Seeking a near-turnkey solution, Asana selected a space that was close to move-in ready. That said, a key element was missing—spaces to bring their people together. A major aspect of this project was to create a versatile space for their employees to gather to watch all-hands broadcasts from the San Francisco headquarters, come together for breakfast and lunch, and gather for coffee breaks and social hours. The challenge was to create one area that could accommodate all of these various uses, and allow the Asana teams to move into their new floor as quickly as possible. STUDIOS solved for this by employing a multi-phased approach.

During Phase One, we worked closely with the project team to quickly refresh the work areas, incorporating new paint, furnishings, and design elements that aligned with Asana’s identity. Phase Two involved more extensive changes, including light demolition, reconfiguring existing MEP systems, and adjusting the occupancy calculations for exiting—all of which required permits to create a flexible, all-hands space. STUDIOS navigated the complex approval process with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to ensure full code compliance for the new communal area. In Phase Three, as the client's needs evolved, open collaboration spaces from Phase One were transformed into enclosed areas. This approach was cost-effective, adhered to Port Authority regulations, and met the client's tight timeline.

The final design features a range of amenities, including a catering pantry, game nook, IT Help Desk, parents room, conference rooms, phone rooms, and workstations. STUDIOS prioritized a variety of spaces to support different work styles, integrating both quiet areas and collaborative booths. We developed a layout reminiscent of hospitality spaces, offering areas for both social interaction and private moments throughout the day.

Through early design-focused meetings, we proposed adding some subtle nods to the Asana brand as design surprises for staff to discover. This allowed us to develop a whimsical, playful space that can still accommodate serious meetings. The colors and finishes of each Asana office reflect the unique character of the surrounding region. In contrast to their San Francisco space that pulled from the warm tones of California, we leaned into Dark Mode–a newly released visibility setting on their platform–for the New York location. This Dark Mode palette aimed to capture a distinct boutique aesthetic with moody, evocative hues that resonate with the city’s energy.

The final design features a range of amenities, including a catering pantry, game nook, IT Help Desk, parents room, conference rooms, phone rooms, and workstations. STUDIOS prioritized a variety of spaces to support different work styles, integrating both quiet areas and collaborative booths. We developed a layout reminiscent of hospitality spaces, offering areas for both social interaction and private moments throughout the day. 

The open, jewel-toned emerald green arrival space feels like a trendy hotel lounge where guests and staff can relax under decorative lighting while taking in sweeping views of the city. The coffee nook brings to mind a cozy corner cafe, complete with comfortable booth seating, graphic tile subtly referencing the Asana logo, and terrazzo counters in playful hues. Decorative warm pendant lights drop from overhead as a visual indicator of this destination within a destination, offering a contrast to the darker, moodier vibe of the rest of the dining space.

The mural-filled dining room offers long rows of tables and modern green chairs, designed to accommodate the entire team and guests for meals or social gatherings at any time of day. Conference rooms are labeled after local neighborhoods with hand-painted signs to evoke the unique interior style of each space, celebrating how New Yorkers express their distinct personalities through outward expression. The local muralist who created signage also crafted the graphics throughout the floorplate, ensuring a cohesive and personalized touch.

With strategic, impactful interventions to the existing space, STUDIOS delivered a functional and inviting workplace that represents the New York team and their work culture. With their new office, Asana is poised for continued growth and equipped to keep expanding their reach on the East Coast and around the world.