A New Front Door

The Robert Smith Building (RSB) lobby is more than a physical space; it’s the front door to opportunity at South Seattle College. Each day, it welcomes prospective students, current learners, and visitors seeking guidance. At its center, the Info Desk serves as a key hub where questions are answered, appointments begin, and students connect with essential services.

To better support this experience, the college hoped to reimagine the lobby to make navigation more intuitive and access to services more seamless. By creating a more intentional layout, the space would help students quickly understand where to go, how to check in, and how to get the support they need.

With funding from the South Seattle College Foundation, this vision became a reality.

The redesigned lobby features thoughtful upgrades that balance openness with structure. Defined service areas, accessible desks, and inclusive signage make it easier for all students and visitors to engage with staff and resources. Environmental design improvements create a welcoming atmosphere where individuals feel oriented and supported from the moment they arrive.

More than a renovation, this transformation fosters a stronger sense of belonging. Students can check in for appointments, use computers for applications and registration, and access resources in a space designed with their success in mind. For many, this is where their college journey begins and the experience sets the tone.

The RSB lobby now reflects a clear commitment: to create a campus environment where every student feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.