KBS Realty Advisors, having just purchased the high-rise at 353 Sacramento Street, San Francisco was determined to increase the building’s value to its tenants and secure a larger share of the San Francisco commercial real estate market. The renovation was intended to embrace the evolution of lobbies as the collaborative third-workplace and create a significant differentiator to declare the developer’s competitive edge.

Traditionally a transitional space the lobby at 353 Sacramento Street is a thoughtful entry experience, a welcoming transition from the sidewalk to the grand double height interior, and from the quiet lounge into the elevator cabs. The series of interconnecting and alternating metal reveals and linear light lines, inspired by the building’s existing exterior metal panels, are crafted to weave through the impressive entry. In stark contrast to the previous dark green marble walls and white ceramic tile, a refined palette of reflective and warm materials reveal an informational digital dashboard and leads both tenants and guests into a quiet, soft lounge for waiting and impromptu gatherings. Design details extend to the floor and ceiling where warm wood accents give the space a cohesive visual vitality and compliment the soft acoustical wall panels along with curated art filled walls and elevator cabs

The designer engaged structural glass to enable the seamless transition of the building’s exterior reliefs to the interior. Wood, acoustic panels and lighting design led updates to the tiled walls and ceilings design, supported by warm colors and soft textured neutral fabrics, to induce comfort to a once stagnant space. Lounge seating clusters, bar height tables, and single high back chair options complete the bright and inviting space.

Photography: Garry Belinsky