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M Moser’s partnership with Cleary Gottlieb, an international law firm known for globalising the legal profession, began in 2023. M Moser undertook two significant projects on opposite coasts of the United States. Central to this collaboration was the redesign of Cleary’s San Francisco headquarters—a fusion of modern design, flexibility and the warm materiality of the West Coast.

The firm wanted to create a versatile, future-proof environment with provisions for potential expansion into a full two-floor occupancy. At the same time, this project aimed to establish the firm’s presence and integrate the local culture into its operations. This ensured the space resonated with the community and the bi-coastal teams that would inhabit it.

Key highlights
Establish the firm’s presence on the West Coast, moving from a sublease to a more permanent, representative space.

An environment that nurtures local connections and culture while supporting a bi-coastal team.

Optimizing real estate by reducing two floors to 1.5 while strategically planning for potential full occupancy in the future.

Maximizing space within a minimal footprint
Originally planned for two full floors, M Moser designed the headquarters to occupy 1.5 floors after careful optimization. This thorough planning exercise met the need for private offices and other spatial requirements without necessitating more real estate.

The team’s focus on flexible, modular office layouts created a space that will evolve with the firm. Work settings support everything from individual work to collaborative engagements across the thoughtfully planned floors. Arrangements also allow for conversion between single and double-wide shared offices, while studies of double occupancy configurations were conducted to maximize space.

Global sophistication, California cool
The design reflects Cleary Gottlieb as a global brand while embracing distinctive Californian elements. Aesthetics marry clean, elevated design with natural elements like wood flooring and greenery, creating an environment that is both professional and inviting. Furthermore, M Moser prioritized using low VOC and red list-free materials and FSC-certified wood.

The design aligns with modern trends observed among M Moser’s legal clients, such as creating visibility and connection between clients and attorneys while maintaining privacy and providing anchor spaces for people to gather. The space features numerous areas for individual work while maintaining an open feel through glass partitions and visual cues. This approach drives collaboration and mentorship between colleagues while offering panoramic Bay and San Francisco vistas.

Designing for connectivity, comfort and community
M Moser reimagined an interconnecting stair to serve as a physical and symbolic link between public and private zones, enhancing flow and interaction. This feature complements the multifunctional space that connects the reception, conference centre and café. These areas are designed for versatility to host in-office activities and community events.

The design team focused on a hospitality-driven experience for client-facing spaces to ensure they are both memorable and welcoming. Amenities such as a fitness room, games room, indoor Zen rock garden and a reading area highlight the firm’s commitment to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Additionally, a full catering kitchen with service stations is tailored to support the firm’s evolving needs.

Connecting design to business objectives
M Moser conducted workshops, interviews and detailed planning with Cleary, prioritizing real estate, vision and bringing operational needs into every facet of the design.

The firm’s approach optimized space and improved group cohesion within the workplace environment. Following this project’s success, M Moser is also undertaking a master planning initiative in New York.

Balancing identity with innovation
The design aligns with the firm’s corporate identity and requirements while bringing local character into view. Through design and planning, M Moser created a workspace that meets our client’s immediate needs and anticipates future growth.

Design: M Moser Associates
Photography: Emily Hagopian