In 2016, when Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) acquired Linear Technology, the latter had the larger location in Silicon Valley, but ADI had the international presence. How these two companies would come together as one in their new 445,000-square-foot regional headquarters, in Santa Clara, was developed during a strategy process with IA Interior Architects, which generated the insights, agreements, and focus to create a strong common culture and a cutting-edge work environment.

The designed environment offers employees new features and conveniences to shape their experience and prompt interaction, including a music room, game room, garden room with green wall, and the stellar sunset lounge for restorative relaxation. Floor-to-ceiling curtain walls throughout the headquarters deliver abundant natural light and views of the valley and nearby hills. The plan was organized to keep the program off the exterior walls where possible, maximizing the availability and impact of this natural resource.

Each typical floor has a wide, welcoming central-axis corridor that extends to exterior glass on each side, anchored at one end by a pantry and at the other by a flexible collaboration space. Here, there is casual step seating warmed by wood flooring and wall paneling, a custom graphic felt wall, and translucent Easter egg infographics at the windows that join exploration and movement with the delight of discovery.

For wayfinding and identity in line with ADI culture, the theme color for each floor is tied to standard resistor color-number codes universally recognized by electronics engineers, who make up 85 percent of the staff. The full project occupies six floors in two adjacent towers for a total of 12 floors, and the colors hold true for each building, providing unity and clarity to the whole.

Photography: Jason O’Rear