Heritage & Innovation Workplace

Through extensive local research, original photography and illustration, we’ve transformed a pair of renovated office buildings, totally 376,000 sq ft, into immersive environments that celebrate the rich heritage of Alviso, California. Our wayfinding system, graphics, and custom installations bring to life the neighborhood’s journey from maritime hub to technological center.

Our wayfinding system creates a vertical journey through the neighborhood’s economic evolution:
Floor 1: The maritime foundation, when oyster harvesting and fishing enterprises first sustained the community. We created an original life-size harvesting scene inspired by imagery featured in a local history museum.
Floor 2: The craftsmanship era, when the region was a haven for scrappy boatbuilders in the 1960s. We paired traditional boat building tools with historic photos from neighborhood marinas.
Floor 3: The production boom, when canning innovations and shipping networks brought Alviso’s products to the world in the 1930s. We researched the beautiful can labels from the area and mixed them with original designs.

Each level features distinct color schemes and environmental graphics inspired by materials, tools, and stories from its corresponding industrial era. While this building immerses visitors in Alviso’s industrial past, its companion celebrates the region’s flora and fauna. Together, they create a narrative of place that acknowledges both human ingenuity and the natural world. Our hope is to encourage employees to explore the unique places just beyond their office doors. Visit the other building here.