The Accolade

Designed for a neighborhood with an evolving aesthetic, The Accolade provides Seattle’s University District with 597 beds for student living. Its design was influenced by nearby volcanic formations, adorned with glints of gold.

Client Name

Greystar

Location

Seattle, WA

Services

Architecture
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture

Completion Date

Q3 2022

Program Overview

21-Story Student Housing Tower
20,610 SF Site
240,000 GSF
175,676 SF Residential
226 Residential Units
597 Beds
1-, 2-, 3- and 4-Bedroom Units

awards

Gold Nugget Awards
2023 Merit Award Winner: Best Student or Faculty Housing

AGC Build Washington Award
2023 Construction Excellence Award, Private Building ($50-$100M)

NAIOP Night of the Stars
2022 Student Housing Development of the Year

certifications

LEED Gold Certified and meets the City of Seattle Green Building Standards

Contacts

Amanda Keating
Principal in Charge

Bernadette Kelly
Interior Design Principal

Rachael Meyer
Landscape Architecture Principal

Services

Designed holistically from inside to out, Weber Thompson was the Architect, Interior Designer, and Landscape Architect for The Accolade.

Street level landscape design at The Accolade

PHOTOGRAPHY: moris moreno, renderings: WEBER THOMPSON

Photo of the entry of the accolade from across the street

The Accolade Architecture

The Accolade aims to be a timeless and welcoming addition to the University District’s evolving skyline. The driving question for the project has been: “How does a tower add to an eclectic neighborhood in which there is no established style?”

Scenic photo of the accolade with Lake Washington in the background

Balance is key

This building occupies a visually prominent location within the University District, adding a unique design to the evolving skyline of tall buildings. The design references volcanic stone formations in the nearby Cascade mountains and aims to be evocative from all vantage points while also not overwhelming the senses.

Photo of the entrance of the accolade with people walking on the sidewalk

Designed with students in mind

With a wide mix of unit types, a variety of different interior and exterior amenities, and a unified design expression across all three design disciplines, The Accolade is an exciting place for University of Washington students to call home.

An interior view of a spacious amenity space inside Accolade student housing, with large windows overlooking a city skyline. The room features a comfortable seating area with a brown sectional sofa, accent chairs, and a coffee table. The walls are painted white, and the floors are made of light wood.

The Accolade Interior Design

Interior design for The Accolade was inspired by both the architectural concept and the unique personality of the University District.

Modern and stylish study space inside Accolade student housing, with comfortable seating area, large windows, and city skyline views. The space features a gray sectional sofa, accent chairs, coffee table, pendant light fixture, potted plants, and artwork. Light wood floors and white walls create a bright and inviting atmosphere.

Inspired spaces for learning

Modern, multi-use lounge furniture and industrial framed study cubes create an elegant study and co-working space for students and young professionals. Unit and amenity spaces are inspired by, but distinct from the rest of the neighborhood.

Natural elegance

Organic patterns, education-inspired art and biophilic elements create an elegant student-oriented atmosphere. Natural stone meets structured rift sawn wood against a backdrop of dimensional tile. These textural contrasts create visual interest and depth.

An upper level library space has a calm and focused material palette, punched up with nature-inspired art. Warm fabrics and dimensional wood tones in the Sky Lounge space add to a welcoming, community oriented vibe.

A cozy and inviting amenity space inside Accolade student housing. The room features a brown sectional couch. Large windows provide plenty of natural light. A decorative pendant light fixture and framed artwork add to the ambiance of the space.

Photo of the accolade entrance with landscaping at night

The Accolade Landscape Architecture

At The Accolade, every move is in support of integrating the project with the University District’s campus-extending vibe. Outdoor spaces support socializing, studying, and fostering community.

Green space setback

At the street, the building is set back to accommodate lush green spaces on both sides of the sidewalk. This humane move creates more opportunity for daylight to reach the greenery at the street and helps to integrate the project into the existing ‘gardenesque’ fabric of the University District neighborhood.

A rooftop parklet

On the building’s coveted rooftop sits a park-like grassy hill with an oversized rock seating element. This classic space mimics the experience of hanging at the ‘quad’ with friends or studying in the sunshine. The community-centric nature is hard to miss; even when alone residents will feel surrounded by peers and friends.

Meet me at the porch

Where the landscape meets the front door sits a lively front porch element, the heart of the building. This protected outdoor space with pops of greenery embraces the idea of prospect and refuge. Residents gather at the porch to see friends and neighbors, while giving them the opportunity to look out on the vibrant street and feel connected to the buzz of the larger area.