Collaborative spaces are inspire innovation and discovery
New entry lobby takes advantage of raw, natural materials
Open office with natural light
Natural light filtered in by solatubes

Heising-Simons Foundation

Scientific discovery, educational breakthroughs for our earliest learners and sustainable solutions for the environment are the key goals of Heising-Simons Foundation.

Completed
2015
Location
Los Altos, CA
Client
Heising-Simons Foundation
Size
10,000 sf
Photography
Bernard Andre
Certifications
LEED Platinum

The design of the new headquarters creates a pathway of discovery revealing the key program areas and culminating in a collaborative space which serves not only the Foundation but thought leaders from the community.

Our office is more than we imagined it would be. It’s dynamic and has a sense of energy. I want to come to work because it feels good being here. It allows us to do be focused and do our work better.
Liz Simons, Chair of the Board

Scientific advancement, educational breakthroughs for our earliest learners and preserving our natural environment are the key goals of this Foundation.  A serpentine path leads through the teams associated with these goals and views alternating open into these team areas and the exterior beyond.  This pathway of discovery culminates in an “all hands” café and library resource center.  Upon arrival here a guest has experienced how the Foundation works and their mission and values as well.

 

 

Reclaimed wood from the San Francisco Transbay terminal was selected for it's rich petina, unique story and sustainable qualities.

Reclaimed wood from the San Francisco Transbay terminal was selected for it's rich petina, unique story and sustainable qualities.

Path of discovery

Path of discovery

Detail of reclaimed wood looking into staff lounge

Detail of reclaimed wood looking into staff lounge

Detail of reclaimed wood looking into staff lounge

Detail of reclaimed wood looking into staff lounge

Artwork throughout including a commissioned sculpture in the high ceiling of the collaboration café reflects the aspirational goals of the Foundation.

Artwork throughout including a commissioned sculpture in the high ceiling of the collaboration café reflects the aspirational goals of the Foundation.

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Highlighted Team Members