After 20 years in the same location, IA Interior Architects, Atlanta recently unveiled its stunning new studio combining southern hospitality with an industrial vibe. Located in the popular Atlantic Station district, the environment emphasizes community, sustainability, creativity and functionality. Arborite, whose own ethos resonates with the same values, is pleased to have two of its most innovative products (anti-fingerprint and in-registered embossed laminates) specified within the project.  

IA is a multi-disciplinary, employee-owned practice operating 23 locations worldwide while maintaining a one-firm philosophy. Inter-office knowledge sharing combined with a commitment to creativity, innovation, growth and community drive IA’s design process- empowering the firm to create effective and forward-thinking work environments for the workplace, hospitality, retail and healthcare sectors. IA believes the human experience is at the core of all design, and the new Atlanta studio is no exception.    

IA Atlanta became the first tenant in the T3 West Midtown, a heavy commercial building offered by the developer Hines. The site is within walking distance of showrooms and industry activities, making the new studio an ideal venue for hosting clients and local chapters of professional organizations, including IIDA, AIA and CREW, as well as student and community events. Throughout, each space and design element speaks to purpose and connection.

The building’s architecture features distinctive timber column and beam construction complemented by open ceilings and full-length windows. Visitors enter through a modern interpretation of a screened in porch with parlor tables, chairs and a custom designed sofa.

A direct view to a pantry invites gatherings and celebrations. The substantial black-marble communal table sits in front of a beautiful credenza built with Arborite’s Artisan Walnut laminate (W2003) featuring the innovative AW (aligned walnut) finish. This technology embosses texture to exactly match the surface design, providing unprecedented fidelity that looks like a natural product while providing the superior performance and cleanability characteristics of an engineered material. The flanking cabinetry also features a high-tech material innovation- Arborite’s Black Satin (V7003) anti-fingerprint laminate. Difficult to smudge and easy-to-maintain, this is the perfect specification for touchpoint and high-traffic areas.

W2003, Coppered Artisan Walnut and V7003, Black Satin - Photo credit Alex Arnett

Adjacent to the entry, the studio’s library showcases the firm’s design process. The islands again feature Arborite’s Artisan Walnut laminate with the aligned finish. Because lasting durability is as important as style in this application, the tabletops are also crafted from Arborite’s Black Satin anti-fingerprint laminate.

Adjacent to the entry, the studio’s library showcases the firm’s design process. The islands again feature Arborite’s Artisan Walnut laminate with the aligned finish. Because lasting durability is as important as style in this application, the tabletops are also crafted from Arborite’s Black Satin anti-fingerprint laminate.

Working project boards along corridors activate circulation zones and are ready to be pulled into any setting- breakout areas, meeting rooms with state-of-the-art video conferencing and private phone rooms. Arborite employs a similar process of using mood boards to ensure its laminate designs complement other on-trend materials used in commercial interiors.         

W2003, Coppered Artisan Walnut and V7003, Black Satin - Photo credit Alex Arnett

IA’s dedication to sustainability and a healthy user experience is obvious in its pursuit of Fitwel certification and mindful specification of materials- such as Arborite laminates which are Greenguard certified for indoor air quality and FSC- certified.  

Working across a variety of market sectors, including workplace, retail, hospitality and healthcare has equipped IA with a unique perspective and one conclusion- the human experience is at the core of all design. The firm is committed to designing highly energized environments where people thrive, and its new Atlanta studio is a perfect example.

IA Interior Architects