The Trade Desk Offices – San Francisco

Connection, collaboration, and ownership are the guiding principles in the design of The Trade Desk's San Francisco office, a holistic workplace experience for employees of the advertising technology giant.

HOK designed The Trade Desk’s new office to reflect the advertising software company’s innovative roots and the local Bay Area culture in San Francisco, California.

HOK previously collaborated with The Trade Desk to develop Global Office Design & Construction Guidelines. The company’s vision for its workplace experience is to “create, empower and inspire a holistic workplace experience that is safe, engaging, positive, productive and welcoming for out global TTD family and guests.” The guidelines ensure that office spaces of any shape or size feel true to The Trade Desk vibe.

The design infuses the culture of these employees and the San Francisco locale into the contemporary office space. Guiding principles were “connection, collaboration and ownership.”

The Trade Desk prioritized the mental, emotional and physical well-being of its employees in the new office. Large windows provide views of downtown San Francisco and plenty of natural light. Biophilic design elements and live plants throughout the space connect employees to nature. Modern furnishings and pieces from local artists contribute to the creation of a warm, comfortable environment.

About one-fourth of the office space is dedicated to a social hub for hosting tech meetups and clients. The social hub provides a space for employees to come together around food, which is important to the company culture. Comfortable furniture and a game table encourage interaction.

Though a portion of the space is leased to a subtenant, the project team strategically designed the space for The Trade Desk to seamlessly occupy the entire floor with minimal modifications as it grows in the future.

The team designed the office while working remotely during the COVID-19 lockdown.

In addition to the Global Design & Construction Guidelines, HOK’s long-term relationship with The Trade Desk includes office projects in multiple locations in California and one in Chicago.

Design: HOK
Photography: Jasper Sanidad