The Seattle/Seattle Interest Group was privileged to tour the grounds and buildings of Expedia corporate campus on Elliot. Cordula Drossel-Brown arranged this rare opportunity through her daughter who works for Expedia.
Our host and guide, Jeff Daley, had been the chief horticulturist at Seattle Pacific University for decades before retiring and then taking a similar job at Expedia. When we arrived, Jeff treated us to drinks and snacks which are always available free for employees (and visitors) from refrigerated cases and food dispensers.
Jeff was entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about the history of the campus (begun by Immunex, enlarged by Amgen, and then enlarged and transformed by Expedia). Throughout the tour he amused us with entertaining stories of the impressive people he has met through his work at Expedia.
Since Expedia employees work at home on Fridays, Jeff was able to take us all over the mostly empty work stations, meeting spaces, social amenities, and even to the well-appointed boardroom. Employees have no assigned seats and can go wherever is most comfortable for them to work, indoors or outdoors.
Jeff noted that Expedia’s chairman Barry Diller had a personal hand in the choice of the colors, plants, and design of all aspects of the waterfront campus. Generally, it is very modern with lots of glass walls, steel, and light-colored wood. Since Expedia is a travel technology company, there is an atmosphere of travel and adventure:
- A water feature at the entrance creates the notion of setting sail.
- The main building resembles a cruise ship.
- Murals have travel themes.
- Tropical plants thrive on several long green walls.
- A long row of deck chairs invite working outdoors.
And the small board room building is called The Prow. No expense was spared in achieving Diller’s vision for the campus.
Care was taken to maximize panoramic views of the sound and islands from the campus and there are many types of gardens with thoughtfully selected trees and shrubs surrounding the buildings. Employees can gather on the grass and tiered grass seating for performances in an outdoor amphitheater.
Jeff also pointed out how much time, thought and money had been put into making the adjacent public pathway (between the campus and the sound) very attractive.
We felt quite privileged to have been able to spend quality time at this amazing campus.
To join the Seattle/Seattle Interest Group, contact Cordula Drossel-Brown, Leader, or Barbara Archbold, Coordinator.