What were the challenges?
Shifting from private offices and cubicles to an open, unassigned workplace while balancing flexibility, comfort, and clear organization of different work zones.
What mattered most to the client?
A modern, collaborative environment that reflects their identity, supports multiple work styles, and fosters connection and flexibility.
What did we as the design firm handle?
We led programming, design, branding integration, furniture specification and procurement, finish selection, design and implementation of custom millwork and overall design execution with the general contractor.
Strategic moves we made?
Created “neighborhoods” utilizing client's brand colors, introduced diverse work settings by creating various types of work / meeting spaces, specified flexible furniture, and prioritized sit-to-stand ergonomics and U.S.-made products.
The result?
A flexible and visually dynamic, identity-driven workplace that enhances collaboration, functionality, and overall user experience.
San Diego Office Design partnered with local Charity organization, the San Diego Foundation, to reimagine their workplace as a flexible, modern environment rooted in collaboration and choice. Moving away from assigned workstations, the design introduces an open seating concept supported by a variety of work settings—from benching stations and modular Zoom pods to conference rooms and lounge-style meeting spaces—empowering users to select the environment best suited to their needs throughout the day.
A key driver of the project was the integration of the Foundation’s strong brand identity into the physical space. The office is organized into distinct “neighborhoods,” each defined by vibrant brand colors that reflect the organization’s impact across San Diego County. Custom graphics, dimensional signage, and a curated timeline installation further reinforce a sense of purpose, storytelling, and connection throughout the workplace.
Transitioning from a traditional office of private offices and cubicles to an open, communal layout presented both challenges and opportunities. Through close collaboration with the client, the team established a balance between function, flexibility, and comfort—delivering spaces that range from large 40-person training rooms to intimate, hospitality-inspired huddle areas. Flexible furniture solutions, including flip-top tables and nesting chairs, allow spaces to be easily reconfigured to support evolving needs.
Quality, sustainability, and user well-being were central to every design decision. Sit-to-stand desking systems from a high-end U.S. manufacturer provide ergonomic benefits and customizable storage, while the majority of furniture selections were domestically produced to align with sustainability goals. Custom millwork elements—including a sculptural reception desk with integrated LED lighting, a wood and quartz feature wall, a refined café, and a professional boardroom—anchor the space with warmth and sophistication, creating a workplace that is both highly functional and visually impactful.
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