Fenwick

A Case STudy in Exchange

Fenwick’s San Francisco workplace is shaped by the concept of Exchange—a design that celebrates the flow of ideas, people, and perspective. Anchored in the firm’s open market system, the space is organized around moments of connection: a generous balcony overlooking the Bay, a vibrant work café, a specialty bar dedicated to a late Partner, and a network of collaborative and functional spaces that invite attorneys to gather, converse, and recharge.

The Concept of “Exchange” explores the dynamic and transformational nature of interaction—whether it’s between people, ideas, or materials. At its core, this design seeks to foster a flow of connection and collaboration. Through thoughtful integration of open spaces, adaptable/reconfigurable/mutable elements, and engaging forms, “Exchange” creates an environment that invites dialogue and the sharing of experiences. By prioritizing adaptability, the project will offer opportunities for both individual reflection and collective engagement

  • Client: Fenwick
    Location: San Francisco, California
    Size: 41,500 SQFT
    Completion Date: 2026

  • Architecture, Interior Design, Furniture Planning/Selection & Coordination, Bespoke Furniture, Environmental Graphics, Interior Landscape Design, Digital Brand Experience

  • Melissa Hanley, Kimberley O’Dowd, Derek Ramsey, John Hunter, Erika Russell, Ben Gourley, Jake Kutzin,Crystal Adams, Xavier Padojino, Geoffrey Andersson

    Photography: Garrett Rowland

Connective spaces

Long, carved corridors echo the rhythm of the city streets thirty stories below, guiding movement while framing uninterrupted views from Treasure Island to the Golden Gate Bridge. Light, bright finishes and ceilings emulating filtered light lift the eye upward, reinforcing the sensation of working among the clouds.

Balancing a polished, industrial sensibility with warm, inviting spaces, the design creates an environment that is both sophisticated and human—one that supports focused reflection while naturally drawing people together in the spirit of exchange.

"We hired Blitz specifically because we thought they would bring a fresh perspective to law firm design. We asked them to rethink what a law firm office could be, and they've delivered something we're genuinely proud of and that truly reflects the ethos of our firm. The creative vision was clear from the start, and working with their team was a delightful collaboration.

The space feels nothing like a traditional law firm office — it's open, energized, thoughtfully structured, and designed for how people actually work today. Conversations happen naturally, and that's enhanced how our teams collaborate in the very ways we sought.

We're extremely happy with the result. Blitz understood the brief, brought real innovation to it, and gave us a space that works as well as it looks."

Douglas Cogen, Partner, Fenwick