Doctor Multimedia Headquarters
From upscale shopping venue to energetic office experience, the design of Doctor Multimedia proves to be a perfect fit for this digital marketing company eager to eschew the traditional. The result is an effective, dynamic workplace that reflects the company culture and highlights desirable visibility in a high-end, high-traffic location.
Client
Doctor Multimedia
Location
San Diego, California
Markets/Services
Architecture, Corporate Headquarters & Campuses, Corporate Interiors, Interiors, Programming, Workplace
The future of the workplace and the evolution of retail intersect at Doctor Multimedia, a digital marketing firm that supports healthcare providers build and manage their digital presence. For the new space, the founder and co-founder were hands on throughout the design process with a clear vision of an environment that intertwines work, play, wellbeing, and community.
The open-air Westfield UTC Mall in La Jolla provided an out-of-the-box but appropriate real-estate choice. Doctor Multimedia’s 7,500-square-foot workplace overlooks a bustling promenade, with a bold 50-foot storefront-style entrance that blurs the indoors with the outside, welcoming an exchange with its retail neighbors.
The entrance is designed for memorable impact. The blue portal operable storefront leads to a high-energy hospitality lounge reflective of the brand identity, with bright colors, textures, streaming music, and large-screen TVs. A meaningful design element is the 100-foot custom mural, hand-painted by local artist Yomar Augusto, that serves as a backdrop and anchors the experience as one travels through the space.
Focused work and training zones alternate to create a diverse work atmosphere by using a mix of desk types and lounge seating. Touch down areas, hospitality zones, phone rooms, private offices and conference spaces are strategically placed, keeping with the company culture of an easy transition between home and work life.
A ventilated dog office that connects to the founders’ offices with Dutch doors amplifies this dog friendly office. At the rear of the space overlooking the mall, a modern and sleek zone provides a quiet area for intimate collaboration and focused inspiration with the ability to transform into a townhall gathering place with a stage for all hands events. Natural ventilation, daylight, thoughtful material selection, and an abundance of plants and art contribute to an environment of wellbeing. In addition, the team has easy access to Westfield UTC’s many amenities, including dining, retail, fitness, and a relaxing environment of blooming trellises, palms, and koi ponds.
Located in the center of the mall, the project posed some construction challenges, particularly in terms of access during the busy winter holiday season. Large components, including a 35-foot-long steel beam and the rooftop air-handling units, were delivered to the site by helicopter. These challenges were more than offset by the advantages the client enjoys in this unique site. By creating a fluidity between office and community, the Doctor Multimedia office enhances recruitment and retention by challenging the status quo, supporting neighboring businesses, and reimagining the workplace experience in a post-pandemic world.