sector focus
higher ed
Saam’s higher education team understands the dynamic landscape and diverse needs of academic institutions. From new buildings to transformative renovations, we are committed to designing spaces that empower academic excellence, foster collaboration, and enhance campus life. We specialize in creating environments that are flexible, adaptable, and sustainable.
We go beyond design, immersing ourselves in the unique culture and mission of each institution, ensuring that our designs reflect your campus community. By listening attentively and understanding the intricacies of your campus, we deliver culturally inclusive spaces that inspire learning, innovation, and belonging.
project types
- Classrooms
- Research facilities
- Student life spaces
- Office and administrative areas
- Campus security enhancements
- Public safety and campus police
- Fitness and athletic centers
services
- Renovations
- New construction
- Building change-of-use
- Space evaluation
- Test fits
- Planning studies
- Programming
- Facility restacks
- Renderings and walkthroughs
- Interior design
- Graphics and wayfinding
- Sustainable design
clients
- Northeastern University
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Bridgewater State University
- Dean College
- UMass Amherst
- UMass Boston
- UMass Lowell
- UMass Medical School
selected work
Northeastern University 177 Huntington Avenue, Floors 5 + 6
This project consisted of a full renovation of floors 5 and 6 at the 177 Huntington Avenue Tower near the NEU Boston campus. At 6,500-square-feet each, the project was tailored for the Khoury College of Computer Science Cybersecurity Group. Each floor includes private offices for professors, open office areas for post-docs and graduate students, conference spaces, open collaboration zones, lab spaces, and a kitchen/break area. Read more →
Location
Boston, MA
Completion
2023
Size
13,000 sf total
selected work
MIT B36 RLE Office Suite Renovation
A renovation for the Research Lab for Electronics (RLE) at MIT to accommodate the research office needs internally and with collaborating partners. The new space included a mix of open and enclosed offices for individual and group needs for 35 students and the relocation of one sound lab. The renovation also provided a kitchenette, storage room, lounge with flexible seating, collaboration tables and chairs, and individual workspaces with visual and acoustical separations. Read more →
Location
Boston, MA
Completion
2023
Size
3,930 sf
selected work
Northeastern University 177 Huntington Avenue, Floors 13 + 22
Also at the 177 Huntington Avenue Tower, this project required gut renovation of multiple floors and created an open, inviting environment that brings the academic and administrative groups together. Floors 13 and 22 each include a 6,500-square-foot fitout of academic space, including areas for professors, post-docs, and graduate students that provide support spaces, IT closet, kitchen, conference rooms, huddle space, and a seminar area. Read more →
Location
Boston, MA
Completion
2019
Size
13,000 sf total



core team

diana nicklaus
PRESIDENT + CEO

diana ostberg
VICE PRESIDENT + COO

ed bourget
PRINCIPAL

kristin tedford
SENIOR ASSOCIATE + HIGHER ED SECTOR LEADER

chin chin yao
SENIOR ASSOCIATE

autumn thompson
INTERIOR DESIGNER

lindsay addonizio
INTERIOR DESIGNER

meagan manning
INTERIOR DESIGNER