Notion Opens New San Francisco HQ Embracing Classic Design

Notion, a productivity software company that has integrated AI into its offerings, has opened its new San Francisco headquarters, a 100,000-square-foot space located in a building constructed in 1907. This new office, designed by IA Interior Architects, departs from the typical forward-looking aesthetic often adopted by tech companies, such as Apple's "spaceship" campus or Amazon's geodesic domes. Instead, Notion's headquarters embraces a more historic sensibility, aiming to project an image of classic design and a soothing atmosphere. The lobby features a book-matched burl reception desk, antique Persian carpets, gauzy white curtains, and an authentic Gerrit Rietveld chair, deliberately omitting prominent company logos and screens. The interior design choices, including walls painted in Benjamin Moore Cream Froth and lighting set to a warm 2700K color temperature—a setting commonly used in hotels and homes—contribute to a calming environment. Kristoffer Tendall, design director at IA's San Francisco studio, stated that the space is intended to "celebrate the person who’s here." This design philosophy reflects a broader trend observed within the AI industry in San Francisco, where companies are increasingly choosing older buildings in historic neighborhoods like Jackson Square over new developments in areas such as South Beach and Mission Bay. This move is somewhat anachronistic, as companies like Notion, Anthropic, and Jony Ive's Io are at the forefront of developing AI and agent technologies that shape global interaction, yet they are establishing their operations within historically significant structures. Michael McGinley, Notion's global head of real estate, explained that the brand and identity are conveyed through the overall atmosphere of the space rather than overt branding. The choice of a historic building and classic interior design elements suggests a deliberate strategy to create a workspace that feels grounded and timeless, potentially influencing employee experience and company perception. The company's pivot to AI a few years prior indicates a strategic evolution, and this new headquarters design may signal a desire to balance technological innovation with a sense of enduring quality and thoughtful design. The 100,000-square-foot office space signifies a significant investment in their physical presence in San Francisco, a city that continues to be a hub for technological advancement and innovation, even as the industry navigates evolving workplace trends and architectural preferences.