## Recognition for Excellence in Environmental Design
Altitude Design Office of Los Angeles has earned a prestigious 2017 American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA for their exceptional environmental graphics work on the Tangram Interiors headquarters remodel. This recognition stands out among 10,000 submissions in the Environmental Graphics category, highlighting the power of thoughtful design in shaping commercial spaces.
## Creating Spaces That Tell Stories
The Tangram headquarters project demonstrates how environmental graphics can transform a workspace beyond simple wayfinding. The design team faced a clear challenge: create an environment that would reflect Tangram's brand identity while celebrating Southern California's unique culture and lifestyle.
**"We knew we could count on the high quality of their work and their ability to understand the needs and vision for our headquarters,"** said Paul Smith, Tangram Interiors CMO. This partnership approach proved essential to the project's success.
## Design Elements That Make an Impact
Altitude Design's comprehensive approach touched multiple areas of the Tangram facility:
- **Living wall installation** with illuminated acrylic signage in the reception area - **The "Big Wall"** spanning over 120 feet across the showroom's back wall - **Large-scale lifestyle graphics** in the work café - **Statement signage** throughout employee workspaces - **Wayfinding elements** that guide visitors naturally through the space
## The Southern California Connection
Greg Nelson, Principal at Altitude Design, explains their strategic approach: **"Our approach used large SoCal lifestyle graphics to serve as backdrops for Tangram's furniture, flooring and technology products. The end result creates a series of unique vignettes that leaves visitors and employees alike with a vibrant impression of Tangram's culture and capabilities."**
This strategy recognizes that effective commercial design goes beyond aesthetics—it communicates company values and creates memorable experiences for both employees and clients.
## Lessons for Commercial Design Professionals
This award-winning project offers several key insights for commercial interior designers:
**Think beyond decoration.** Environmental graphics should serve multiple purposes: brand communication, wayfinding, and atmosphere creation.
**Embrace local culture.** Incorporating regional elements helps create authentic connections with employees and visitors.
**Plan for the journey.** Consider how people will move through and experience the space, not just how individual areas will look.
**Create versatile backdrops.** The large lifestyle graphics serve as dynamic backgrounds that can adapt to different product displays and configurations.
## The Bigger Picture
Tangram's comprehensive approach to workplace design includes five specialized business units: flooring, architecture walls, custom furniture, move management, and technology integration. This project showcases how environmental graphics can unify these diverse elements into a cohesive brand experience.
The recognition from Graphic Design USA validates what many commercial design professionals already know: environmental graphics have evolved from simple signage to powerful tools for creating engaging, functional spaces that support business objectives.
For commercial designers looking to create impactful environments, this project demonstrates the value of collaborative partnerships and strategic thinking about how graphics can enhance both form and function in workplace design.
