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The ceiling of the café evokes radiating broadcast waves.

technological wizardry) permits views through its team was careful, however, to keep brand flourishes
visual display to the window wall behind it. Thus, it’s from tipping into kitsch. “We knew we had to deliver
possible to watch something on the video display while professional office spaces,” said Emily Everhope,
looking out to the Capitol Dome beyond—“The coolest senior designer on the project. “We wanted to
piece of AV tech in the place,” according to Rohr. In establish the personality of the industry in a
the same reception space, a traditional Hall of Fame professional work environment.”
wall reminds the visitor of some of the great names in The dark walnut flooring, millwork, and paneling
radio and television history such as Red Skelton, The found in some of the meeting spaces and furnishings
Honeymooners, and Gene Autry. evoke the mid-century modern aesthetic and contribute
Throughout the NAB offices, references to radio to the retro ambiance. Rebecca Kelly, associate art
and television in mid-20th-century America are director on the project, pointed to more branding and
juxtaposed with displays of futuristic technological storytelling elements around the high-traffic elevator
innovation. Branding is by turns whimsical, cores, where colorful graphics and photos highlight
sophisticated, or subtle and can be seen in the “on-air” NAB’s mission, history, and legendary industry figures.
signs that illuminate when meeting rooms are in use, Kelly noted that the messaging used on the lower
wall coverings that mimic the old black-and-white TV office floors is designed to inspire employees and “is
test patterns, and doors and wall panels that recall the more for industry insiders,” in contrast to the upper
distinctive wood and fabric speakers of early radios. hospitality floors where the messaging is designed
Houndstooth carpeting evokes Mad Men business for a wider public. In the tenth-floor multifunction
attire, and even the restroom signage makes playful space, a large interactive and up-to-the-minute Hall of
references to the broadcast industry. The design Fame installation contrasts with the more traditional

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