Menlo Park Private Equity Firm
The comprehensive renovation of this leading global private equity firm’s workspace in Menlo Park aimed to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design responds to the client’s culture, regional context, and evolving workplace expectations. Observing their “family-like” interactions highlighted the importance of connection, collaboration, and belonging, which guided the creation of social and gathering areas to support celebrations, informal meetings, and daily interactions.
Every design decision—from sculptural furniture and communal tables to curated artwork and flexible lounges—was made to evoke the comfort and ease of home while supporting high-performance work. The resulting environment nurtures culture, creativity, and engagement, providing a workplace that is simultaneously welcoming, inspiring, and highly functional, and ensuring the space strengthens the client’s values and sense of community.
Located in Northern California, the design draws inspiration from the region’s natural landscape and craft traditions. The use of authentic, locally sourced materials—such as reclaimed woods and artwork by regional artists—honors place, reduces environmental impact, and reinforces a connection to the local community. Natural light, warm textures, and home-like furnishings translate residential comfort into a professional setting, reinforcing well-being while maintaining functionality.
Shifts in workplace culture informed the design, particularly the evolving expectation for offices to feel more comfortable, residential, and human. The pandemic-era reevaluation of work prompted a focus on creating a space employees want to be in—not just work in. This influenced choices that merge the comforts of home with the performance of a modern workplace.
We sought to evoke the comfort and ease of home while maintaining the functionality and performance of a modern office, guiding every decision toward human-centered experiences, collaborative moments, and thoughtfully crafted materials that foster belonging and daily delight.
