Office Interiors - Confidential Tech Client

SmithGroup expertise in working with technology clients and a cohesive design solution brings this client’s energetic, dynamic work style to life in this vibrant workplace interior.

Seamlessly adapted, continually supportive

To address the growth of its San Diego workforce, the client contracted with SmithGroup for a full-floor renovation to house specialized electronics labs and open office workspace for about 200 employees. The client wanted the new space to draw from the San Diego culture while seamlessly reflecting their workplace values of creativity, sustainability, and wellness.

Tailored to the client’s specialized needs and high standards, the design balances precision and flexibility with an energy inspired by the character of local neighborhoods. The project incorporates versatile electronics labs, open workstations, collaborative zones, meeting rooms, individual focus spaces, event areas, and break/lounge amenities, which are all able to adapt to the client’s evolving workflows and schedules. The design story weaves client identity and local context into every detail, brought to life through seamlessly integrated custom artwork.

Personality that inspires

The well-synchronized design concept intuitively identifies the various functional roles within the workplace. Shared spaces depict the robust vibrancy of city life. In the entrance lobby, dark metal paneling and an open metal grid ceiling evoke urban San Diego with contrast to warm wood and light, vibrant color. The break area features bold punches of color and pattern, with a hand-painted mural across the back wall and custom metal screens embedded with bright blue surf leashes—a subtle nod to the city’s surfing scene. Several such “easter eggs” are hidden throughout the design in recognition of the client’s playful workplace culture and respect for their locality.

Working in harmony

The more focused work zones reflect the region’s natural landscapes, characterized by diffused light and soft colors that might be found in the eastern foothills or a backyard garden. An arched corridor transitions between the urban and natural zones, accompanied by a custom poster series that interprets the same transition—a cyclist riding from downtown through San Diego’s neighborhoods and arriving at home. The installation exemplifies how the art and wayfinding collaboration with SPMDesign elevates the entire project, creating experiential moments that activate and unite the design.

Designed to respect the future

The SmithGroup team coordinated with client representatives to ensure the project complied with the client’s in-house sustainability guidelines. They emphasize healthy materials selection, including FSC-certified wood, low/no VOC products and careful use of refrigerants; diversion of waste and minimizing materials, such as specifying sealed concrete floors rather than floor coverings; and carbon and water reduction through smart MEP systems. An operating system monitors and documents building functions to ensure a safe and efficient workplace. Unique to San Diego and unique to their brand, this high-impact design solution meets the client’s current needs and establishes a workplace well-poised to evolve with one of the world’s most innovative organizations.