Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL)
In pursuit of enhancing educational outcomes, the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL), now part of the American Institutes for Research (AIR), sought a facility that would reflect their mission of bridging research, policy, and practice. To realize this vision, they partnered with Studio8 to design their new regional headquarters.
Studio8 led a comprehensive design effort, offering a full range of services, including site selection, programming, visioning, interior design, architecture, and furniture solutions. Together, they chose the Mueller development as the perfect location for the facility. The result is a highly adaptable and custom-designed space that meets the varied needs of SEDL’s key stakeholders—educators, administrators, parents, and policymakers—while supporting vital research and development initiatives.
The lobby serves as a welcoming center for guests and visitors as well as a pre-function space for the adjacent conference center. Floor to ceiling windows provide an abundance of natural light and the open stair to the level two board room is both functional and sculptural.
The warm neutral palette and natural light create a calm and serene atmosphere throughout. Bamboo is used on both vertical and horizontal surfaces to create continuity and stone is used both inside and out to provide a seamless transition from outdoors to indoors.
Floor to ceiling glazing at offices allows natural light to filter deep into the building interior. Frosted glazing provides privacy and doubles as a white board.
The design focuses on flexibility and efficiency, allowing the space to expand or contract as required. Key architectural elements include concrete tilt-wall construction with local stone accents, a striking two-story glass curtain wall lobby, and standout features like an education research library and outdoor classrooms with wireless access. Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with eco-friendly components such as a water reclamation system, recycled materials, and a high-efficiency HVAC system.
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