This tenant improvement of an existing building in Oakland’s evolving Uptown District provides two levels of offices for the corporate headquarters of Oakland-based Numi Tea. Working with a relatively small budget, the project exposed the existing brick walls and timber trusses. We devised a method of attaching lighting to the existing wood trusses which kept the second floor feeling open and spacious. We also designed the interior renovation, including the tea-tasting room, yoga space and two-story atrium.

Our design objective was to create an office space akin to the symbolic representation of hospitality and community, which is one of Numi Tea’s founding principles. The exposed truss ceiling in collaboration with LED lighting and natural daylight bathes the space with warmth and nostalgic glow. User comfort is also a priority, as we accommodate varying communal spaces that allow users to sit, stretch, or stand as they enjoy their tea or join in on meetings.