A longstanding client, Benchmark approached us to design their new headquarters, located on the 19th floor of a historic building in downtown San Francisco. The building presented a starting point for the design, which aims to highlight the existing materials and celebrate the sweeping city views afforded from this height.

We introduced new finishes carefully, preserving the exposed concrete deck and brick walls wherever possible and choosing materials that match their level of tactility and warmth. Suede, fabric, and felt achieve this while also centering acoustic privacy, a critical objective for the project. Walnut conference tables made by our shop also bring warmth and subtle, natural complexity. A wall of reclaimed channel glass, backlit to issue a soft glow, is in conversation with the naturally patinaed base building surfaces. This custom wall draws visitors toward the reception desk, a steel piece also made by the LD shop.

Even at nearly 24,000 square feet, there is a continuity throughout the project, from conference rooms to offices to gathering spaces. In alignment with Benchmark’s aim to balance elegance and approachability, the design brings both a refined and playful aesthetic, united by attention to detail and materiality. The call rooms offer a subtle sample of San Francisco history, clad in fortune cookie paper printed by Yang’s Fortunes Inc, the original and primary supplier of fortunes for the country.