By Amina Elshaer

At SR/A, we go beyond designing aesthetically pleasing spaces—we dive deep into understanding our client’s culture, environment, achievements, and aspirations. Whether working with local or international clients, our philosophy revolves around one core principle: the final designshould reflect the culture of those who will occupy the space and foster a sense of belonging.

We aim to craft a narrative and foster meaningful connections between our designs and the communities they serve. Building a strong relationship with the community, coupled with a focus on the comfort and inspiration of its people, is key to achieving a successful and lasting design. Here’s how we bring culture into our multifamily design projects.

Avec on H

Getting to the Heart of the Community

SR/A’s first and most important step, Interior Design Consultation, allows us to truly understand the culture of the client we’re designing for. It’s about connecting on a deeper level—getting to know their values, traditions, lifestyles, and history to create spaces that resonate with their needs.

For example, The 202, which we recently completed, was specifically tailored to meet the culture of our client and their target audience. The project’s success was rooted in the strong foundation laid during the initial stages. Through extensive research and surveys, we explored elements such as local art, architecture, entertainment, and lifestyle to better understand what would help residents feel connected to the space. This phase provided us with valuable insights into both the client’s culture and the target audience, allowing us to thoughtfully integrate a modern, vibrant, and youthful interior design that fostered a stronger sense of community.

The 202

Infusing Culture into the Design

With a solid foundation of research and understanding, we move into the interior design project management phase. This is where we take everything we’ve learned about the culture and bring it to life in a way that feels natural and authentic. We’re thoughtful about how we incorporate cultural elements, choosing materials, colors, and patterns that will resonate with the residents, and connect with the community.

• Materials and Textures: Incorporating local patterns, styles, and textures into design helps establish a deeper connection to the community and its traditions. For example, in Scandinavian lifestyle, wood is a central element, evoking simplicity, warmth, and a strong connection to nature. In South American culture, terracotta and stone are often used to reflect the earthy essence of the region and honor its rich craftsmanship traditions. By embracing these materials, the design not only speaks to the culture but also ties the space to the community’s heritage, creating a meaningful and authentic environment.

• Color Palettes: Colors hold profound emotional meaning in various cultures. For example, a warm color palette may be viewed as energetic, vibrant, and festive in one culture, while in another, it could be seen as overwhelming, unsettling, or uncomfortable. At SR/A, we believe that choosing the right color palette is crucial for connecting with our client’s culture and creating spaces that truly resonate with their values and environment.

• Art and Details: Featuring local artists from the community truly brings the culture to life, adding a meaningful and personal touch to each project. Custom artwork is a key element that helps create a unique, vibrant environment that fosters a deeper connection between the space and its residents.

• Layout Considerations: Designing flexible and multi-generational spaces is important across different • cultures. For example, in some cultures, extended families live together, making the design of multifamily homes or mixed-use spaces a key way to integrate cultural values. Creating amenity spaces for private gatherings, quiet areas, and work-from-home setups not only reflects these values but also enhances connectivity and harmony within the community.

Coda at Bryant

Through research, thoughtful planning, and intentional design, SR/A makes sure that every project is a true reflection of the people it’s meant for. For us, it’s about creating spaces that are more than just buildings—they’re places where culture, community, and identity come together to create something meaningful and lasting. By infusing culture into every step of the process, from interior design consultation to multifamily housing design, we ensure that every space feels like home.

Amina Elshaer is a Junior Designer at SR/A.