MINNEAPOLIS, MN Lexi Sosalla, Interior Design Intern in HDR's Minneapolis, Minnesota, architecture studio, was one of five finalists in Steelcase's recent NEXT Student Design Competition, in which 800 students from 65 design schools across the United States competed. Challenged to create a next-generation 11,000-square-foot design studio in Los Angeles's entertainment district, the students presented their final designs to a seven-member panel of industry leaders.

Sosalla only has to look to her immediate surroundings to see the research and principles that formed the basis of her design at work. "They are used every day in the Minneapolis office," said the University of Minnesota junior.

The focus of Sosalla's design is an architectural branding partition. The partition is used to integrate an ergonomic reception area that includes a height-adjustable desk, mini fridge, copier and other resources to assist visitors. Four personas helped inform her design concept of what she refers to as the "reveal gradient," leading Sosalla to conclude that the same person has different needs throughout the day in order to do his or her best work.

Although the finalists were given similar parameters for their designs, their projects resulted in varying concepts, space plans and proposals. The finalists' projects and interviews are featured on the Steelcase website. A case study on the Minneapolis architecture studio is available on the Steelcase website as well.  

"We are very happy that Lexi was selected as a finalist for this competition," said Julie Robertson, NCIDQ, IIDA, Senior Interior Designer in HDR's Minneapolis studio. "It's always exciting to see a student get involved in industry competitions. It shows ambition and drive, which Lexi continues to show on a daily basis. I am very grateful for all of her hard work and passion. She is truly a team player."