SRO - Symetra Financial Center  — Bellevue , WA

The Symetra Center in Bellevue, WA, owned by Sterling Realty Organization (SRO), was renovated in 2023-2024 by CollinsWoerman Architecture and Greyscale Design Studio Interior Architects. “SRO’s goal was to make it one of the most desirable office buildings in downtown Bellevue and beyond,” SRO’s vice president and chief investment officer, Whit Hamlin, said in a news release. 9Wood’s solid wood ceilings were the perfect solution to meet their goal.

The building’s main-floor renovation was done to appeal to today’s workforce and draws design cues from the hospitality industry, SRO’s release said. Elements include natural wood finishes both inside and out. The design team enlisted 9Wood to manufacture ceiling clouds with various member sizes and spacing to create warmth and visual interest in the public spaces. 9Wood Cross Piece Grilles were strategically placed over seating areas and reception to both define the spaces and provide excellent acoustics. “There is a major shakeout occurring in the office market,” Hamlin noted. “Research has shown that highly amenitized buildings, particularly those that offer enhanced indoor and outdoor gathering spaces and prioritize wellness, outperform their competitors. By taking a hospitality-centric and amenity-focused approach to all the common areas, we’ve created a place where tenants and guests want to be.”

Custom lighting was selected for each of the seating areas. The install team from Acoustical Design, Inc. was able to easily integrate lighting among and between the wood members using detailed 9Wood-provided shop drawings. To assist maintenance crews, access panels were installed where needed. 9Wood’s project management team was available for consultation along the way for any unique scenarios or questions that arose.

9Wood Grilles installed in exterior soffits welcome visitors as they enter and seamlessly flow through the glazing to meet the interior Grille ceilings. Natural wood provides balance to other finishes, such as nickel and steel paneling, glass, and marble. Together, they create a cohesive aesthetic that blends structural strength with human-centric, biophilic design. Taking a hospitality approach to design in a mixed-use commercial space, using beautiful wood ceiling finishes, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood by establishing a direct visual connection to nature.