Danzer brings natural Walnut Veneer to a global law firm's office
Project Facts
Some workplaces are designed around cooperation and activity. Others are designed around concentration. For the San Francisco office of a global law firm advising clients on complex legal, regulatory and business matters, interior architects from Perkins&Will set out to create an environment defined by clarity, focus and calm. To support that vision, Danzer supplied 18,198 square feet of natural American walnut veneer from a single log. It now defines key areas throughout the office, including the reception area, conference spaces and custom millwork.
The San Francisco office was designed to support conversations that require discretion, careful consideration and sound judgment. Throughout the office, natural American walnut establishes warmth, continuity and a sense of permanence – from wall paneling in the reception area, conference corridors and meeting rooms to a feature staircase base and bespoke credenzas.
An indoor reflection of San Francisco’s landscape
Clients and visitors who enter the law office encounter a reception area that opens toward views of San Francisco's iconic Coit Tower, while a prominent staircase with glass balustrades anchors the space. Throughout the office, the design remains intentionally minimal. Light terrazzo flooring, large windows, light-toned materials and carefully selected furnishings are complemented by a small number of thoughtfully placed objects – a golden vase, a high-end coffee station. Details that add character without distracting from the architecture itself.
The design approach is informed by the surrounding landscape, forested hills, changing light and views across the San Francisco Bay Area. "The use of walnut wood veneer reinforces our design concept," says Kirsten Bridges, Project Architect at Perkins&Will. "Walnut’s rich tone evokes the region's forests, bringing warmth, texture and a sense of place while fostering a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere."
Quarter-cut walnut provides continuity and calm
The design team selected natural American walnut veneer in a quarter-cut configuration. "Unlike flat-cut veneer, quarter-cut walnut creates a straight, consistent grain that performs particularly well across large wall surfaces," says Danzer Marketing Director Daniel Lechner. "It establishes visual continuity while preserving the natural character of the wood."
According to Perkins&Will, this quiet visual consistency was an important part of the design – helping reduce visual stress and fostering a sense of tranquility. "The quarter-cut walnut veneer minimizes distractions within the space," says Kirsten Bridges. "Its refined appearance reinforces design continuity and a cohesive brand experience."
Choosing real wood reflected the law firm’s commitment to quality, authenticity and consistent material standards across multiple office locations.
Floor-to-ceiling panels support minimal aesthetic
Full-height walnut wall panels define many of the office's key spaces – and influence how the interior is experienced: "They emphasize the verticality of the space, visually extending the ceiling height and enhancing the sense of openness," says Kirsten Bridges from Perkins&Will. "Their clean, uninterrupted surfaces create a minimal aesthetic, allowing the panoramic views beyond the windows to remain the primary focal point." Visible joints establish a deliberate rhythm between materials, creating an interior that feels ordered and calm.
One log, uninterrupted continuity
Large-scale applications require consistency. For this project, Danzer supplied 18,198 square feet of natural American walnut veneer from a single log. "Sourcing a consistent log in that quantity is challenging," says Jeremy Behrhorst of MissionBell, the firm responsible for the project’s millwork. To ensure visual continuity across the extensive floor-to-ceiling applications, the walnut veneer was hand-selected by MissionBell's veneer department. It performed exceptionally well during fabrication and installation, says Jared Hiser of MissionBell: "We would certainly source from Danzer again."
Close collaboration, from concept to space
As with many complex interior projects, this one demanded close collaboration between the client, the architects at Perkins&Will, the millwork team at MissionBell and material supplier Danzer. "Open dialogue and a unified commitment to the design vision defined the collaboration," says Kirsten Bridges. "The shared process helped align material selection and detailing with the project's goals. This alignment contributed to the success of the installation."
A material that inspires confidence
Wood has long been associated with places of permanence and trust. In this San Francisco law office, natural American walnut brings those qualities into a contemporary workplace. The response from those using the space has been especially encouraging: "The client has provided very positive feedback on the overall look and feel of the space," says project architect Kirsten Bridges. "The warmth of the walnut veneer has been noted as a defining element of the design." Jeremy Behrhorst of MissionBell has received equally positive feedback: "The building owner and tenants have been impressed with the quality."
Some negotiations will always remain difficult. The surroundings, at least, now offer clarity, calm and quiet confidence.