Brown Advisory Offices – Austin
IA Interior Architects designed a sustainable and refined space for Brown Advisory's offices in Austin, featuring a mix of authentic and local materials, functional work areas, and nods to the city's aesthetic.
IA Interior Architects created a sustainable yet refined space for the Brown Advisory offices in Austin, Texas.
Core to Brown Advisory’s mission is the concept of sustainability, which extends to providing their employees with a healthy working environment that supports their needs. They say “all that glitters is gold”, in this case it’s LEED Gold. The project achieved 61 of 110 points with 5 of 5 in the Innovation Category including: Green Cleaning Implementation, Purchasing Lamps, Comprehensive Composting, LTc Access to Quality Transit, and use of products with environmental product declarations.
Brown Advisory’s success in the Austin market has warranted a relocation to 33,000 SF of new space within Indeed Tower. The investment management firm’s primary goal was to create a local Austin destination expressing the company’s core values. The design concept is “Rooted + Refined,” inspired by Brown Advisory’s strong, stable foundation, balanced progressive culture, and mission to improve lives through sustainable investments. “Rooted” elements, are grounded in authentic and local materials—stone, marble, and wood—reference the firm’s integrity and strength. “Refined” elements are more delicate and flexible —soft curves, indirect lighting, and textures—speaking to the organization’s approachable culture. This dynamic mix uses a materials palette of brass and warm woods, along with pops of color, signifying strength, warmth, and energy.
Functional and support-work areas as well as lounge spaces promote productivity but also encourage moments of relaxation and socialization. Workstations are divided into neighborhoods for collaboration, and floating ceiling planes support good acoustics for open office areas that feel professional but not corporate. Plants and local artwork throughout highlight the importance of growth with a subtle nod to an Austin aesthetic and connection to the creative community.
Design: IA Interior Architects
Design Team: Manuel Navarro, Stephanie Long, Morgan Sartory, Kendi Sparks, Samantha Davila, Lisa LeGrand, Bill Gray, Emily Kaplan
Photography: Peter Molick
