blitz hides a secret bar beneath stepped amphitheater in malwarebytes' california HQ

blitz hides secret bar beneath stepped amphitheater in malwarebytes’ california HQ
all images by bruce damonte

architecture and interior design firm blitz has completed the new headquarters of internet security company malwarebytes. to accommodate a rapidly expanding staff, malwarebytes commissioned blitz to design 50,900 square feet of office space over two floors in a multi-tenant building in santa clara, california. the workplace provides expansive views of silicon valley and overlooks levi’s stadium, the home of the san francisco 49ers.

a large interconnecting stair is the focal point of the office

moving from private offices and cubicles to open-plan workspaces signaled a dramatic change in approach. the scheme seeks to remove employee isolation in favor of fluid space and culture. in order to create an engaging and dynamic environment, teams are organized in ‘neighborhoods’ that flow outward from the main entrance. each neighborhood has team-specific amenities — such as touchdown spaces, task-specific storage, and three gaming rooms — to support their function.

the area serves as the main presentation area

a large interconnecting stair is the focal point of the office, serving as the main presentation area. the amphitheater is adjacent to the board room, large work-cafe, and pinball machine corner, creating a cultural hub. tucked underneath the main stair is a ‘secret’ bar inspired by 1920s speakeasies. entering through a blind door, black chevron marble tiles line the walls and draw the eye toward the views of the stadium and the mountains beyond.

underneath the main stair is a secret bar inspired by 1920s speakeasies

set against a neutral black background, bright colors and organic wood elements contrast the natural light that enters from the building’s large windows. the textured carpet, wall coverings, and custom colored light fixtures, are complemented with steel, copper, stone, marble and ceramic detailing. the darker hues and materiality reference the staff’s keen interest to the star wars universe. blitz worked with the malwarebytes team, including CEO marcin kleczynski, to curate wall graphics, throw pillows, art pieces, and additional decor elements to create a galactic universal space.

the scheme seeks to remove employee isolation in favor of fluid work spaces

a communal kitchen at the office’s upper level

the design incorporates bright colors and organic wood elements

large windows provide views of silicon valley and levi’s stadium

a comfortable lounge area

teams are organized in ‘neighborhoods’ that flow outward from the main entrance

the scheme includes textured carpets, wall coverings, and custom light fixtures

a large meeting room

a secluded area of the office for more private work

project info:

location: 3979 freedom circle, 11th and 12th floors, santa clara, california
size: 50,900 sqf / 4,728 sqm
completion: january, 2016
photography: bruce damonte

architect: blitz architecture + interiors
lead designer, principal-in-charge: melissa hanley
project designer: zach meade
interior designer, FF+E: liz evoy
construction administration: emily burchill
specifications: john hunter