University of Washington Autism Center
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Client: University of Washington
Size: 3,900 SF |
Delivery method: Progressive Design-Build
Location: Seattle, WA |
The UW Autism Center provides vital support and services for individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorders. A recent renovation transformed the Center into a more functional, therapeutic, and welcoming environment.
Led by the design-build team of TGB Architects and Skanska, the project focused on collaboration, inclusivity, and human-centered design. From the earliest planning sessions, the team engaged directly with staff and stakeholders to shape a space that reflects the Center’s mission of care and support.
Led by the design-build team of TGB Architects and Skanska, the project focused on collaboration, inclusivity, and human-centered design. From the earliest planning sessions, the team engaged directly with staff and stakeholders to shape a space that reflects the Center’s mission of care and support.
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Project Highlights
New Occupational Therapy Suites: Dedicated spaces were created to better serve patients in a setting tailored to sensory and developmental needs.
Improved Staff Workspace: Upgraded office areas support collaboration and focus, improving both functionality and comfort for care providers.
Welcoming Reception Area: A new entry experience provides clarity and calm for visitors, with thoughtful details aimed at reducing anxiety and enhancing wayfinding.
Improved Staff Workspace: Upgraded office areas support collaboration and focus, improving both functionality and comfort for care providers.
Welcoming Reception Area: A new entry experience provides clarity and calm for visitors, with thoughtful details aimed at reducing anxiety and enhancing wayfinding.
Collaborative Design Process
Human Experience Design: Early working sessions explored what clients wanted to feel in the space, not just what they wanted to see—creating a values-driven foundation for the design.
Interactive Concept Development: Clients participated in design exercises and engaged with visuals and materials to inform direction and align with their vision.
Flow Mapping & Bubble Diagrams: These tools helped optimize space layout and circulation, ensuring intuitive movement throughout the facility.
Test Fits with Budget Awareness: Designs balanced aspiration with feasibility, ensuring that donor resources were used effectively and responsibly.
The result is a warm, functional, and sensory-friendly environment that honors the UW Autism Center’s mission—supporting those affected by autism with dignity, care, and compassion.
Interactive Concept Development: Clients participated in design exercises and engaged with visuals and materials to inform direction and align with their vision.
Flow Mapping & Bubble Diagrams: These tools helped optimize space layout and circulation, ensuring intuitive movement throughout the facility.
Test Fits with Budget Awareness: Designs balanced aspiration with feasibility, ensuring that donor resources were used effectively and responsibly.
The result is a warm, functional, and sensory-friendly environment that honors the UW Autism Center’s mission—supporting those affected by autism with dignity, care, and compassion.
