Piper Jaffray

In its former space, the physical environment no longer supported Piper Jaffray’s work styles and in many ways did not reflect its culture.  After evaluating available buildings in a tight real estate market, Piper Jaffray enlisted Huntsman to develop a design direction that encompasses a modern aesthetic, improved functionality, and greater connection to the company’s client base.  The new image is unveiled upon first entering the elevator lobby where a series of vertical fins in fumed oak veneer create a stark contrast to the neutral palette of ceramic tile and white walls.  Glass pivot doors allow the boardroom to open up the lobby for events and entertaining clients.  A guest seating banquette marks the entry to the break room and provides a touch down lounge for staff looking to work away from their desks.  A split face stone wall above the seating banquette celebrates a design feature executed in other office locations.  An exposed ceiling marks the circulation as well as gives the open loft appearance similar in the offices of their technology clients.

Glazed storefronts allow daylight from all rooms along the perimeter to reach the core, requiring less light fixtures for interior circulation.  Within the perimeter offices and meeting rooms, clerestories provide daylight to pass through all sides and for exterior views to permeate throughout.  New office furniture standards line work surfaces, shelving, and storage along the interior walls, which in shared offices, allows for casual meeting spaces to occupy the center. 

Outside, the exposed ceiling defines volume between the open and closed office environments.  In the trading floor, adjustable height workstations allow for greater flexibility through the work day.  Canted ceiling panels accentuate the exposed ceiling that continues back to the lobby and reception. The result is a workplace that respects Piper Jaffray’s Wall Street reputation while reflects its current client base.  The new office provides highly collaborative, multi-functional spaces which encourage impromptu meetings while conforming to the required lines of business separation.  With more open and light-filled spaces, office life at Piper Jaffray now becomes transparent. 

Client Piper Jaffray
Location San Francisco, CA
Scope Office Planning and Design
Size 20,000 square feet

Credits Photography by David Wakely