American Psychological Association

Designing an Updated, Collaborative Space

We provided architecture and engineering services to the American Psychological Association (APA), a non-profit organization representing psychologists to renovate their offices to be more collaborative as well as to retain and attract talent. Their existing space was designed 35 years ago, and had not been renovated since it was built.

The second floor, previously solely used by the marketing department, was redesigned to be utilized by multiple departments. The space had closed offices on perimeter creating a lack of daylighting for the middle cubicle section. In addition, that area was made up of high-walled cubicles, making collaboration and communication among team members a challenge.

The updated design flipped the space so that the closed offices moved inward and low-rise cubicles were placed on the perimeter. This design created space for a collaborative communal area with a pantry and movable panels for flexibility. Adding built-in banquettes right outside the collaborative area made an additional space for touch down meetings.