Gresham Smith Projects Win IIDA Tennessee Chapter Design Awards

August 26, 2019

Gresham Smith projects were recognized by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Tennessee Chapter at the Composing Great Design Awards Gala on August 1. Hines’ mixed-use tower at 222 2nd Avenue South in Nashville won the Corporate Large category while Kaiser Permanente’s Regional Office in Atlanta won Best Furniture Application.

“Kaiser Permanente’s Georgia Regional Offices and the 222 building demonstrate how critical interior design is to shaping and facilitating the evolving workplace,” said Al Pramuk, chairman and CEO, Gresham Smith. “We’re proud to be recognized by IIDA Tennessee for designs that support health and well-being. From a focus on amenities to daylighting and views to strategies that promote physical activity, our workplace solutions engender collaboration and connection for a mobile, technologically-focused work force.”

International real estate firm Hines sought to capitalize on downtown Nashville’s popular and evolving SoBro neighborhood just south of Broadway. Gresham Smith led the design of a 390,000-square-foot, 25-story office tower across from West Riverfront Park and Ascend Amphitheater. It is the newest addition to Nashville’s booming commercial-real estate portfolio, transforming the city’s skyline and the SoBro neighborhood. Inside, Hines wanted the space to reflect Nashville and be a bit more playful and lively. Natural stone tile is a departure from Hines’ other lobby areas and an internally illuminated feature wall lends warmth to an otherwise crisp, white space. A 3,653 square-foot green roof terrace features a bar, fire pits, a variety of outdoor seating and a grassy space for games, making this space a magnet for al fresco lunches and events.

Kaiser Permanente’s Regional Office was growing quickly. This problem, normally solved by increased leased space, instead inspired regional leadership to look at how they could use the current space more efficiently and even potentially reduce overall square footage. Gresham Smith worked with Kaiser Permanente to develop workplace strategies that would drive a more mobile, open and collaborative work environment. The design team created a furniture mock-up that gave users an introduction to the workstation types and, simultaneously, allay concerns about lower partitions and less privacy. Since Kaiser Permanente is a national healthcare company, occupant health and wellness were major drivers for the interior; the new office is bright and encourages activity and highlights the influence furniture can have on the comfort and productivity of workers.

The International Interior Design Association strives to enhance quality of life through excellence in Interior Design and to advance Interior Design through knowledge. IIDA Tennessee Chapter is a dynamic organization that provides Interior Designers in Tennessee opportunities to enhance professional stature and guarantee a competitive edge. IIDA’s planned approach to enhancing the profession of interior design focuses on image, advocacy, leadership, connection to a global network, knowledge, and education.

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