BUDGET OFFICE

bestofyear

budget office ia interior architects

Zwift, Long Beach, California

Zwift specializesin bringing people around the world together to train in virtual land and cityscapes. But in the brick-and-mortar world, the fitness-app developer found itself fragmented, with employees scattered across multiple buildings. To bring them under one roof, the tech company turned to IA to not only expand its headquarters but also have it live up to Zwift’s motto: “Fun powers performance.”

Supergraphics, slogans, and posters referencing the gaming-inspired app line the three-floor, 59,500-square-foot office, while color—be it a fuchsia perforatedmetal staircase surround or a citrus-hued conference area—nod to Zwift’s vivid branding. Sculptural LED fixtures enliven hallways, pantries, and break-out areas. Perforated felt panels hanging between rows of workstations help balance acoustics in the open-office neighborhoods. Materials throughout are humble yetauthentic: CNC-milled plywood arches, polished concrete flooring.

The addition of a retro-inspired Schwinn cruiser stationary bike outfitted with a tablet holder demonstrates that big bucks needn’t be shelled out for an overengineered machine to ride Zwift’s virtual trails. IA proves the same can be true for office design: By prioritizing low-cost solutions, the firm delivered an energetic, on-brand space for approximately $70 per square foot. —Katie Gerfen

PROJECT TEAM: LISA KELLY; ERIN TORRES; KRISTI BUCHLER; MICHAEL WILSON; BRYAN WOLFE; MARY CLARE GARRITY; ALEX BROWER; EMILY SANO; ASHLEY JAMES.