Okta’s new headquarters in the heart of San Francisco’s thriving East Cut District is designed as a destination amid notable tech-focused neighbors. Founded in 2009 and driven by exponential growth, the new headquarters for this global identity provider brings staff together and represents the maturation of Okta’s culture as a connected, transparent community focused on customer success, innovation, and employee empowerment.

An angled line of LED lights embedded in the wall, starting at the elevator lobby, runs throughout the entire 10-story, 190,000 square-foot campus, integrating Okta’s brand of “Connect Everything,” and energizing each floor. Decorative, structural angles play a significant role throughout the design, offering a variety of space types that create bespoke experiences.

Taking advantage of multiple corners created by the architecture, meeting rooms with glass walls float off the building’s prows, concealing and giving way to flex zones that connect neighborhoods. Strategically placed windows offer city views and natural light, penetrating the circulation core for all to enjoy.

Once enclosed stairs, now open, entice vertical movement. Pantries, as the heart of the community, are positioned on each floor with views of the transit center park below. All large feature spaces are designed to be multi-functional and enjoy views of the park, making the most of its biophilic appeal.

With a nod to holistic wellness, spaces include a fully equipped gym, two group exercise rooms, dedicated nursing suites, and meditation and massage rooms. Three cafes double as overflow areas for the company’s weekly all hands meetings or customer events.

The project represents a tight collaboration between IA’s experiential graphic design (EGD), lighting, and design teams. EGD elements play off the design, relating to Okta’s values and culture. Design gestures evolve and change so that each unique floor offers a different experience.

Photography: Emily Hagopian and Sherman Takata