Before developing any designs the STUDIOS team met with Verkada leadership to understand their goals as well as the needs and desires of their staff. The executive team wanted the space to really reflect innovation and serve as a testing ground for their technology, while also supporting how their employees work together. While many companies identify collaboration as a core value, the Verkada team truly cherishes in-person interaction. Throughout the pandemic their team continued to come into the office to work together in person, and the executives wanted the design to encourage further connection, helping them retain their staff and recruit top talent.

The central staircase, connecting all three work floors and surrounded by socialization spaces, is the main driver in fostering a sense of connection and collaboration in this office. Beyond providing an easy way for employees to move vertically through the office, the team designed the staircase as a central spatial element, representing the dynamic nature of Verkada. Glass, metal, wood, and gypsum board are carefully combined to create a sculptural spiral that serves as a single harmonious gesture. The sculptural shape of the stair evokes movement, energy, and creative thinking, indicative of their collaborative environment that contributes to the free flow of ideas and information. Serving as the nucleus of the office, it acts as the social core that ties all floors together, visually and physically.

Communal areas spiral upward along the stair using food and fun to empower bonding and encourage community. An espresso bar welcomes at reception, drawing people through to the heart of the space where the stair spirals up. A large all-hands space with a full-service kitchen anchors the first floor, with smaller pantries and dining areas accompanied by lounges on each successive story, culminating in a final espresso bar, private dining space, and rooftop lounge at the top. Each amenity space has been uniquely designed to facilitate idea sharing, camaraderie, and communal experiences, and placed to facilitate wayfinding and provide distinct destinations on each floor.

The second floor is occupied by the very active sales and finance teams. This high-density space is modeled after trading floors on Wall Street, encouraging collaboration and camaraderie. Sales goals are on display and major wins are celebrated publicly with a ceremonial gong.

On the third floor the engineering team is hard at work enhancing their current hardware and software and developing new technology. A fully-outfitted R&D lab provides space for the team to create and test prototypes as well as showcase their work to investors and partners.

The fourth floor serves as a retreat from work, with a full-service coffee bar that turns into a cocktail lounge for happy hour on Thursday and Friday nights and a private dining room. The Mediterranean-inspired terrace offers outdoor seating with views along with a bocce ball court for the Verkada team to let loose and have fun.

With the creation of their headquarters Verkada is poised for continued success. By doubling their square footage and creating exciting amenities the company will be able to support their current employees and attract top talent as they continue to grow. The welcoming space perfectly presents the company as the premier security brand, exemplifying their values and enabling their collaborative team spirit.