The Cove at 525 Market Street

San Francisco, CA
28,000 SF

A+I transformed the traditional workplace experience through architecture and brand with The Cove at 525 Market Street. Rooted in the eclectic energy of San Francisco, the amenities destination for tenants offers new possibilities for work, play, and connection, sparking curiosity at every turn.

The Cove at 525 Market Street transforms the office tower into a vibrant destination at the heart of San Francisco resonant with the ever-evolving landscape of work. Beyond purely functional office space, we helped our client and partners reimagine an experience for tenants beyond the traditional 9-5 where work, play, and connection converge. The result is an amenities destination where every corner is infused with energy, discovery, and creativity—making it a space that doesn't just support work, but sparks it.

In strategically repositioning 525 Market Street, we identified an opportunity to create a jewel-box experience to serve as a catalyst for tenant attraction and activation on a single floor within the building stack. Drawing from San Francisco’s eclectic spirit, we coupled architectural and brand design to inject new life into the space. Anchored by the guiding principle “Seek What Inspires You,” our approach celebrates the city’s vibrant character, offering an immersive experience that prompts discovery at every turn.

The design blends modern reinterpretations of historic ornamentation with the energy of the city. We sought to bring contrast into the floor’s experience, juxtaposing immersive, richly textured anchor spaces with neutral, calming environments that thread the journey together. This balance creates a fluid landscape that sparks curiosity and encourages movement throughout the floor.

Tenants are greeted by the welcome lounge, where warm hues, curved forms, and rich textures create an inviting introduction to the space. Just beyond, the café overlooking Market Street offers a vibrant, lively atmosphere for a quick break or casual conversation. Soft blue walls and deep navy accents create a balanced environment that draws people in with its energy and comfort. Hidden in plain sight, a series of immersive spaces—a speakeasy, arcade, and podcast room—are tucked away for discovery. These intimate environments, layered with bold textures, plush materials, and dynamic lighting, provide a magnetic escape from the everyday work setting.

The work club and event space are designed for versatility, supporting everything from deep focus to spontaneous collaboration or corporate summits to social soirées. Thoughtful details—from seating that encourages connection to quiet nooks for uninterrupted work—ensure tenants can seamlessly shift between modes.

Branding is woven throughout, with custom graphics and space names inspired by local landmarks, reinforcing a sense of familiarity and place. Every detail, from signage to environmental graphics, plays a role in crafting an atmosphere that feels both grounded in the city and distinctly its own.

More than just a workplace, this is an ever-evolving destination designed to energize, adapt, and spark curiosity. Built for now, built to last, it keeps pace with the shifting nature of work while ensuring every moment within it is purposeful, inspiring, and just a little unexpected.

Project Team Phil Ward, Jamie Abrego, Denise Pereira, Glenn Godfrey, Raj Rana, Arielle Cruz

Photography Garrett Rowland