Michelle Mele Design combined historic with modern when designing the Rebellion Defense offices in Washington DC.

Tech start-up Rebellion builds mission-focused AI products for the defense sector. With its rapidly expanding workforce, Rebellion desired offices for its Seattle and Washington DC locations that merged efficiency with a welcoming and flexible sense of hospitality, creating fun and engaging spaces that would function as physical extensions of the Rebellion brand.

Inspired by the company founder’s extensive collection of Star Wars art, the workplace design for both offices draws on a space age theme for furnishings and finishes. The designs also weave together the company’s branding colors of orange, blue and grey for a highly personalized space.

In order to meet the needs of Rebellion’s agile workforce, the designs prioritize flexible seating areas where staff can collaborate and conduct independent work. Lounge areas and kitchenettes are arranged in conjunction with conference rooms and smaller break-out rooms, offering employees flexibility of choice in how and where they work.

The office located in historic buildings, so a key design concern was integrating modern design interventions with the original architectural details. Exposed brick walls with historic plaster and graffiti were left intact, as were concrete floors. Furnishings incorporate light wood finishes to inject a natural element to common areas, with Michelle Mele custom-designing and fabricating pieces in the kitchenette. Throughout, durability and flexibility drove the design, allowing staff to relocate furnishings easily as needs evolve. Pops of color, along with Star Wars-themed artwork, introduce an element of playfulness to the space, keeping staff and visitors engaged throughout the day.

Design: Michelle Mele Design

Photography: Hagan Hinshaw

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