IIDA & AIA grant ka architecture 2006 Design Award of Merit

The Cleveland Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) awarded ka architecture a 2006 Design Award of Merit for large corporate projects earlier this month. The award was given for the firm's design of ICI Paints' North American Headquarters located in Strongsville, Ohio.

"We're honored to receive this award," said William Ragaller, director of design, interior architectural studio.  "The ICI project afforded us the opportunity to collaborate very closely with ICI Paints to design an environment which successfully reinforced their corporate culture," he added.

ka  was commissioned by ICI Paints to provide guidance throughout the process of determining a new location, integrating culture change and branding within the design, and meeting budgetary expectations. The project successfully provided an open plan environment for the 420 ICI Paints employees who previously worked in a private office environment.  Key features of the design include color changing LED lighting, stretched tension fabric space dividers, incorporation of experimental ICI products, daylighting, and more than 50% recycled and reused materials keeping with the company's sustainable design initiatives.