We design for the love of design—and sometimes we get the opportunity to be part of something really special. Something that, if successful, would improve the lives of millions and give each of us a lifetime of knowing we were a part of it.

The goal of this project was to create an office environment reflecting the exciting nature of the groundbreaking science being performed by our client. The interior design of the new 74,000+ square-foot Bay Area headquarters is spread over three floors and includes a 60:40 ratio of workplace to laboratories. With a budget of $350/sf, the programming, planning, and design tasks included highlighting science throughout, promoting transparency between the labs and workplaces, and delivering access to natural light and the panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.

To bolster cohesiveness over three floors, we designed a stairwell feature that became known as “The Big Idea”. Using wood pilings reclaimed from the Transbay Terminal and mimicking the ribs of a ship, the design alludes to ships sailing on the Bay—paying homage to the importance of the Bay in the history of the region. Situated near floor-to-ceiling windows, the stairwell represents connective tissue uniting the floors and bringing interior and exterior together.

Open office neighborhoods are named after quintessential San Francisco neighborhoods with transparent meeting rooms creating boundaries between them. An undercurrent of science runs throughout the design: workstations have shapes to mimic amorphic cells. The ceilings and lighting imitate the neural-networks found in the brain. Mobile lab benches were designed for the ultimate in adaptability and a focus on science. Staff may access a variety of spaces that best fit their work style and purpose. Greenery is used to give a sense of nature and well-being. Inspiration walls encourage the sharing of staff artwork, company values, and branding.

Photography: Rien Van Rijthoven