction in energy required from the grid 

The windows provide natural daylighting which saves lighting use approximately 30%

LED lights  create an approximate 40% reduction in lighting energy use over florescent lighting

Electric car charging stations in the parking lot encourage electric vehicle use

Bathroom showers allow the staff to bike to work or run on their lunch breaks

A ground-up design of a new medical building to house an outpatient clinic for a growing spine and pain management medical practice in Salem, Oregon.

This project was a conversion of 1970s-era lab building for the Korean-owned multi-level marketer and developer of healthy lifestyle products, Econet. The design was developed in concert with a branding consultant to integrate their new corporate look into the architecture. The project involved the creation of a first floor showroom-training center which allowed outside sales associates to learn about and become more versed in sales techniques. Laboratory space on the building’s upper three floors were renovated for Econet’s research and development scientists. Spaces included a biology, chemistry, and quality control labs along with an extensive humidity controlled natural plant library.

 This interior workplace tenant improvement for one of SABA’s repeat clients included several floors of offices, training facilities, and an event center. Building off of the Treehouse concept established by the shell and core architect, Graphite Design Group, SABA worked closely with the team to create a playful and whimsical space in the middle of the client’s downtown campus. A communicating stair running up the entire street façade of the building required close design and technical coordination with the S&C team to create harmony between the two scopes of work.

Furthering the existing concept and playing off the individual stacks of the continuous stair, the design team divided the interiors into three separate stacks representing the layers of a forest– understory, canopy, and overstory. These layers were represented through finish and furniture color palette and environmental graphic design. Wayfinding on each floor acts like trail marks, adding to the outdoor theme.

Laboratory, Clean Room, Office, Manufacturing

A long-term member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center TI team, SABA has performed lab planning, design, and permitting of more than two hundred projects in various buildings on and off the institution’s campus, ranging from master plans to lab renovations, large new labs, and major infrastructure upgrades. Areas of recent focus include reorganization discrete labs into large shared “super labs”, COVID-19 research facilities, expansion into off-campus buildings, expansion of the cell processing facility, and vivarium expansion.

Science + Technology, Workplace, Non-Profit

Seattle-based non-profit SightLife has the ambitious goal of being the world leader in ending corneal blindness. Having completely outgrown their South Lake Union space, SightLife hired SABA to design a new office and lab in downtown Seattle. SABA seamlessly integrated an ISO-7 corneal processing cleanroom into the fabric of the two-floor space which also includes general office and meeting rooms, a 24/7 call center, large assembly spaces, and a research and development lab.  This project was completed in collaboration with Sprick Creative

Rigorous diagramming of SightLife’s flow of materials, personnel, and information was done to create a seamless, but very logical layout. The visitor experience was also carefully considered in the planning. Benefactors and donors are guided in a clockwise fashion through various steps of the process. Glass is used extensively for viewing opportunities, but does not disrupt the natural flow of work. Through the use of varied ceiling heights, materials, and colors, SABA imbued SightLife’s space with a liveliness that complements the rational and efficient layout.

The plan of this Immunotherapies research lab was to separate it into lab and office spaces that users would routinely move between. For the lab portion of the project, Lyell was looking for a large open concept layout that could be easily renovated or reconfigured for future lab growth and different lab uses as needed.

The office portion of the project provided an opportunity to create a modern work environment which would grant employees both amenities space and highly-functional work areas. Between the custom furniture selected and the Lyell branding inspired wall colors, the space became a lively and delightfully different approach to traditional lab/office designs. Overall the project was a great opportunity to explore the connection between lab and office uses in a holistic design that promotes collaboration between users and spaces. 

This relocation to the 42,000 sq ft Tukwila space is a unique opportunity for growth, becoming a state-of-the-art facility for the company. With the architectural and design help of SABA, they have an operational space that allows for greater resources, work flow, and a lab that can perform the histology, grossing, and sequencing needed for their rapidly growing client-base in the Puget Sound region. It was important to the users to have a space that is both efficient and comfortable to accommodate the company’s near 24-hour operation. This was achieved by an intentional layout of workstations, clearly defined break spaces, and the subtle but impressionable presence of the Cellnetix brand. The result is consistent and thoughtful service that extends from employee to patient.

Technical Programming Requirements
The facility accommodates offices and administration services for more than 24 staff Pathologists. In addition to providing adequate space for administration and laboratory functions, proper storage must be taken into account: supply storage, current specimen storage (freezers), historical specimen and file storage (up to 10 years), and hazardous materials storage & waste. As with any clinical laboratory, adjacencies, acoustical separation, lighting control and seismic issues had to be addressed and resolved due to the sensitivity of the equipment. SABA was responsible for maintaining the equipment schedule and coordinating the requirements with client, the engineers and the contractors.

Since the 24/7 facility with over 200 employees was relocating from an urban setting with amenities such as cafes and restaurants within walking distance to a more isolated office park setting, certain staff spaces (the Break Room, Conference Rooms, etc.) needed to provide a comfortable refuge. The break room in particular was evolved from an afterthought at their current space to a focal point of the new building. SABA worked with third party furniture and food vendors to design a multi-functional space where employees can relax.

SABA’s design of this workplace tenant improvement included four floors of offices with modular furniture that could be reconfigured as required and one amenity floor with a suite of reconfigurable meeting rooms. A full-service cafeteria was also designed to accommodate a diverse mix of employees from each of the company’s facilities.

Inspired both by the proximity to the I-5 corridor as well as this company’s larger goal to give consumers faster access to their products, this project was branded with a theme of “speed”. SABA reinforced this theme through finish selection/placement, lighting, and environmental graphics.

A special feature included a kinetic bicycle sculpture table set prominently on the amenity floor with bicycles as seats, one of which could be pedaled to make a chandelier made of bike handle-bars turn above the peddler’s head.

SABA has worked with Bright Horizons Family Solutions since 2003 on many childcare facilities of various sizes throughout Washington and California. Projects range from modest finish upgrades of existing facilities, to 15,000-SF tenant improvements of facilities serving several hundred children, to ground-up projects requiring full land-use entitlements. This ongoing relationship speaks to the dedication of SABA staff and the value SABA places on serving and maintaining long-term client relationships.

This hyper-urban childcare center is part of a mixed-use development on a steep grade. The center is designed to shelter and give privacy to children from nearby foot and vehicle traffic while creating generous outdoor play space observable from all internal classrooms. Additionally, classrooms grant sweeping views of downtown Seattle. The project was the first open-to-structure design for the client, offering a unique feel and optimal space in below-grade areas.

After 24 years at the same cramped space with little daylight, this regional consumer-owned, natural food retailer was seeking a new home for its headquarters that reflected its position as the leading purveyor of fresh, local, and organic produce, quality meats, and sustainable seafood. The new space’s open plan concept incorporates modest work stations and ample community spaces that capitalize on the stunning views the new location offers.

The natural vistas are further complemented by a neutral palette and natural materials punctuated by pops of color and striking nature-based graphics to signify their natural food philosophies. 

Honest materials reflect the natural product focus of the retail stores. The background palette is neutral and features polished concrete, locally sourced wood, raw steel, and soft white building structure. Reclaimed wood planks with a burnt, wire brush finish in varying thickness clad the entry façade at the multipurpose room and the workstation end panels along circulation paths, providing a warm and decidedly “non-corporate” touch to the space. 

2009 IIDA Regional Design Award
Corporate Interiors

Awards

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk hired SABA to design their 32,000 SF Seattle Inflammation Research Center. In the design process, SABA balanced corporate Novo Nordisk’s Scandinavian design values of clean, open, light-filled spaces with the local staff’s desire for more privacy, storage and individuality. The result is a facility that one immediately recognizes as being Novo Nordisk, but which also expresses the unique nature of its American and Pacific Northwest setting. Since completion of the initial project Novo Nordisk has retained SABA to design three laboratory expansions covering more than 35,000 additional SF.

SABA was immediately challenged with reconciling the opposing visions for their building between the model out of Denmark and the preferences of the newly-hired, local American scientific leadership. The most contested feature were the walls themselves, so SABA developed a design solution that utilized demountable glass walls, and overlaid the glass with semi-translucent graphics that incorporated Novo Nordisk’s corporate branding to create private offices.

The project received a 2009 IIDA regional design award for corporate interiors.

Boyer Children’s Clinic, a non-profit agency established in 1942 and the largest provider of services for developmentally delayed children ages zero to three years and their families, chose SABA to reconfigure approximately 6,213 SF of unoccupied space in Magnuson Park to create Boyer’s first satellite campus and represent the Clinic’s new branding. To support Boyer’s programs, including physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and family resources, SABA designed a welcoming reception and child-friendly waiting area, a large motor skills room and two speech and occupational therapy rooms for clients along with comfortable and efficient open offices, a lounge and conference room for staff.

Working with the existing historic building, the SABA team designed highly functional, yet playful and inviting spaces to meet the needs of developmentally delayed children and their families. 

Seattle Reproductive Medicine (SRM) is a medical fertility practice that currently has four clinics in the Puget Sound area.  SABA has been working with SRM since 2013. Over the years, we have worked with SRM on projects ranging from upgrading an existing Reception/Waiting area, to the reconfiguration of their laboratory to creating a new clinic as their services and patient base expands. At all times, and for all projects, the facilities remain operational during design and construction.

Adaptive Reuse Multi-Tenant Laboratories 

201 Elliott was originally constructed in 1926 as a poultry processing plant. Over time it experienced numerous small scale additions and in 1983 it was completely renovated to house biotechnology laboratories and offices.  When the current owners acquired it in 2006, building systems were at the end of their useful life, exposed rooftop HVAC systems made it a neighborhood eyesore, and an empty facility loomed as tenant leases were soon to expire.  The Client charged SABA with transforming the tired building into a world class life science facility that would celebrate its waterfront setting and attract the next generation of cutting edge science professionals.

THE ENTRY SEQUENCE

With its minimalist palette of mullion-less full height glazing, stainless steel cable railings, simple ash paneling, and white stone flooring the complexity involved in uniting the myriad of different existing conditions which resulted from the Building’s 85 year organic evolution.

MODEL LAB

In order to assist and promote leasing, a suite of model labs and offices was created.  In a single cohesive space, potential tenants can view and compare varying build-out strategies such as conventional suspended ceilings to exposed raw concrete to a ceiling sprayed with acoustical material.

Graphics + Wayfinding, Interior Design, Architecture

Summit III in Bellevue WA was designed in a pre-Covid environment and adapted mid-project to incorporate significant client adjustments to workstyles and desking.  The project incorporates program types ranging from office and alternative work environments to food service, event, and creative spaces.

Dining and community spaces support the needs of users from both a functional and hospitality perspective. The inclusion of a Coffee Bar and Expressions Lab provide a community connection outside of secure space in order to allow the community to join and connect with the employees and users. 

The Coffee Bar is part of the Client's culture, each coffee bar hosting a different local coffee roaster to provide food and pastry to both users and the public.

The Expressions Lab includes an art lab and artist in residence where users can go to recharge, take multi-media art lessons, and explore their own artistic talents and interests. 

A tranquil dry garden adds a sense of serenity to the entrance of the building. It also serves as a calm gathering space beneath the floating staircase. 

All office floors have a large kitchenette and at least four working areas, each including including desking, collaboration spaces, phone and focus rooms, active areas, and shared or assigned offices.  These spaces support both assigned and unassigned seating.

Summit III Project Overview

Set in a rural environment, this 13,200 sf child care facility is capable of accommodating up to 164 children. Designs maximize views of Mt. Rainier, nearby hills, and farmlands. The construction of an associated 5,510 sf exterior play area allows for easy observation by center staff while permitting the children the highest possible degree of outdoor play with natural views and influence.

Architecture, Interior Design, Graphics + Wayfinding

The Cultural Café and Workspace is an office space that has implemented a newly developed workplace strategy that recognizes the future of the hybrid employee. First of its kind for this client, the room planning is strategic by offering flexible AV and Furniture, with many alt-work and amenity spaces provided for staff. Individual focus areas, casual collaboration spaces, project rooms, phone rooms, and spacious breakrooms attract employees from all over their campus to use the shared amenities. It is a workplace that enables smarter working and empowers innovation and team spirit.

As an emerging project in the early pandemic, the goal of the Cultural Café and Workspace was to develop a flexible, dynamic, and inspiring work experience that will be integral to the success of a new hybrid remote/office format.

Once an outdated workspace with compartmentalized offices and a sea of cubicles, the new space now offers a hospitality-focused arrival with shared-campus amenities and a wide variety of both agile collaborative zones and focus areas. An on-site coffee shop provides welcoming incentives for remote employees to leave the home office, allowing them to choose a space that is best suited to them.

The open communicating stair just off reception provides a link to the various workspaces and amenities divided into different quadrants. Several of these zones are reserved  for particular user groups while other spaces are available for anyone. The finish palette relates to the company branding colors to enhance way-finding and identity. Additionally, biophilia is valued by the client and supported with the introduction of wood canopies and live plants strategically placed.

Walking through the space gives employees a feeling of adventure and optimism, with a seemingly new and exciting space to be revealed around every corner. It enables smarter working and empowers innovation.

Originally, the project was to be completed in April 2020, but when the Stay at Home order came into place as a result of the pandemic, the project halted at about 85% completion. With a new lens on the future of work, the client took this opportunity to shift the program to offer a larger variety in meeting space types, greater variety in individual work environments, and eliminated most private offices.

When the new workplace strategy was implemented, the team focused on salvaging as much of the originally procured materials as possible.. For example, what was once a feature wood ceiling, turned into a statement wood wall that runs through both levels of the space. Additionally, nearly all light fixtures, carpet and tile, and more were re-purposed.

The Raikes Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on providing opportunities and support for underprivileged adolescents and is headed by the former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Jeffrey Raikes. The building selected for the project provided a dramatic yet calming setting with views projecting out into Lake Union. SABA’s design exposed the building’s clean concrete structure and employed open planning strategies to provide shared views of the dynamic working waterfront. 

Dynamic yet Comfortable
The foundation tasked SABA with creating an environment that reflected both the dynamic character of the site and the youthful exuberance of the young people they serve. Interior finishes and architectural detailing are consistent with the industrial, maritime context.

The client desired a collaboration room for casual lounging, meetings ranging from small groups to all-hands office meetings, and social gatherings. The solution was to provide a generous area tucked away in the back portion of the office outfitted with a mixture of comfortable, movable, modular lounge furniture, tables, and stools. A large rolling marker board provides flexible access to a long wall of veneer plywood casework storing display and AV equipment. The room is therefore intimate and flexible and serves as a “living room” within the office.

Adaptive Reuse, Architecture, Interior Design, Landmarks

This workplace project was an adaptive reuse of a 3-story department store located in historic downtown Santa Barbara. The expansive 18-foot structure heights and the large floor plate were leveraged to create an open plan concept with a contemporary warehouse feel and lots of natural light.

Originally constructed as a bank, and later renovated into a department store in 1987, the design team was given the challenge of creating a space that feels modern and fresh, while acknowledging the buildings historic status and maintaining a connection to the unmistakable style of Santa Barbara.

The pairing of clean white walls with natural textures and patterns celebrates the Spanish influence seen throughout the city. The project spans 3 stories, including a kitchenette on each floor, a variety of conference rooms, and open office space that will accommodate the company’s rapid growth for the next 5 years.

Small breakout spaces are dispersed around the floor, accompanied by mini living walls, and large scale environmental graphics featuring photography from a local artist.

Second floor kitchenette / break area inspired by an outdoor wooden trellis with lights strung across.

Manufacturing, Office, Laboratory, Amenity

Lundbeck challenged SABA to design a Town Hall space that could accommodate their 100-person quarterly company meetings, but also offer an open common area for employees to work away from their desk, socialize, or enjoy their lunch for the rest of the year that the space is not being used.

The Town Hall space was broken into sections and features a new coffee bar to buffer the work lounge from the café and promote social interaction beyond the kitchenette. Within the work lounge, a variety of different furniture arrangements support different styles of working whether you need focused, individual space or room for a group. The café area allows for flexibility with furniture that easily stacks or folds to accommodate the town hall meetings. Views to the outdoors abound bringing in healing natural light and allowing for the addition of interior plants.

SABA performed studies for a 12,500 SF early education center on the UC Santa Cruz campus to serve 140 children in a Family Student Housing development. The project presented numerous interesting challenges and opportunities including Triple Net Zero sustainability requirements, energy modeling and stakeholder presentations to increase community comfort with the proposed land use. 


Utilizing the “Great Meadow” site, as referred to by the students, the project strives to reintroduce native plants and trees to preserve the overall green feel of the location. Outdoor classrooms were designed for each age group with an emphasis on natural exploration. The planning process included interfacing with the Psychology department at UCSC to integrate observation rooms for graduate research, establishing a direct relationship between the playful learning environment of children and the intellectual world of the University.

This tenant Improvement of a childcare center facility is located in the heart of Seattle's South Lake Union district. Capable of accommodating up to 122 children, the facility provides daycare and early learning services for families living and working in the tech hotbed of downtown Seattle. The facility includes a 4,302SF exterior play area, located on the roof of the 4-story building. Children can enjoy fresh air, soccer, playground equipment, and panoramic views of the city from the safely enclosed rooftop play area.  Full scope interior tenant improvements include construction of non-structural walls, HVAC, plumbing & electrical distribution, etc.

AGC award for construction excellence in the TI under $5 million category

After a decade in a warren of disconnected rooms that could not support their current flexible work culture, the Washington State office of The Nature Conservancy needed a new home. Their search ended when they found the former Skyway Luggage landmark building from the 1920s, which was under renovation to become office space. This building presented a unique canvas for the creation of a modern workspace.

Since many TNC staff are often in the field, and because TNC elected to lease less square footage, open workstation space was intentionally conceived to be unassigned as on any given day only 75 percent of staff are actually present.

To reflect TNC’s mission, the design team introduced local materials in special areas throughout the space to create a Pacific Northwest vibe in the space. Additionally, a large percentage of the elements that make up the workstations were procured from a local, sustainable manufacturer of systems furniture. This allowed the team to leave elements raw and unfinished.

Employees enjoy spaces that are personal, so when a local artist was engaged to create a 3D topographic map of the state of Washington, TNC’s internal GIS group jumped at the opportunity engage their people in the design and highlight the importance of mapping for the company. On top of that, the piece resulted in a successful extension of the meeting room and added more natural elements to the space.

Architecture, Graphics + Wayfinding, Interior Design, Landmarks

Project Blueshift was completed in three distinct phases on an accelerated schedule to renovate an historic building downtown Seattle retail space into offices, labs, and food service which resulted in a substantial alteration. 

The project was full of incredible opportunities. The former retail building boasted floor plates of more than 80,000 square feet, historic details, and a roof deck. Our program included the usual open-office and conferencing areas, plus many break-out work spaces, employee lounges, research and development laboratories, and two cafes, one complete with a pizza oven.

MASSIVE FLOOR-PLATES

With the massive scale of the floor-plates, the design team needed to make a significant move to foster the collaboration, connection, and community core to the client's mission. SABA proposed saw-cutting the floor slabs and designing a large communicating stair that connected five floors of offices as a way to help the space feel more open and encourage employees to explore different floors. 

FLEXIBLE WORK ENVIRONEMNTS

Blueshift offers a variety of flexible work environments. In addition to their desk, employees can use conference rooms, phone rooms, lounge areas, focus rooms, the café, and even a roof deck to do their work. Allowing this freedom encourages people to spend more time in the office and helps them find the right type of space for the given task.

The SRM Egg Freeze Clinic allows men and women to freeze their sperm and eggs, ensuring they remain healthy and viable until a couple is ready for children. SABA designed a space that is tailored to this new type of facility, including high-end lighting and finishes geared toward generating a calming and clean spa feeling that is comfortable and welcoming. Throughout the design process, SABA provided SRM with high-end renderings for additional use in marketing and future collaborative development of the space.

Adaptive Reuse, Architecture, Interior Design

This discovery arm of Nathan Mhyrvold’s enormous patent treasure trove is doing fascinating research and development work. IV’s mantra, “Be scrappy,” means that nothing fancy is needed, just space to invent, create, and make.

The opportunity to put everyone together in one building—to create one giant hive of invention and literally mix rocket scientists and master chefs, nuclear physicists, and master tool and die makers—created an amazing opportunity for architectural and interior design. The space also needed to allow for maximum cross pollination between disciplines while still providing enough quiet space for those who need it.

As Bright Horizons’ go-to architect in the Pacific Northwest, SABA began doing space planning for an exciting new childcare center in the next phase of the popular Ballard Blocks mixed use complex. The project involved a first-time tenant improvement of 12,500 SF to accommodate 150 children ages 3 months through 5 years. The project also included a 4,600 SF rooftop playground with sweeping views of Elliott Bay. SABA worked with the shell and core architect, Weber Thompson to coordinate the layout and construction of the rooftop playground and to assure that the shell and core HVAC system would be sufficient for childcare needs.

Bright Horizons, a leader in employer sponsored child care across the US and UK, and a long-standing client with SABA, commissioned SABA to design a child care facility capable of housing 176 children. With construction costs soaring in the Bay Area, and tuitions having a natural ceiling, cost containment was paramount. Working closely with our civil engineer, SABA was able to dramatically reduce costs by designing the building as a single story childcare center while still accommodating 11,400 SF of required exterior play area, providing code required parking, and meeting California’s strict environmental requirements for on-site stormwater control.

SABA was tasked with obtaining a Conditional Use Permit for the exterior playground element. SABA successfully piloted the project through numerous required City technical committee meetings, through design review and ultimately earned approval from the city planning commission. In collaboration with Bright Horizons’ project manager SABA held a community meeting and contacted city council members to remind them of the importance of child care in their community and to garner their support.

The Omeros project required skillful management as SABA concurrently designed and oversaw three separate projects: a 6,500 SF chemistry lab/office build-out, a 12,500 SF office renovation, and a central break area. Careful planning, consistent communication, and attention to detail resulted in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, complete with a modern feeling office space and a synergetic common area. 

Working closely with Omeros’ scientists and facilities, SABA was able to fit 16 fume hoods in a very small space and coordinate the addition of rooftop supply and exhaust fans to serve this large HVAC need. SABA was a steadying element between the landlord and tenant through lease negotiations and space planning helping the entire project come together.

Certifications

SABA was tasked with renovating and expanding Turner Construction’s 4-story Seattle office. While retaining the loft-like atmosphere of Turner’s turn of the century heavy-timber building, SABA increased the efficiency and diversity of the space while using ecologically responsible materials. The project received LEED Gold Certification and was a winner of Shaw’s “Design Is” award. 

Project done in collaboration with Nell Studio

By remaining in their current space and retaining many of the core elements from their 1994 build-out, a new feel needed to be created while retaining the original context. This paradox placed particular emphasis on the use of new materials, which is a challenge when one of the project goals is to focus on sustainability.  While the design retained 40% of the existing interior elements as well as 49% of the existing furnishings, the design has met Turner’s goals creating a completely re-imagined work environment along with a significant increase in space utilization.  Along with reusing existing interior materials and furniture, the design and construction team also took additional steps to meet LEED Gold standards; 98% of construction waste was diverted from landfills, water use was reduced by 38%, and lighting-power-density was decreased 19%.  Additionally 42% of project materials were regionally manufactured, 15% were regionally extracted while Turner opted to purchase 50% of their electricity from renewable resources.

The scope of design on this project includes eleven floors of offices plus a series of special function floors that includes a second level public accessible full-service cafeteria and a roof-top event space that opens up via folding doors entirely to a surrounding deck. 

The design concept was built on the idea of “Game Changers” with each floor celebrating an innovator who influenced history up to the current day.

SABA created a 'hospital within a hospital' by converting a dormant nursing wing within an existing hospital into a state-of-the-art 34-bed, 16,235 SF private, provider-based acute geriatric psychiatric hospital in Monroe, Washington. In addition to patient rooms, the facility includes a pharmacy, a courtroom, and an outpatient counseling center. An adjacent outdoor space was enclosed and reconfigured to be used by patients.

Teaming up with a major Seattle based healthcare provider, SABA designed a 5,400 SF outpatient clinic that combines primary care with sports medicine and physical therapy within Seattle’s unique NHL Ice Center development. The outpatient clinic includes 7 universal exam rooms, a Physical Therapy Gym, Radiology, and a Laboratory. Patient flows were developed in a Lean Process charrette, using a patient focused care module. Optimizing space utilization, flexibility for future services, and collaboration across services were a few of the guiding principles at the forefront of the design. 

This 21-story tower includes a second level reception, seventeen floors of offices, training facility, and a suite of webcast studios. The two-story penthouse level includes alternative work spaces, a games area, and a full-service cafeteria/event space.

Desks and Departures 
The project explores use of entire floors dedicated to alternative work environments. Employees still have a personal desk, but can also visit one of these amenity floors for break out meeting areas, small private offices for heads-down work, or lounges intended for casual conversation. 

Social Penthouse
The top floor acts as a hub for individuals on laptops doing work and not just socializing. We found that offering different work environments allows employees to choose a space relevant to the task they are working on while also connecting with other people in the company they may not interact with on a regular basis.

Modern Dermatology commissioned SABA to design their first clinic.  SABA converted a 3,200 SF double height shell space into a two story 5,400 SF full service dermatology clinic. Located on a major thoroughfare, the clinic presents itself as a clean 2-story lantern from the street and carries that aesthetic throughout with the use of simple lines, crisp materials, and a minimal color palette.

After working successfully with SABA on several projects, this premier project management group selected SABA to work with them to remodel and expand their offices to accommodate explosive growth and provide a more professional and functional workplace.

SABA has worked on numerous ongoing projects with University of Washington including the development of their neighborhood clinics.

Federal Way Clinic: For this project, an existing 5,800 SF primary care clinic was enlarged by incorporating an adjacent 1,470 space to provide urgent care facilities. The new space had seven new exam rooms, a large team room, and a combination break room/conference room. In addition, the 1,270 SF reception area and waiting room was renovated to accommodate the expanded services. The clinic remained open during construction.

Shoreline Clinic: For this project, the existing 1,800 SF reception area and waiting room were remodeled and a new conference room was added. The clinic remained open during construction.

Woodinville Clinic: For this project, an existing 7,400 SF primary care clinic was enlarged by incorporating an adjacent 2,200 SF space to provide urgent care facilities. The new area had seven exam rooms, a staff team room, a new conference room, and an additional reception area. The clinic remained open during construction.

When the current owner took possession of this architecturally significant building designed in 1959 by prominent Seattle architect O.M Bumgardner, it had suffered decades of neglect and a number of unsympathetic interior remodels. Budgetary limitations dictated that work retain the existing glazing, mechanical distribution, and portions of the interior build-out. SABA used selective demolition, careful placement of new interior walls, and fresh interior finishes to reinforce the building's iconic mid-century lines while bringing the space in-line with current functional and aesthetic requirements.

Finding a location for a new compounding pharmacy within the existing Virginia Mason hospital was particularly difficult due to the age of the existing construction, the ceiling height required in the mixing rooms, the existing mechanical systems, and the floor to floor height. Six locations were considered before deciding on the 11th floor of the existing hospital.

The design incorporates a USP 797 chemo mixing room, a USP 797 room for mixing of investigational drugs, a non-hazardous mixing room, a USP 800 drug storage room, and a non-hazardous pharmacy storage room. There is also one central workroom that provides viewing into each of the mixing rooms. There are separate anterooms for the hazardous and non-hazardous mixing rooms.  

WIC's new facility includes a pharmacy where drugs are received, stored, and distributed, an outpatient clinic with Exam Rooms, physical therapy space, consultation offices, and a laboratory for clinical studies which will be expanding into gene therapy research.

SABA converted an existing office into a new office and lab space for start-up biotech company Faraday Pharmaceuticals. The project included administration areas, a staff lounge, a 2,700 SF laboratory, a small pre-clinical lab, and two procedure rooms. SABA utilized interior windows, transparent thresholds, and unique finishes, along with Faraday’s branding colors to create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the multi-function workspaces. 

 We took inspiration from Faraday's lightning bolt logo, honoring namesake Michael Faraday's experiments in electrochemistry, to develop a color scheme of soft neutral colors with bold punches of orange. Erlenmeyer flask pendant lights in the break room, and bright recessed strip lighting marking the front entrance.

For Faraday it was important to break down typical lab/office barriers.  SABA accomplished this locating shared desk spaces with floor to ceiling windows along the boundary between the labs and offices which are interspersed with full height glass doors.  The desk areas look into the laboratory space on the one side allowing scientists to work on reports and enjoy a cup of coffee while keeping an eye on experiments on the lab benches.

SABA’s fifth major project for Nanostring is their first facility outside of downtown Seattle. The project makes use of the much larger suburban floor plates to create a spacious and efficient home for Nanostring’s product testing and distribution center. Particular attention was paid to breaking down the visual barriers between laboratory and office functions.

ArtHOME is a brand new facility dedicated to serving Seattle's communities experiencing trauma and homelessness. Providing an outlet for friendship and creativity, Path with Art's new ArtHOME aims to broaden the non-profit's social impact by offering an elevated and inviting hub for students to come together and create.

An orthopedic surgery center that will offer comprehensive care from the region’s most respected, specialized, and experienced surgeons.

Ambulatory Surgery Center
Southern Oregon Orthopedic

Block 21 Alt-work Hub
Confidential Client

A workplace project, complete with a fully equipped commissary kitchen, café, and coffee bar, each supporting multiple space types for relaxation, privacy, social events, and collaboration.

This relocation to the 42,000 sq ft Tukwila space is a unique opportunity for growth, becoming a state-of-the-art facility for the company. 

Historic Building Repositioning
Confidential Client

Discovery Focused Research Facility
Intellectual Ventures

SABA concurrently designed and managed two separate projects, a 6,500 SF chemistry lab/office build-out, a 12,500 SF office renovation, and a central break area for the entire second floor. 

Non-profit Headquarters
The Nature Conservancy

201 Elliott
Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Seattle Headquarters
Washington Institute for Coagulation

A reorganization of discrete labs into large shared “super labs”, expansion into off-campus buildings, expansion of the cell processing facility, and a vivarium expansion.

Townhall Gathering Space
Lundbeck Biopharma

Headquarters Expansion
Artificial Intelligence Company

Seattle Flagship
Bulletproof Coffee Company

Early Education and Research Center
University of California, Santa Cruz

Non-profit Headquarters
Raikes Foundation

Pharmaceutical Office & Labs
Faraday Pharmaceutical

Block 18 Childcare Center
Bright Horizons

Woodinville Childcare Center
Bright Horizons

Ballard Blocks Childcare Center
Bright Horizons

Santa Clara Childcare Center
Bright Horizons

The Cultural Café and Workspace is an office space that has implemented a newly developed workplace strategy that recognizes the future of the hybrid employee.

This adaptive reuse of a 3 story department store located in historic downtown Santa Barbara. The expansive 18’ structure heights and the large floor plate were leveraged to create an open plan concept with a contemporary warehouse feel and lots of natural light.

Santa Barbara Historic Building Repositioning
Confidential Client

Block 18 Commercial Offices
Confidential Client

Our Work

ArtHOME