To accommodate a rapidly expanding staff and need for additional space, Malwarebytes hired Blitz to design 75,000 square feet of office space on three floors in a multi-floor, multi-tenant building in Santa Clara, CA. The new office space provides expansive 360-degree views of Silicon Valley and overlooks the new Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers football team. The move not only provided additional space for Malwarebytes’ growing team, but also signaled a dramatic change in work style. Moving away from a single floor, perimeter private offices, and large cubicle work environment into a completely open office workspace was a significant transition for the company. Malwarebytes’ goal was to remove isolation and segmentation in favor of a open and fluid work space and culture. The vertical integration of various teams on the two floors of the new space was critical to the success of the design.
The office creates an engaging and dynamic environment for the Malwarebytes team, potential employees, and visitors. Teams are organized in neighborhoods that flow outward from the main entrance. Each neighborhood has team-specific amenities (such as touchdown spaces, task-specific storage, and three gaming rooms) to support their function and avoid a monotonous layout across the large floor plates of the building.
The textured carpet, wall coverings, and custom-colored light fixtures create a layered sophistication with every surface thoughtfully considered. Bright colors in blue and yellow against a neutral black background, along with organic wood elements, stand in contrast to natural light coming in from the large windows around the entire building perimeter featuring incredible views throughout. The steel, copper, stone, marble, and ceramics in the café and all-hands area add various textures and layers to create a sophisticated ambiance.
A large interconnecting stair is the focal point of the office and the epicenter of the organization. It serves as the all-hands presentation area and is adjacent to the board room, large work-café, and pinball machine corner, creating a cultural hub with everyone meeting in the middle of the physical space.
Tucked underneath the main stair is a “secret” bar that is a moment of delight and surprise within the project. The bar is a dark and moody speakeasy-inspired space and a major design highlight for both Malwarebytes and the Blitz teams. Luxurious chevron-patterned black marble tile lines the walls and draws the eye toward the amazing views of the Levi’s Stadium and the mountains beyond. Dark-green custom tufted-leather chairs are paired with classic marble tables along the banquette.
Material Used :
1. TerraMai Reclaimed Wood – Wall panels, wooden floors
