Genstar Capital Offices – San Francisco
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson redesigned the Genstar Capital offices in San Francisco, creating a more open, collaborative, and inviting space with floor-to-ceiling glass offices and a warm, neutral palette.
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson delivered a welcoming and sophisticated space for the Genstar Capital offices in San Francisco, California.
Eager to make the most of their long-term presence in the iconic Embarcadero Center, Genstar engaged Bohlin Cywinski Jackson to breathe new life into their workplace, creating a healthier, more collaborative, and inclusive environment for employees and clients.
As a private equity firm focused on middle market investments, personal connection and transparency are at the core of Genstar Capital’s ethos and were important drivers in creating a re-imagined workplace now characterized by openness, hospitality, and warmth. Responding to the company’s desire to transform their outdated, dim, and compartmentalized offices, we relocated important communal and social spaces from the core of the building to the perimeter, taking advantage of panoramic views and natural light. New floor-to-ceiling glass offices bring daylight and visibility into the interior, improving a sense of connection between employees and allowing all staff to enjoy the backdrop of the financial district skyline and San Francisco Bay waterfront.
Designed as a gallery space, a broad circulation spine links the new reception area with the pantry and dining area as well as a new, state-of-the-art conference center and boardroom. The formal meeting areas impart a sense of openness and continuity when used for frequent firm-wide meetings and client-facing events, and the gallery works as a generous pre-function space.
A warm, neutral palette wraps around the building’s concrete core, providing an airy backdrop for a new art program, introduced as part of the project, where work from local artists animates the walls and contrasts with wood, glass, dark bronze accents, and contemporary furnishings. Plain-sawn white oak floors with expressive grain and character are set against a rift-sawn white oak plank ceiling, offering an added sense of warmth. Within the dining area, the material palette evokes a casual sophistication, with low-sheen warm wood and neutral tones, and colorful, locally sourced handmade tiles that recall the color of San Francisco Bay. Bar-style seating lines the walls and windows, providing ample space to eat or work.
Design: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Owner’s Representative: Summit Construction Management
Contractor: Skyline Construction
Furniture Dealer: CRI
Photography: Adam Rouse
