Design with People in Mind® is our guiding mantra at Strada. We believe that the built environment should, first and foremost, serve the people who live, work, and play within it. Interior design shapes human experience—impacting behavior, emotions, productivity, and social connection—while meeting practical and functional needs.
At the start of every project, we take a deep dive into understanding the people who will use the space most, along with other key groups such as facilities staff, guests, and passersby.
In our recently completed project—the Weiss Pavilion T House—we engaged a diverse group of end users for the future Student Athlete Fueling Station in a guided Word Cloud activity. This collaborative exercise helped us identify the values and priorities for the space from the users’ perspectives. We gathered responses from students and faculty, and identified common themes that would shape the design direction.
We toured existing facilities used by athletes and athletic staff across campus to observe what worked well and where there was opportunity for improvement. We also looked at peer facilities at other local universities. We studied the finer details that define their daily experiences—from the uniforms they wear, to the colors of the turf and stadiums, to the connective paths between buildings. These observations directly informed our design approach and were synthesized into a final mood board that aligned the design vision across the team.
In every project, we balance the aesthetic qualities that set the tone of a space with the functional elements that ensure it supports its users. In this compact 2,200-square-foot facility serving 900 student-athletes, every inch had to be purposeful.
Early in the space planning phase, it became clear that a language of curves would be important. Curves help people feel more relaxed and welcome—a priority that emerged during our visioning session. This isn’t just intuitive; it’s supported by research, such as the work of Oshin Vartanian, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, who emphasizes the importance of user well-being in design.
(Source: Venetian Letter – Oshin Vartanian)
In the Weiss T House, students often move through the space quickly and in large groups, grabbing a drink or snack between classes and practice. The circulation path from the stadium concourse to the campus exterior needed to be intuitive and fluid. A generous curved pathway naturally guided movement and wrapped around the central serving counter.
The existing architecture of the stadium also featured curves, which we reflected in the space plan and extended to details such as lighting, furniture, and millwork. We played with massing to define a bright, open primary area near exterior windows for natural light, while creating more intimate secondary lounges with dropped ceiling planes and cozy nooks.
Variety in furniture was key to inclusivity. We know that offering choice is one of the best ways to ensure a welcoming environment. We included soft, cushy lounge chairs for relaxation; sturdy dining chairs to support football players; banquette nooks for studying; and communal tables to foster team bonding. The goal was to create a dynamic, supportive space for a range of needs and preferences.
Texture and materiality also shape how we experience a space. We integrated felt wall panels that add warmth and comfort while improving acoustics. The university’s athletics program has a strong visual identity, which we represented thoughtfully throughout the space. Custom graphic murals on felt wall coverings and bespoke signage paid homage to team history and achievements while integrating seamlessly with the architecture.
When selecting furniture upholstery, durability was paramount, given the high level of use. At the same time, we prioritized fabrics with a soft, inviting “hand” in sustainable material selections. A mix of colors, patterns, and materials brought visual interest and supported the branding palette.
Plants and the strong indoor-outdoor connection to the adjacent courtyard introduced biophilic elements that enhance user well-being. With the ability to step outside directly from the interior, athletes can choose to gather, refuel, or study in fresh air.
Ultimately, the most rewarding part of completing this space is witnessing how athletes and faculty engage with it. When a project is rooted in deep understanding and thoughtful collaboration, interior design becomes a powerful tool for elevating human experience.
