“ We help our clients enhance gate-to-gate experiences for their customers , and we are
honored to work with Alaska Airlines to realize their vision ,” states WDA Founder William S . Duff , Jr .
“ We help our clients enhance gate-to-gate experiences for their customers , and we are honored to work with Alaska Airlines to realize their vision ,” states WDA Founder William S . Duff , Jr .
The San Francisco-based architecture and interiors firm ’ s portfolio of projects at SFO has included shops for luxury brands such as Gucci , Hermes , Burberry , Coach , and DFS Galleria , as well as dining and lounge amenities for Air France and British Airways .
“ Our firm has worked at SFO for nearly 20 years across all four terminals ,” says WDA Associate Principal Jonathan Tsurui , who works closely with Duff to manage the firm ’ s hospitality practice .
Tsurui led the WDA project team tasked with meeting an accelerated design and construction timeline , as well as realizing Alaska Airlines ’ goals , which included increasing seating capacity .
To maximize the floor plan , WDA created distinct areas bathed in natural light while incorporating Alaska ’ s established lounge zones — featuring spaces to “ Come In ,” “ Take a Breath ,” “ Help Yourself ,” and “ Cut Loose ”— and ensuring seamless transitions and the maintenance of a cohesive visual narrative .
ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Each area is visually distinguished through the use of unique ceiling treatments and furniture arrangements , with curves softening the space and uniting the sections .
By providing six different seating types — ranging from comfy banquettes to room for a laptop or the privacy of a phone booth — WDA exceeded the head count goal .
WDA also created a design statement featuring something uniquely San Francisco — the Golden Gate Bridge enveloped in fog . Located centrally as a buffer between “ Help Yourself ” and the active bar area , the 40-foot , laser-cut metal acoustic wall serves both as a focal point and a functional element .
Through multiple design iterations , WDA ensured that the new lounge was precisely aligned with Alaska Airlines ’ vision .
“ As architects and designers , we can enhance how people live , work , play and travel ,” concludes Tsurui . “ Delivering this project to Alaska Airlines means that they not only meet the needs of various guests — whether they are leisure or business travelers — but also exceed them by providing something unparalleled .”
About William Duff Architects ( WDA )@ wdarch _ inc
Founded in 1998 , and located in San Francisco , WDA finds inspiration in the people , landscapes , and values of Northern California , which inform every aspect of their work , from their design philosophy to their collaborative process , to their value for clear and transparent communication with their clients . The firm ’ s commitment to a culture that fosters curiosity , collaboration , and innovation drives its success in projects across its Hospitality , Residential , Community , and Commercial practices .
www . wdarch . com
Photo credit : Matthew Millman
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