Firm： Blitz

Type： Commercial › Office

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2014

SIZE： 25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

Photos： Bruce Damonte Photography Inc (21)

Zendesk, a customer service software provider, was one of the first tech companies to move to San Francisco’s Mid-Market neighborhood. A rapidly growing company, Zendesk’s new office marks its second building on Market Street, creating an urban campus that assists in the revival of the long-neglected Mid-Market neighborhood. The new building not only serves as a headquarters for the Zendesk team, but also opens its doors as a communal hub for local businesses and residents.

The airy, humble, charming, and uncomplicated qualities are what make up the core of Zendesk’s brand attributes, and were used as guiding principles for the design. Zendesk wanted the space to feel light and open, but also varied and textured. By including secluded and darker spaces, Blitz created a contrasting atmosphere that emphasizes the airiness of the open office.

Organic materials were selected throughout to harmonize with the building’s existing finishes and emphasize Zendesk’s humble qualities. Charm is evident throughout, from the ground floor devoted entirely to reception, to pops of green cheekily inserted into the calm and neutral palette. Finally, Blitz took a reductionist approach, looking for opportunities to reduce rather than add. The result is an uncomplicated yet thoughtful space that combines minimalism with warmth.