The History (and Future) of Office Design

Change is a vital part of architecture and design. As occupant needs change and morph, designers constantly reevaluate and redesign the built environment to meet those needs. This is especially evident in the workplace. Over the years, the workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation from a windowless room of cubicles to bright, inviting spaces that … Read more

Here’s Why Flexible Architecture is Taking Over the A&D World

The mindful intention spurring the sharing economy is also evident in the world of design and architecture. It’s not prudent or smart to have spaces that aren’t capable of doing double or triple time. Creating multi-functional spaces introduces both challenges and exciting new approaches to the built environment. Crowdfunding. Ridesharing. And, now Flexible Architecture. Hyper … Read more

This is the Kind of Architecture Millennial Workers Love.

According to the Pew Research Center, millennials comprise 35% of the American workforce, which makes them the largest generation in today’s labor force. This age group––those born between 1981 to 1996––is one of the most massive and most influential in society, and it’s critical to pay attention to their needs. This is especially true for … Read more

Is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring Toxic?

As eco-friendly design becomes more important for the health of building occupants and the planet, it’s up to all of us to carefully evaluate materials. The benefits of a particular building material may suddenly pale when its environmental impact is known. Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, a now popular flooring option, is one material in … Read more

Biophilic Design Makes Economic Sense Once You Look at These Data Points

Have you ever thought of biophilic design as a cost-saving design approach? Many people think biophilic design has to  be costly, but thankfully that’s not the case. That’s because while biophilic design can require an upfront investment, it pays dividends in the long run, both environmentally and financially. Here’s a closer look at how biophilic … Read more

Wood in Classrooms: The Secret to Better Grades?

Outside of the home, the classroom environment is where most children spend the majority of their time. K-12 education is a pivotal time in children’s development that helps them grow intellectually and socially. Since so many factors affect student achievement during this imperative period, having a holistic view of the educational experience is important. The … Read more

Patterns in Nature: The Importance and Examples

Natural Patterns and Human Well-being: A Deep Connection Nature has incredible patterns. Everywhere we turn in the natural world, these intricate patterns emerge, painting a complex tapestry that spans from the expansive spirals of distant galaxies to the delicate symmetry found in a leaf’s structure. These inherent patterns in nature are more than just visual … Read more

Restaurant Design Trends: How reclaimed wood fits in

People are eating out more than ever. Customer expectations have risen and they want more from their dining experiences. Restaurants need consumers to come in and come back. Great food alone is not enough. Design is integral to the total experience. It sets a tone and conveys a message and promise to customers. According to … Read more

The Longstanding Allure of Reclaimed Teak Wood

When I first learned about teak, its history, and all its benefits, I was fascinated by it. Over the years at TerraMai, we work with many wood types and surface materials but teak holds a special place. In many ways it reminds me of the great redwoods in the U.S. Another really majestic and amazing … Read more

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