Design Firm: Envision Design
Design Firm Location: Washington, D.C.
Project Name/Client: IIDA headquarters
Project Location: Chicago, IL
Products: Man Made Stria Tile, Man Made Tile

What is Design?
Design is the successful exploration of a project’s potential.

How is Design best illustrated through the project?
Design is illustrated through the successful integration of multiple goals including sustainability, functionality, flexibility, and a desire the represent the multiple sectors of the interior design community.

Biggest Design Challenge?
The biggest design challenges were to functionally resolve the oddly shaped space and incorporate a high level of sustainability within an existing 1920’s era office building.

What made it Innovative or Unique?
The challenge to the design team was to create a space that represented the highest standards for the interior design industry in terms of human health and wellbeing, materials, furniture, HVAC systems, and environmental responsibility.  A goal was set to achieve the highest level or LEED-CI certification possible within the constraints of the base building and reasonable budget.  The design team also worked closely with the IIDA Board of Directors and a variety of industry partners who discounted or donated materials to the project.

How did Design make a difference?
For the first time in IIDA history, the organization owns and operates its own state-of-the-art conference facility.  The facility allows the IIDA to host a variety of events and to rent out the space to other groups.  The design contributes to better heath and wellbeing for employees and all others who use the space through access to natural light, increased ventilation, individual temperature control, and materials that don’t off-gas harmful chemicals.  The project sets an example by being the first and only professional design association headquarters to receive a Gold LEED-CI rating.

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