IBM Design Studio

Austin, Texas

48,000 SF

Creating a new type of work environment to house IBM Watson’s innovative conceptual think tank initiative.
The Switzer Group designed the Austin Digital Design Lab as a pilot for future IBM Watson centers, representing a transformation in the overall IBM work culture. The Austin location houses IBM’s multi-disciplinary designers, including product, graphic, electrical, software, industrial, marketing and ergonomic designers, and their need for collaboration and alternative work conditions is paramount. The client’s vision was to develop an environment that fostered new types of interactions, technological innovations and collaborative work, and the space was created to evolve and morph as requirements and technology change, as well as be a showcase for IBM’s branding and messaging. This was achieved through the use of sit/stand movable tables, sliding "barn doors" such as white board partitions, which created flexible enclaves. Additionally, WIFI, movable power posts and loose lounge furniture were utilized.

“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”

Walt Disney