Joining outposts in Chicago and Denver, design firm Valerio Dewalt Train (VDT) has unveiled a new office inside a revitalized, 104-year-old coffee warehouse in San Francisco. Spanning 3,500 square feet, the workspace is designed by VDT to accommodate contemporary functionality while honoring the integrity of the historic building it calls home. “The renovation aims to foster collaboration,” says VDT senior associate Anthony Valerio.
A palette of even-toned blues and greens instills calm, illuminated by a range of lights fixtures. Beneath 17-foot-tall ceilings, the office juxtaposes original brick masonry and timber with glass walls installed to infuse as much natural light as possible. “Our focus was on maximizing natural light while minimizing energy consumption,” Valerio adds. “The renovation aims to optimize the layout and circulation to enhance functionality and productivity.”
Partial-height walls also contribute to a new sense of openness across a layout configured into three structural bays. In addition to reception and the central workspace, the conference room hub comprises 2- and 4-person meeting rooms, while a glass box hosts the library, pin-up room, and micro-kitchen. “By providing connectivity between the presentation space and break area,” says Valerio, “an environment is created that not only facilitates productive work but also provides opportunities for networking and entertainment.”
