College Futures Foundation Headquarters

A Workplace Shaped by Mission

client

College Futures Foundation
location

Oakland, CA
size

6,000 SF

College Futures Foundation’s relocation from San Francisco to downtown Oakland offered a rare opportunity to design a headquarters that embodies the organization’s commitment to access, equity, and opportunity. The result is a light-filled, 6,000-square-foot workplace where every design decision reflects the non-profit’s dedication to the students it serves.

Open office workspace with low workstations, light wood partitions, white desk surfaces, and a long window wall overlooking wooded hills. A person walks down the central corridor beside glass-fronted rooms, while others work at desks in the bright, modern office.

Lounge area beside a glass-enclosed conference room, with large circular pendant lights, light wood flooring, built-in cabinetry, low tables, and upholstered seating near expansive windows. Two people sit on a sofa working with devices, while another person sits inside the adjacent meeting room.

Translating Mission into Workplace

The Foundation partners with leaders across California to close equity gaps and expand educational opportunities for every student, regardless of zip code, race, or income. Its new headquarters was designed to make those values tangible through a layout that prioritizes openness and connection, materials that evoke the natural landscape of California, and spaces that embody the inclusivity and collaboration central to the Foundation’s work.

Bright office lounge with gray modular seating, yellow accent pillows, large circular acoustic pendant lights, tall indoor plants, and expansive windows framing a city and hillside view. A person sits in a gray lounge chair working on a laptop beside a low round coffee table.

Office corridor and lounge area with exposed ceiling systems, wood-slat ceiling detail, glass-fronted rooms, and two upholstered lounge chairs with peach pillows. A large wall photograph hangs above a small side table, creating a quiet seating area beside the hallway.

Rooted in Place

Perched on the 10th floor overlooking Lake Merritt and the East Bay hills, the office makes the most of its spectacular setting. Daylight reaches deep into the workspace, and a palette of warm, natural materials—evoking the textures and tones of the California landscape—grounds the interior within a strong sense of place and reinforces the Foundation’s connection to the communities it serves across the state.

Office kitchen and break area with light wood cabinetry, white brick backsplash, stone island, wood stools, and exposed ceiling ducts. A person walks past the counter, with adjacent lounge seating and large pendant lights visible nearby.

Communal Hub for Connection and Collaboration

At the heart of the office is a 1,200-square-foot gathering space that anchors the workplace socially and functionally. Framed by a sweeping curve of exterior windows and an open kitchen, the hub supports everything from informal team check-ins to all-staff gatherings, reflecting the Foundation’s culture of engagement and shared purpose. Perimeter offices and flexible meeting rooms extend this spirit of openness throughout the floor.

Small meeting room with a bright green acoustic wall, matching green carpet, round table, white chairs, wall-mounted monitor, and glass writing board. A person writes on the board, with the adjacent open lounge visible through the doorway.

Private office with light wood desks, matching guest chairs, built-in storage, dual monitors, and neutral patterned carpet. Glass partitions open the view into the workspace, while a landscape image and small plant add color to the clean, modern office.

Elevating Purpose on a Budget

The design team prioritized timely delivery within the non-profit’s limited budget from the outset. Long-term operational costs and functional efficiency are addressed without sacrificing design quality, demonstrating that mission-driven design and fiscal responsibility aren’t mutually exclusive. As part of the firm’s commitment to serving area nonprofits, Principal time was provided pro bono.