We were inspired by the idea of layers of time and construction, starting with a stone gatehouse, and then veiling it in oak panels, furnishing, and art. Key to our design expression was the reveal of the foundation behind the oak panels, as well as the polished vs the rough effect on the reception desk.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP wanted its new home to make a return to the office something its people would get excited about. They needed a space that appeals to new employees and entices new clients, while reflecting both their brand and their culture.
Moving into a 40,000‑square‑foot former bank in a lush California setting across from Stanford University, the law firm sought to transform a building some called a “Fortress in the Forest” into a place that fosters connection, collaboration, and community.
The design concept “From a Fortress to a Town” draws on the historical evolution of cities from fortified strongholds to open, urban settlements. The fortress-to-town concept shifts this law office setting from a “stronghold” mentality of exclusivity, security, and rigid structures to a “town” model focusing on collaboration, transparency, and the people who use the space.
This design demonstrates that as the ways we collaborate evolve, the need for places that bring people together remains constant. The workplace is evolving from a collection of offices, desks and chairs to carefully tailored places designed to address the needs and aspirations of a specific organization and its people. Pillsbury is a case study showing DIALOG’s vision of the future of the workplace.
- Location
- Palo Alto, California
- Size
- 40,000 sq ft
- Client
- Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
- Completion
- 2026
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
Savillis, Project Managment Services
Principal Builders, Construction Management and Implementation
Pribuss Engineering
Innovative Mechanical
Elson Electronic Inc.
Pivot Interiors, Furniture Procurement
Interior Design
Architecture
We were inspired by the idea of layers of time and construction, starting with a stone gatehouse, and then veiling it in oak panels, furnishing, and art. Key to our design expression was the reveal of the foundation behind the oak panels, as well as the polished vs the rough effect on the reception desk.
At the heart of the firm is the hearth space, the internal social square of Pillsbury. The hearth space has the roughest construction ethos of exposed beams, limestone floors, and simple furniture.
A long harvest table anchors the space and tells the story of Pillsbury’s intention: “Where everyone has a seat at the table.”
For more intimate chats or if a team member wishes to sit alone, there is the “Snug” (yes, like an Irish pub snug), saturated in rich moss green and decorated with whimsical animal artwork. You will see the dog portraits throughout Pillsbury’s private spaces, to remind team members to not take it all too seriously.
The Great Hall can host up to 100 people in a lecture layout. The room is adaptable and can be set up in various configurations – classroom, conference, standing. Extra furniture is stored behind concealed doors in the paneling.
The blue saturated pantry just outside allows for guests to grab a bite or coffee.
The Gallery space acts as the pre-function area for the client-facing event spaces. Flooring switches from stone to herringbone wood and evokes the feeling of an art gallery.
The Gallery is supported by a massive quartz wall coordinated to the millwork to serve food and beverages. Its main feature is a meandering serpentine sofa placed over a grand carpet which anchors the gallery space.
Beyond the Gallery pre-function welcome space, guests are invited to pass through the soften archway and enter the salon space. Here we envision guests and hosts diving into deep conversation regarding issues at hand or sharing personal stories. We see this as both a casual and formal space.
For the Guest Lounge we were inspired by the notion of a salon, a space where invited guests come to share in conversation. The space features refined paneling, soft arches, bookshelves, detailed ceilings, a feature hearth, fireplace and inviting furnishings.
High-top countertops equipped with a refreshment station allow even more social space for clients to enjoy a coffee or bite to eat.
Here, Pillsbury’s major decisions are made with privacy and convenience in mind. The rounded-edge boardroom table discreetly provides electrical outlets, high-backed chairs and, of course, all the required state-of-the-art audio and visual components.
At the center of the library plan is a 16-foot-long table. Intended as a space for quiet work, the table is surrounded by Pillsbury’s law-book collection – their history. Chairs are placed four feet apart and are high backed to give a sense of privacy and focus. We wanted the user to feel as though they were in a garden surrounded by greenery.
Located on the second level, we created a coffee point at the top of the staircase anchoring the garden space. A counter-height perch table allows for “Pillsburians” to find a place to chat and collaborate.
A rampart is a defensive wall of a castle or walled city. We used this as a metaphor for the litigations team small-town square. This team works late into the night, often on very intense cases, and we wanted to provide them with a space where they could converge to do battle.
The washrooms at Pillsbury are designed as refined moments of pause. Bright, elegant, and quietly luxurious, they balance clarity and comfort through thoughtful lighting and a restrained material palette.
First floor floorplan.
Second floor floorplan.
The Team
