MVE & Partners Oakland Office Oakland, CA

The Bay Area office is located within a historic bank building in the center of downtown Oakland. This challenging site was chosen to showcase MVE's creativity while demonstrating a commitment to the revitalization of this urban neighborhood. Originally designed as a bank in 1913, the space features a double-height ceiling with intricately carved groin vaults that depict scenes of Bay Area history. MVE restored the plaster ceiling and lighted the carvings with modern fixtures to showcase them while providing indirect lighting for staff below.

Existing marble and plaster were cleaned and preserved, but were left untouched by the new improvements. Bank vaults were designated for conference spaces and their doors were left in place as found art objects. A two-story annex was incorporated to the rear of the property and was designed as an open loft environment with exposed concrete structural elements and ductwork. Unifying these diverse spaces is a neutral color palette that brings the historic elements to the forefront while allowing MVE to interject color through bold graphic displays. A back-lighted kiosk at the entry lobby displays the diversity of MVE's design portfolio while engaging visitors and passers-by on the adjoining public mall.