For a family foundation like investment firm East Seattle Partners (ESP), the most natural fit for its headquarters was a standalone volume on Mercer Island reminiscent of a private home. Locally based PUBLIC47 ARCHITECTS conceived a high-performance, all-electric structure reflective of the company’s environmental goals, resulting in a 15,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified workplace. “The project distinguishes itself through its combination of environmental performance, regional materials, and human-centered design—qualities not commonly integrated at this scale on Mercer Island,” says PUBLIC47 partner Scot Carr. “The design was inspired by the site’s unique constraints—its steep grade change, compact footprint, and Mercer Island’s zoning limits—as well as the client’s desire for a building that feels both timeless and future-looking.”
Fostering space for both collaboration and privacy, the ESP office spans two stories and includes a third-level mezzanine workspace and a 3,500-square-foot roof deck. Across all three floors, a central staircase links smaller private offices, meeting rooms, and breakout areas. Primary conference rooms are equipped with movable wall systems for acoustic support and discretion as well.
Honoring sustainability as a key design tenant, interiors are defined by low-emitting finishes, enhanced ventilation, and abundant natural light. The rooftop is also endowed with native planting supportive of stormwater management, local habitats, and the reduction of heat island effects. PUBLIC47’s design also boasts a 47-percent energy reduction through a medley of performance strategies including LED lighting, rooftop solar panels, and electrical HVAC systems systems with heat recovery. The building’s regionally sourced cross-laminated timber construction reduces embodied carbon as well. Carr adds, “Overall, the intent was to create a healthy, uplifting environment—one that feels rooted in place yet progressive in performance and design aesthetic.”
