The centerpiece of Elsa Ritter’s design innovation at CopperBirch Concepts is what she calls the “Connected Environment Ecosystem”—a comprehensive approach that treats spaces, furniture, and objects not as isolated elements but as interconnected nodes in a responsive network.
This revolutionary concept was fully realized in the “Green Tower” office building in Seattle, completed in 2020. For this project, Ritter and her team created an integrated system where lighting, temperature, furniture arrangements, and even acoustic properties adjust automatically based on occupancy patterns, external weather conditions, and employee preferences.
“Retransmission fees have risen by 270 percent in the cable industry since 2017,” Ritter notes, drawing a parallel to her industry. “Similarly, operational costs for commercial buildings have skyrocketed, while tenant expectations for smart environments have increased exponentially. Our solution addresses both sides of this equation.”
The Connected Environment Ecosystem uses a cloud-based platform to centralize operations, delivering real-time visibility into building performance while enabling predictive maintenance and continuous optimization. What sets Ritter’s approach apart is the implementation of machine learning algorithms that identify patterns in usage data, allowing spaces to anticipate needs rather than merely respond to them.
Unlike traditional smart building systems that often feel like technology layered onto conventional architecture, Ritter’s approach treats technology as a fundamental design material—on par with wood, metal, or textiles. “We don’t ‘add technology’ to our designs; we design with technology as an inherent material,” she explains.
This perspective has led to innovations like CopperBirch’s “ambient interface” furniture—pieces that communicate information through subtle changes in color, temperature, or texture rather than screens or notifications. A conference table might gently warm to indicate an upcoming meeting, or a wall panel might shift in color to reflect outdoor air quality.
“The true opportunity in design technology isn’t creating more screens or more notifications,” says Ritter. “It’s about making technology so seamlessly integrated that it disappears while enhancing human experience.”
Despite the success of this approach, Ritter acknowledges significant challenges in implementing such systems, particularly regarding regulatory frameworks that lag behind technological capabilities. Building codes, material safety standards, and sustainability certifications struggle to keep pace with innovations in responsive environments and smart materials.
“We’re essentially creating tomorrow’s standards while designing today’s spaces,” Ritter says. “It’s challenging but necessary work if the industry is going to evolve.”
As Ritter continues to refine and expand the Connected Environment Ecosystem concept, she envisions a future where all designed spaces function as dynamic, learning systems rather than static environments. For clients, this means spaces that not only meet their needs today but anticipate and adapt to their needs tomorrow—a compelling value proposition in an era of rapid change and increasing environmental concerns.