Notion's Craftsman-Style Office in San Francisco
A design that blends historic building details with a modern AI company aesthetic
1Historic Building Meets Tech Company
Interior Architects designed five floors of the 1907 Monadnock Building in San Francisco for AI company Notion, valued at $11 billion. The project took a turn when historic details were uncovered beneath previous tenants' renovations. Removing Uber-era modifications revealed original Columbia marble floors under linoleum and wood sliding-sash windows. The discovery shifted the design approach to incorporate these architectural treasures.
2Harmonizing with Craftsman Style
The design team bridged the historic building's character with Notion's modern aesthetic using Craftsman style elements. IA Design Director Kristoffer Tendall explained, "We respected the building's roots while maintaining the company's core design principles through simple, timeless details." This approach manifests in clean, square-edged designs. The Craftsman style draws from early 20th century American craftsmanship traditions.
3Rediscovering Historical Details
Restoration uncovered Prohibition-era artifacts and original blueprints, now displayed throughout the office. A fire-rated window in the lounge frames views of the historic bronze interior stair. Old bar tops found in basement storage were repurposed as standing rails. Where original marble floors didn't align with new layouts, designers intentionally used wood infill rather than matching marble patches to highlight the building's layered history.
4Spatial Layout and Material Choices
The office wraps around a central courtyard. Custom-stained cherry wood appears extensively in wainscoting, decorative ceiling panels, and the wrap-around staircase leading to a private cafe. The lobby features a burled wood reception desk and a prominent Gerrit Rietveld chair. Modular workspaces are created using waist-height wood-clad dividers and drapery systems. The library showcases geometric ceiling details and tiered capital wainscoting.
5Community-Oriented Office Philosophy
Notion's Head of Real Estate Michael McGinley describes the office as representing a shift from individual-focused spaces to community-oriented environments. Instead of ping-pong tables, they created a Tools and Crafts room where employees can engage in physical making. Cafeteria-style seating and breakout areas encourage collaboration. This approach reflects changing workplace priorities in the tech industry.
6San Francisco's AI Office Boom
Notion's office exemplifies the growing space demands of AI companies in the Bay Area. As firms reach higher funding thresholds, many are reinterpreting historic buildings. Other notable projects include OMA's first fully affordable housing block in the US. The office's windows frame views of surrounding historic districts while showcasing the building's own architectural details.
7Functional Design Details
The five-floor office includes training rooms, a library, and lounge areas. A spiral staircase descends to a private cafe. The central lobby features waist-height wood dividers and retractable drapes for quick privacy adjustments. Main work halls continue the curtain motif for flexible space division. Mid-century modern furniture and textured rugs add warmth to the technical environment.
8Carrying Architectural Legacy Forward
This project demonstrates how tech companies can successfully adapt historic spaces. A framed section of original blueprints is displayed as part of the design. The team deliberately highlighted transitions between old and new elements. This approach showcases potential for preserving San Francisco's architectural heritage while creating innovative workspaces that serve modern companies.
Original article: Interior design | Dezeen — Notion'un San Francisco'daki Craftsman Tarzı Ofisi