Confidential Financial Technology Company

Austin, TX | 90,000 SF

Located in Austin, TX, this 90,000-square-foot workplace expansion spans three levels and reflects a broad shift in how organizations are rethinking the role of the office. Originally planned as a footprint reduction from two floors to one, the project expanded to three floors in response to evolving return-to-work strategies, requiring a nimble and highly responsive design approach. The result is an amenity-rich environment that blends focused workspaces with immersive social settings—supporting both productivity and connection while giving employees compelling reasons to return to the office.

Grounded in the concept that the constant is change and inspired by the company's evolving business and Austin's rapid cultural and urban growth, the design unfolds across three floors as a layered spatial experience of transition, contrast, and discovery. A refined base palette of cool neutrals is complemented by warm, regionally inspired tones—terracotta, deep blues, and burgundy—creating a balance between global identity and local character.

The workplace is organized around a central circulation path that activates the core and guides employees through a sequence of curated environments. Soft, rounded geometries and flowing forms create a sense of movement while subtly reinforcing brand language. Open work areas, private offices, and a variety of meeting spaces are mixed with informal collaboration zones, offering flexibility and choice throughout the day.

The emphasis on destination-based amenities shapes the workplace into a neighborhood-like experience. Distinct environments—a speakeasy-inspired lounge, a kitchen for cooking demonstrations, a high-energy game room, and a detailed dining space—introduce moments of surprise and hospitality into the daily routine. Large-scale gathering areas further support connection, hosting team events and all-hands meetings.

Experiential graphics play an integral role in shaping identity and wayfinding throughout the space. Custom murals and environmental graphics respond to Austin's creative culture while reinforcing the overarching narrative of change and evolution. Integrated into the architecture, these elements create memorable visual moments without relying on overt branding.

Materially, the project balances industrial authenticity with refined detailing. Exposed ceilings, blackened steel, and warm wood tones are paired with layered lighting and rich textures, resulting in an environment that feels both elevated and approachable.

Delivered on an accelerated timeline, the project leveraged a highly visual design process to streamline decision-making and maintain design integrity from concept through completion. The resulting workplace is dynamic, flexible, and deeply connected to its context—designed not just to support work, but to enhance the overall employee experience.

This project builds on a longstanding partnership, with IA supporting the company's workplace strategy and design initiatives nationwide since 2018, totaling over 250,000 SF. From Timonium and Plymouth Meeting to Omaha and beyond, each project reflects a shared commitment to creating environments that respond to local context while maintaining a cohesive, high-performing workplace experience.