AIA honors NBBJ-designed Topline HQ in Washington
The NBBJ-designed Topline Corporation Headquarters, which integrates showroom and work-space, has been honored by the Seattle chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), at their annual Design Awards held at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Washington.
The 38,000 square feet renovation project received a Merit Award from AIA. Washington-based design practice NBBJ transformed the warehouse/office of Topline Corp, a footwear design company based in Bellevue, Washington, into a fashion-forward design studio.
The project includes a new lobby, design studios, showrooms including a 40 feet long catwalk, corporate offices, meeting facilities, shoe library, magazine lounge, cafe, and informal brainstorming areas.
Topline was faced with the challenge of finding a new home, or renovating its current warehouse. For Topline to remain yet expand in its current place, NBBJ coupled the showroom with the design studio.
Shoes play a central role in organizing the new space; open workstations line the perimeter with ample room in front of the desks to design and wear-test. With designs placed prominently on the showroom floor, clients are able to see the process from start to finish, creating a transparent environment.
The industrial warehouse-turned fashion showroom-cum collaborative work place is designed to enhance Topline’s brand, and connect employees more directly with their work.
The AIA Seattle chapter honored architects and their project teams from across Washington State for projects exemplifying best examples in a broad array of sectors from single- and multi-family residential, to civic and commercial.
