SmithGroup drew inspiration from its home city and had fun with unexpected elements throughout the Doctor Multimedia offices in San Diego, California.

The future of the workplace and the evolution of retail intersect at Doctor Multimedia, a digital marketing firm that helps healthcare providers build and manage their digital presence. For its new space, which was designed by SmithGroup and opened in 2020, the client expressed a clear vision — 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. 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.

Creating a fluidity between workplace 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.

Design: SmithGroup

Photography: Zack Benson

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