Young & Rubicam’s San Francisco Offices / IA Interior Architects
IA Interior Architects has renovated the San Francisco offices of global advertising firm Young & Rubicam.
When advertising icon Young & Rubicam (Y&R) asked IA to renovate its offices, the challenge was to reinvent, rebrand, and design for sustainability the existing 35,000-sq.-ft. floor for an interactive and energized agency where both visiting CEO’s and skateboarders would be comfortable. Y&R’s overall goal was to invigorate and retain its existing workforce and attract the best creative talent.
IA’s design creates an open office space with selected support areas that can easily become part of the work zones. Presentation areas (both collaborative and private) allow for the reconfiguration and mobility Y&R needs to literally walk clients through interactive presentations. At the heart of the new design are two spaces, the Great Room and Interactive Café; prior to the renovation, both areas were used for workstations and a small, cramped pantry. Both spaces are ideal for generating camaraderie and hosting presentations and meetings. Intimate spaces created within the warehouse setting add an edgy, urban feel. IA used digital artist Mark Weaver’s gritty creative graphics celebrating noted Bay Area activists to emphasize the connection between the agency and its locale.
All of the renovation work and Y&R’s goals for sustainability were balanced within budget. The existing wood floor was retained, re-stained and sealed; all of the existing carpet tiles were reused. New decorative wood treatments were sourced from a reclaimed wood supplier, and 80% of existing light features along with 25% of the furniture were reused. Occupancy sensor zones keep energy usage down; personal task lights are available as needed. New fabrics and textiles were selected with high recycle content and all paints and adhesives are low-VOC. The result is a dynamic office design that reflects Y&R’s collaborative culture, concern for sustainability, and position as a cutting-edge San Francisco advertising agency.
Design: IA Interior Architects
Photography: Matthew Millman
