Inside Out- Living the Outdoors from Within
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 INTERIOR DESIGN / Office Interior Design
School / University Name:Savannah College of Art and Design
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Zahra Mevaa
Professor Name(s):Annelise Mihopulos
Project Location:757 S Alameda St., Suite 400, Los Angeles
Design Status:Concept
Project Description:
Inside Out: Living the Outdoors from Within Located on the fourth floor of ROW DTLA in Los Angeles, Inside Out redefines the law office as an immersive, nature-inspired workplace where boundaries between inside and outside dissolve. Designed for Next Law Firm, the concept transforms interior space into a dynamic environment infused with light, organic materials, and fluid transitions that echo the outdoors. Inspired by the creative, non-traditional identity of ROW DTLA, the design challenges the conventional, rigid image of legal offices. Instead, it prioritizes well-being, connection, and innovation by creating a workplace that feels open, energizing, and human-centered. Inside Out functions as a living ecosystem, supporting productivity while nurturing mental and physical health. It balances professionalism with moments of ease, interaction, and discovery, encouraging movement, creativity, and collaboration. By strengthening the relationship between employees, their environment, and the surrounding community, the design fosters a more engaging and sustainable work culture where individuals feel focused, inspired, and connected throughout the day.
Inside Out: Living the Outdoors from Within Located on the fourth floor of ROW DTLA in Los Angeles, Inside Out redefines the law office as an immersive, nature-inspired workplace where boundaries between inside and outside dissolve. Designed for Next Law Firm, the concept transforms interior space into a dynamic environment infused with light, organic materials, and fluid transitions that echo the outdoors. Inspired by the creative, non-traditional identity of ROW DTLA, the design challenges the conventional, rigid image of legal offices. Instead, it prioritizes well-being, connection, and innovation by creating a workplace that feels open, energizing, and human-centered. Inside Out functions as a living ecosystem, supporting productivity while nurturing mental and physical health. It balances professionalism with moments of ease, interaction, and discovery, encouraging movement, creativity, and collaboration. By strengthening the relationship between employees, their environment, and the surrounding community, the design fosters a more engaging and sustainable work culture where individuals feel focused, inspired, and connected throughout the day.
Project Innovation / Specification:
Inside Out is designed to address the daily challenges of legal professionals through an inclusive, high-performance environment. The office is fully ADA accessible, with clear circulation, adaptable workstations, and ergonomic furniture that support comfort and usability for all. A key feature, Kids Next Door, is an integrated on-site daycare that promotes well-being and work-life balance by reducing external stress and allowing employees to stay present and engaged throughout the day. Custom design elements reinforce the nature-driven concept. Bespoke wallpaper with vibrant tree motifs reinterprets the outdoors, while puzzle-shaped acoustic baffles enhance sound control and introduce a playful identity. Responding to long working hours and burnout in the legal field, the project incorporates biophilic strategies such as living green walls, planted ceilings, and sky ceilings that simulate natural light. These features blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, fostering calm, improving focus, and reconnecting employees with nature and their environment.
Inside Out is designed to address the daily challenges of legal professionals through an inclusive, high-performance environment. The office is fully ADA accessible, with clear circulation, adaptable workstations, and ergonomic furniture that support comfort and usability for all. A key feature, Kids Next Door, is an integrated on-site daycare that promotes well-being and work-life balance by reducing external stress and allowing employees to stay present and engaged throughout the day. Custom design elements reinforce the nature-driven concept. Bespoke wallpaper with vibrant tree motifs reinterprets the outdoors, while puzzle-shaped acoustic baffles enhance sound control and introduce a playful identity. Responding to long working hours and burnout in the legal field, the project incorporates biophilic strategies such as living green walls, planted ceilings, and sky ceilings that simulate natural light. These features blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, fostering calm, improving focus, and reconnecting employees with nature and their environment.
Project Sustainability Approach:
Inside Out approaches sustainability in a way that feels both environmental and deeply human. The design brings nature into the workplace through living green walls, planted ceilings, and sky ceilings that enhance air quality, reduce stress, and lessen the need for artificial lighting. Materials are carefully chosen to be healthier and more responsible, including low-VOC finishes, recycled content, and sustainably sourced wood. Custom features are designed with longevity in mind, helping reduce waste and extend the space's life. Natural daylight is maximized to lower energy use, supported by efficient LED lighting and smart controls. The flexible layout also allows the office to evolve, avoiding unnecessary renovations. Kids Next Door, the on-site daycare, contributes to sustainability by reducing daily commutes and supporting a better work-life balance. By focusing on both environmental impact and employee well-being, Inside Out creates a workplace that feels responsible, adaptable, and genuinely supportive of the people who use it every day.
Inside Out approaches sustainability in a way that feels both environmental and deeply human. The design brings nature into the workplace through living green walls, planted ceilings, and sky ceilings that enhance air quality, reduce stress, and lessen the need for artificial lighting. Materials are carefully chosen to be healthier and more responsible, including low-VOC finishes, recycled content, and sustainably sourced wood. Custom features are designed with longevity in mind, helping reduce waste and extend the space's life. Natural daylight is maximized to lower energy use, supported by efficient LED lighting and smart controls. The flexible layout also allows the office to evolve, avoiding unnecessary renovations. Kids Next Door, the on-site daycare, contributes to sustainability by reducing daily commutes and supporting a better work-life balance. By focusing on both environmental impact and employee well-being, Inside Out creates a workplace that feels responsible, adaptable, and genuinely supportive of the people who use it every day.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
Located in ROW DTLA, Inside Out is an unconventional office for an unconventional community. It supports the Arts District’s evolution into a vibrant, creative, and community-focused destination. Locally, the project enhances employees' daily lives by promoting well-being and encouraging engagement with nearby shops, food spaces, and public areas, rather than staying confined to the office. Regionally, its central location in Los Angeles and proximity to major transit hubs support more sustainable commuting and reduce reliance on cars. By rethinking the traditional law office as a flexible, human-centered space, Inside Out contributes to a broader shift in workplace design, helping revitalize downtown offices while attracting a diverse and creative
Located in ROW DTLA, Inside Out is an unconventional office for an unconventional community. It supports the Arts District’s evolution into a vibrant, creative, and community-focused destination. Locally, the project enhances employees' daily lives by promoting well-being and encouraging engagement with nearby shops, food spaces, and public areas, rather than staying confined to the office. Regionally, its central location in Los Angeles and proximity to major transit hubs support more sustainable commuting and reduce reliance on cars. By rethinking the traditional law office as a flexible, human-centered space, Inside Out contributes to a broader shift in workplace design, helping revitalize downtown offices while attracting a diverse and creative
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Zahra Mevaa
