McCarthy Building Companies Offices – San Francisco
HGA’s design for McCarthy Building Companies’ new San Francisco office artfully merges functionality and sustainability, creating a flexible hub that embodies the company’s commitment to collaboration and local identity.
McCarthy Building Companies’ new San Francisco office is a dynamic hub combining functionality and flexibility with a welcoming atmosphere. The new workspace celebrates the company’s dedication to construction excellence and collaboration. Located on the 19th floor of a high-rise in the city’s bustling financial district, the workspace mirrors McCarthy’s core values in an approachable, versatile, and forward-thinking environment with nods to the local region.
After deciding to relocate from their previous location to address an expanding and mobile workforce, McCarthy collaborated with HGA to assess its current needs and future growth. The new location, closer to public transportation, benefits employees and clients alike, easing commutes and highlighting McCarthy’s commitment to sustainability.
Thoughtful space planning and design execution resulted in an environment that integrates collaboration, focus, and adaptability with an open layout at its core. Features include touchdown areas, flexible seating, phone rooms, and huddle spaces that support the “work anywhere together” philosophy. Amenities within the space include a large boardroom that doubles as a strategic planning and event space, a central breakroom, and two coffee bars.
HGA embraced the building’s unique rounded-edge square shape as a design opportunity, resulting in tambour edges on the breakroom island, specialty lighting, carpet patterns, and a custom reception desk, complemented by a curved plaster wall element. The breakroom captures panoramic views from sweeping windows, serving as a comfortable retreat and primary showcase of McCarthy’s brand identity. Private offices are positioned along the building’s core, with the perimeter left open for shared and focused workspaces, maximizing daylight and city views.
Light woods, coordinated textures, and soft, natural tones provide warmth and contrast against the cityscape views. Connections to San Francisco’s identity are evident throughout the office, such as undulating ceiling baffles inspired by “Karl the Fog” in the breakroom. The space also features subtle nods to the McCarthy brand, including strategic uses of the company’s iconic red brand color.
Flexible furniture selections support McCarthy’s commitment to sustainability. With a focus on ergonomics and the hub-like, hoteling intent of the space, furniture selections include sit/stand options and mobile pieces for collaboration.
The overall design of the new workspace balances natural elements within an urban context and reflects McCarthy’s core values, while meeting the evolving needs of employees and clients.
Design: HGA
Furniture: The Collective
Photography: Haley Hill Photography
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