American Student Assistance (ASA)
Structure Tone Boston partnered with Perkins Eastman to build a dynamic new headquarters for American Student Assistance (ASA), a nonprofit dedicated to guiding students through their educational and career journeys. Located on the 20th floor of 33 Arch Street, the 22,000sf space was conceived as a vibrant, collaborative environment that supports both staff and students.
The design aimed to consolidate ASA’s operations while fostering engagement and creativity. Construction then included modular workstations with sit/stand desks, open collaboration zones, and advanced A/V systems integrated to enhance functionality. Ergonomic seating areas and innovative lighting solutions further support comfort and productivity. The materials and finishes reflect ASA’s brand identity, featuring a custom color palette and a striking mural in the elevator lobby—created by three students—that adds a playful, energetic touch.
Upon entering the elevator lobby, visitors are greeted by a lively atmosphere. Light grazes and washes over a wood-paneled wall and the student-created mural, while directional lighting guides the eye toward a translucent blue feature wall. This focal point is illuminated by embedded white channels, lit from concealed sources above, echoing the ceiling’s lighting pattern. The translucent wall is designed to be visually impactful from both sides, with open rectangular and square fixtures providing task lighting throughout.
Lighting plays a central role in the office’s design. A concept of rectilinear lines and right angles—expressed in open, enclosed, and deconstructed forms—creates a cohesive visual language throughout the space. Public areas are infused with ASA’s signature corporate blue, while workspaces transition to a monochromatic palette of black and white. In the open office areas, custom pendants are meticulously arranged to deliver even, glare-free illumination with a low contrast ratio across all work surfaces. What may appear as random lighting patterns are, in fact, curated carefully to ensure balanced and comfortable lighting levels.
© Robert Benson Photography
Architect
Perkins Eastman
Client
American Student Assistance (ASA)
Location
33 Arch Street Boston, MA
SF
25,000sf
Contract
CM
Owner's Rep
CBRE
Architect
Perkins Eastman
Engineer
NV5
