As the leader in innovative HVAC solutions, Daikin has long been synonymous with comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. With the opening of its new design center in Tukwila, Washington, Daikin is reimagining how customers interact with HVAC technology. Designed in collaboration with IA, the 3,800-square-foot space serves as the brand’s first direct-to-public retail experience in the U.S., merging technical expertise with an inviting, home-like atmosphere.

Stepping inside, visitors are welcomed into a thoughtfully curated environment that blends interactive education with a tactile, residential aesthetic. More than just a showroom—it’s a destination designed to change the way people think about heating and cooling, making it a more engaging, accessible, and even inspiring experience.

Photography by Wade Trenbeath

Photography by Wade Trenbeath

A Consumer-Centric Approach to HVAC Education

Traditional HVAC showrooms often focus on technical details, leaving customers struggling to engage with the technology in a meaningful way. Daikin’s design center takes the opposite approach, putting consumers at the heart of the experience.

Visitors don’t just browse equipment; they step into real-life scenarios where HVAC solutions are seamlessly integrated. A cozy living room setup demonstrates the quiet efficiency of advanced climate control, while a modern home office highlights how air quality can enhance productivity and well-being. The highlight of the experience is the Hot and Cold Experience Room, an interactive setting where airflow patterns are projected onto walls while visitors physically feel temperature variations. This immersive approach transforms abstract HVAC principles into a sensory experience, allowing them to become easier to remember.

The entire space is designed for intuitive navigation, naturally guiding visitors through educational zones, interactive product demonstrations, and expert consultations. Thoughtfully placed digital touchpoints provide engaging explanations of complex HVAC concepts, ensuring that learning about air systems feels effortless and enjoyable.

Photography by Wade Trenbeath

Photography by Wade Trenbeath

Blurring the Lines Between Retail and Residential

One of the biggest challenges in the HVAC industry is shifting the perception of these systems from purely technical necessities to lifestyle-enhancing solutions. To achieve this, IA infused the design center with warmth and residential comfort, creating a welcoming environment that encourages exploration.

Rich materials, such as composite wood and large-format porcelain tile flooring, strike a balance between elegance and durability. A preserved green wall reinforces Daikin’s commitment to sustainability while adding a natural, calming element. Overhead, an inlaid wood grille ceiling introduces warmth and sophistication. Carefully selected furnishings, including rugs, artwork, and soft seating, further blur the line between retail and residential, making visitors feel at ease as they explore the latest in HVAC innovation.

Overcoming Challenges Through Design

Bringing this ambitious vision to life required overcoming several key challenges through innovative design thinking. HVAC systems are often hidden from sight, which can be challenging to showcase in a compelling way. By incorporating storytelling elements and interactive displays, IA made complex technology both accessible and visually engaging.

Creating a seamless visitor flow was another crucial consideration. The layout was meticulously planned to ensure a frictionless experience, gently guiding guests from discovery to decision-making. Each area is carefully curated to optimize engagement, whether through hands-on demonstrations, educational moments, or direct consultations with Daikin experts.

Beyond functionality, sustainability was a core design principle. The space not only highlights the company’s energy-efficient products but also serves as a testament to eco-conscious design, utilizing the brand’s own cutting-edge HVAC technology alongside environmentally friendly materials.

Photography by Wade Trenbeath