Austin, Texas, USA

Designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, the new Austin corporate headquarters for Ketra LLC., a subsidiary of Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. exemplifies how a lighting industry leader utilizes LED innovations and implements a holistic Human Centric Lighting approach that uses lighting to elevate the employee experience.

Located in Austin, Texas, the Ketra Collaboration Studio will serve as a space and resource for the local design community and the firm’s customers.

The new headquarters serves as a “work cafe” by day, where people can come learn about Ketra and Lutron’s offerings and plan projects. By night, the studio can easily transition to host events such as cocktail parties.

Light is what this company manufactures, so the new headquarters had to be a showcase for the possibilities of what lighting can achieve in a working environment.

Leveraging its unique capabilities, Ketra created an environment with the capacity to evolve based on the time of day or employee preferences; to reflect Ketra culture by merging advanced technology with artistic elegance; and to foster innovation with a space where employees can build, test and showcase products.

Working with the Ketra team of lighting designers and visionaries, Horace Ho and Vlad oPejic, Hsu opened the perimeter lined with windows that allow natural light flow freely throughout the entire space. Glass walls bring light all the way into the core of the building while Lutron shades throughout the space complement indoor light control for total daylight control.

Structurally, the designers crafted large, modern spaces that give plenty of options for work modes and moods to suit Ketra’s hard-working employees, valued guests, and the tasks at hand.

From conference room and huddle rooms to soft seating and even a quiet zone library, employees can both tailor environments for their current needs.

By using light’s power as a transformational tool, the workplace spaces can shift at the touch button to become whatever is needed at that moment.

By recreating the color temperature and intensity of the sun, Ketra makes any space feel bathed in sunlight – amplifying light from the windows or bringing light into darker spaces to ensure access for all employees.

Employees can shift lighting to suit their needs, whether at their desk, in a conference room or an event space i.e. using bright white light for focused work or warm light to provide ambiance for a presentation.

The new Ketra interiors can transform a brightly lit office into a warm cocktail environment – or an art gallery with a warm, inviting atmosphere and bright, focused art displays whether using colored lights to designate vacant conference rooms; creating moods through lighting conditions or inspiring employees through dramatic design elements, like Ketra’s nearly 500 bulb stairway installation.

And taking cue from the company’s collaborators in the hospitality industry, the new corporate offices have the ability to create drama, showcase art, and to paint interior elements with intention.

Embracing its Austin roots, Ketra commissioned local graffiti artist Aaron Darling for murals in the new headquarters, which depict Austin culture, celebrating the city Ketra calls home.

Architects: Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Architects of Record: Urban Foundry Architecture
Design Team: Michael Hsu, Horace Ho, Vlado Pejic, and Cecilia Ramos
Client: Ketra LLC.
Photographers: Jack Holt