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Portrait of Suzanne Stefan

January 5, 2022

Suzanne Stefan of Studio DIAA Takes an Atmospheric Approach to Interiors

Creating an atmosphere, “the subtle third dimension of a building,” is the stock and trade of Seattle-based Studio DIAA, a winner of the American Institute of Architects’ 2021 Housing Award.

By: Metropolis Editors

Suzanne Stefan, cofounder of the two-year-old practice, imbues its residential projects with a heightened awareness of place that draws on her childhood, spent on three continents, and experiences working for established architects such as Rick Joy, whom some call a “desert modernist.” Similarly, DIAA “aspires to move the human spirit,” Stefan says. 

Aplomb pendant

Aplomb pendant
“The fixture’s designers, LucidiPevere, took what’s perceived as a heavy material and achieved the opposite effect.” 
Foscarini

SHEERS “When linen and wind interact, it feels like one of the most natural pairs.”  Holland & Sherry

SHEERS
“When linen and wind interact, it feels like one of the most natural pairs.” 
Holland & Sherry

Custom dining table with Thonet No.811 Hoffmann Chairs

Custom dining table with Thonet No.811 Hoffmann Chairs
“Mixing authentic artifacts like these vintage chairs with our new designs creates the perception that a home’s interiors developed over time.” 
Thonet

Shaggy Loop rug

Shaggy Loop rug
“The neutral rug introduces a tactile quality that is important to the spaces we design. The rug relates to the tone of the floor, deck, and sofa to diminish contrast.” 
Warp & Weft

Afra chairs

Afra chairs
“The marine rope chair’s composition is both comfortable and a reference to ropes associated with sailing.”  
Paola Lenti

Monopoli sofa

Monopoli sofa
“The sofa appears grounded with a slight shadow that lifts the sectional, yet it is welcoming and soft.” 
Desiree

Kitchen island

Kitchen island
“Stainless steel is a material that amplifies natural light. The finish helps obscure and soften the glow.” 
Helve.House

“Knot 346” by Mayme Kratz

“Knot 346” by Mayme Kratz
“We like to introduce art that relates the opposite of what you may be experiencing inside a space. This was for a floating home.” 
Mayme Kratz

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