The headquarters for Casey Family Programs houses nearly 250 employees working to serve the foundation’s mission: partnering with foster care providers to provide safe, permanent homes for all children. The four-story workplace is located in the new West 8th tower in downtown Seattle. The project is certified LEED® Gold CI.

The values of the family foundation are reflected in the design of the space. Material finishes are warm and residential in feel, and include reclaimed wood, resin panels and stone. The program is also organized like a home, with areas to gather and collaborate separated from areas to conduct quiet work. An internal stair links informal gathering space or “family rooms” on each floor. These spaces provide a place to share the history, goals, successes and challenges of the work.

The goal throughout was to create a comfortable and healthy environment which maximizes views and natural light. Whenever possible, axial circulation spines are oriented to views and interior glazed walls allow light to penetrate deep into the center of the building. Both shared and private work areas are designed to be flexible and share amenities. A multi-use café, meeting room and reading lounge is fitted with large operable walls and doors, accommodating different uses throughout the day. Multiple video conferencing spaces and a learning center support the communication and education/training that are the foundations of the organization’s work.