A 2,500-square-foot Palo Alto headquarters blending historic industrial character with modern minimalist interventions—creating a collaborative, flexible, and warmly residential workspace.
The Scout Capital Palo Alto headquarters occupies 2,500 square feet within a historic industrial structure, where original rough-hewn wood trusses and open volume are preserved as defining architectural elements.
Designed to merge the building’s heritage with a clean, contemporary aesthetic, the space reflects both Scout’s collaborative culture and the laid-back sophistication of Palo Alto. Thoughtful material choices, flexible partitions, and residentially inspired furnishings create a workplace that is modern, efficient, and inviting.
The challenge was to integrate modern functionality and privacy into a historically open, industrial environment without compromising its architectural integrity.
The design needed to maintain the expansive feel of the space, support flexible collaboration, and incorporate high-tech infrastructure—all while preserving the warmth and authenticity of the existing structure.
The design relies on minimal yet purposeful interventions that enhance openness rather than diminish it. Full-height glass sliding panels offer adaptable separation, while partial-height honeycomb acrylic and stainless steel partitions provide subtle privacy without obstructing sightlines or natural light. The newly poured continuous concrete floor grounds the space, while two welcoming “living room” lounge areas—anchored by felted wool rugs—set a comfortable tone for casual meetings and reinforce the relaxed Palo Alto culture.
At the center, the only fully enclosed volume—a meticulously detailed bamboo-clad conference room—functions as a self-contained programmatic hub. Each side of this “floating box” houses a different function, from pantry to library to storage, and discreetly incorporates a state-of-the-art telecommunications core that links the office directly to New York.
Custom metal lighting fixtures illuminate both the workstations and the exposed wood trusses above, celebrating the building’s character while ensuring functional brightness below. The result is a flexible, modern workplace that combines industrial clarity with warmth, efficiency, and a distinctly Californian ease.
The Groves & Co. team doesn’t just design spaces—they create environments that tell a story. Their expertise and collaborative approach made the process seamless, and the end result is a space that inspires everyone who walks through our doors.
Working with Groves & Co. was a transformative experience. Their team brought our vision to life with such precision and artistry, creating a home that feels both elevated and deeply personal. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and the final result surpassed our expectations.
