• 2025 HONOREE
  • Work Medium

Confidential Venture Capital Firm

Blitz

Photographer: Garrett Rowland

Design Team

Blitz

Melissa Hanley

Partner-in-Charge

Seth Hanley

Partner/Architect

Stephanie Baca

Principal/Studio Direct

John Hunter

Technical Director

Christopher Sowers

Project Architect

Erika Russell

Senior Interior Designer

Jake Kutzin

Job Captain

Crystal Adams

Director of Environmental Graphic Design

Dani Valdez

Graphic Designer

Emmy Yamaguchi

Graphic Designer


About the Project

This private venture capital firm backs bold entrepreneurs to shape the future through cutting-edge technology. The design brief called for a high-caliber, bespoke spatial environment that supports the user experience while reflecting the firm’s brand, culture, and unique position in the venture capital world.

Rather than focusing on dedicated workspaces for solo or team activities, the new office serves as a “clubhouse” — a hub for connections and collaboration. It’s a space designed for on-site activities traditionally held off-site, such as team dinners, drinks with portfolio companies, and informal gaming tournaments. The clubhouse provides a home base for locally based team members and visitors, with dedicated space for portfolio companies to work and play. While amenities for focused work exist, the primary function is to create a platform for the relationships that drive future innovation and investment.

Situated in a historic building constructed in 1912, the adaptive reuse of this designated landmark posed unique challenges. Originally built as a multi-unit residence and later restored for office use, the building features narrow U-shaped floor plates and low floor-to-floor heights. To optimize the layout, the design team relocated central multi-stall restrooms to create single-accommodation, gender-neutral facilities—aligning with the clubhouse concept. This reconfiguration opened the central portion of the plan, transforming it into a vibrant social hub adjacent to the building’s historic balconies. A new vertical opening on the entry level expands sightlines upward creating an impact at arrival.

Occupying the entire building, the firm’s program includes workspace, pantries, pitch rooms, podcast room and collaboration spaces. Amenities such as a catering kitchen, lounges, event space, roof deck and penthouse bar complement the clubhouse concept.
This project integrates contemporary functionality with the building’s historic character, creating a space that fosters connection, creativity, and innovation—perfectly aligned with the firm’s vision for the future.

Wow, the ceilings here! There is no surface left untouched.
Jury

General Contractor

JDM Construction

Mark Whelan, Principal

Pacific Edge Project Management

Antony Biddle, Principal

Extended Partners

MEP Engineering

Hisham Barakat, ARC Engineering

Lighting Design

Dave McCarrol, KGM

Structural Engineering

Nina Mahjoub / Justin Sharkley, Holmes Engineering

Land Use Consultant

Kenneth Kutcher. HLKK Law

Acoustical Consultant

Michael Brown, Newson Acoustics

FF&E

Furniture Dealer

Insidesource

Lighting

Marsett, Vibia, Coronet, Sossego

Finishes

Carpet Tile

Shaw

Paint

Benjamin Moore, Dunn Edwards

Solid Surface

Consentino

Wood Flooring

Reward Flooring

Tambour Wood Paneling

Surfacing Solutions

Plastic Laminate

Octopus, Wilsonart

Acoustic Wall Panel

Kirei, Soundply

Drapery

Carnegie, Designtex

Upholstery

Unika Vaev

Sheet Metal

Octopus

Specialty Glass

Carvart

Resin Panel

Lumicor

Glazing Film

Designtex

Wood Wallcovering

Jacaranda, Inc., Koroseal

Makers

Conference tables and Workstations / Custom Furniture

Studio Other/Charlotte Wiederholt


Back to all 2025 Honorees