Vibrance and openness in a secure space.

Northland Controls, a global security integrator and managed services provider for some of the world’s top high-tech and financial institutions, hired us to design a modern and sophisticated space that reveals the vibrant culture.

While it needed to reflect the company’s brand position, the space still had to meet the high-level security obligations required by their clients.

NORTHLAND CONTROLS

LOCATION
Milpitas, California

SIZE
30,000 SF

SCOPE
Architecture
Interior Design
Furniture Design
Environmental Graphics

PHOTOGRAPHY
Bruce Damonte
Reflex Imaging

AWARDS
IIDA Northern California Honor Award, 2018

“We’re incredibly happy with the outcome. We intentionally invested in this space to be attractive to new hires—and a sense of pride for existing employees. Initially, we were not sure such an open environment was the right move, but it has increased the level of collaboration and camaraderie. And when clients and potential new hires come in to the office, they all remark how unexpected it is for a security integrator. Blitz was able to capture the understated elegance and modernity we were looking for and to communicate our brand position effectively with the space.”

PIERRE TRAPANESE, CEO, NORTHLAND CONTROLS

Northland’s previous office was full of enclosed space. Cubicles and perimeter private offices acted as both physical and visual barriers, separating departments and creating a shortage of workstations when off-site employees came for firm-wide meetings.

Now, metal screens overlaid with a wood print finish provide a visual connection throughout, and privacy where required. While the office offers a flow from the expansive, two-story main entrance to the central all-hands space and informal meeting spaces. The full service coffee bar, located directly adjacent to the building lobby, was designed to be the first entry point for visitors and clients and serves as front-facing hospitality space as well as an open meeting area.

An opportunity to further brand Northland’s Worldwide Headquarters came when Blitz was commissioned to update the exterior. Through the use of strategically placed colors (chosen from their brand palette) and a bold new sign, the building now has new character and increased curb appeal.