The California Endowment

Oakland, CA
Completed 2017

As the largest private health foundation in the state, The California Endowment supports nonprofit health partners and grantees, and advocates for access to affordable, quality health care for all Californians. In addition to providing grants and strategic support, TCE offers conferencing facilities, free of charge, to these organizations. SBA worked with TCE to design their new Oakland offices and conferencing facility.

Originally a 4-story bank headquarters, this 1960’s era building was transformed into a cohesive, 2-story conference space with multiple conference rooms of varying size. The design creates a visual and literal connection between floors to improve wayfinding and ease of use of the facility. The conferencing area includes additional spaces for guests to gather, mingle, and network. The open plan layout of the upper-level office spaces also serves to create a visual connection among the staff, a stated goal for their new home, to provide a vibrant and connected work environment to support their work.

Photography: Ken Gutmaker