In 2019, we were approached by a fast-growing venture capital firm to design their new headquarters to reflect how the company approached internal and external relationship building. The client’s ambition was to make a bold and memorable impression for visiting potential partners, while at the same time, providing a serene and nurturing environment for employees to work and perform as the company grew. Our goal was to deliver a high end 18,000-sf workplace experience that would serve current and future employees, providing a place where the company could forge and nurture long-term relationships.
The idea of forming, building, and maintaining relationships was manifested in physical space. Graduating from dark to light, and enclosed to open, the procession of spaces signify the phases of partnership development. Functionally, the design provides a mix of private offices, open workstations, enclosed meeting rooms, an open lounge for both traditional and flexible work, and an inviting gathering space for intimate events. Numerous different ways for people to host and meet are provided for; from casual video conference rooms with soft furnishings to a conference room with no AV at all to encourage full engagement with the conversation at hand.
Additionally, banquette seating by the café encourages employees to sit together, helping the company foster a close-knit office culture. Switch glass in the meetings rooms enables seamless transitions between transparent and private. A continuous walkway around the perimeter of the work environments encourages a “walk and talk” dynamic, inspired by the founder’s belief that the most productive conversations happen in a casual way. The double height volume and ample natural light is awe-inspiring, and impressive, exemplifying integrity without feeling lavish. Subdued and sophisticated, neutral and elegant finishes rich in a texture that are timeless were paired with artwork and personal touches that reflected the style and spirit of the founder.
