Steinberg SF Studio launches in San Francisco, plans to transform its own office space

Principals June Grant, AIA and Asheshh Saheba, RA revealed the vision and philosophy behind the launch of Steinberg SF Studio. By uniting art, science, data and design, along with an entrepreneurial spirit, Steinberg SF Studio will help clients, architects, and design technology firms explore and collaborate to push boundaries.

The unveiling of the Steinberg SF Studio signals a new beginning for Steinberg's presence in San Francisco and a new chapter in architectural design: a chapter dedicated to shifting perspectives and boundaries, and implementing technology, data driven processes to create agile design solutions.

"An architectural studio is all about fleshing out ideas, testing and gaining knowledge. It is less fixated on the knowledge of one person. That is why we are implementing a new workplace strategy that promotes agility, teamwork and innovation," says Grant.

Grant and Saheba left their previous architectural firms, AECOM and Handel respectively, because they saw the opportunity to bring their agile, provocative design aesthetic to Steinberg and clients in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Oakland, while at the same time building a strong team dedicated to these values. They are in the process of developing an Advanced Design Technology team to focus on discovery, technology and performance design.

"Our team at Steinberg SF Studio is encouraged to take risks, explore beyond their comfort zones, and embrace an ever-changing work environment," says Grant. "We partner with clients that are willing to do the same, companies that are open to exploring and taking risks, who see opportunity but don't yet have the solution. It's all about collaboration and solving problems as a team."

As proof-of-concept, Steinberg SF Studio is transforming its office space and culture at Battery and Pine streets. Knowledge-sharing initiatives are underway with 3D-printing company Type A Machines and engineers Thorton-Tomasetti, who will collaborate in the design and simulation of an interactive wall. In addition, Steinberg SF Studio will become a "co-locating" space for innovative talents that support the architecture and development industry. The first residents will be Studio 216 Visualization team and SFHAC Project Review Committee.

"All design firms can solve a problem. We are dedicated to changing perspectives and pushing boundaries to create contemporary, elegant solutions and iconic designs," says Saheba. "In our separate pasts, we have each successfully demonstrated this explorative approach with projects such as NASA Ames Sustainability Base in Mountain View, GE Software Center of Excellent in San Ramon, 2155 Webster in San Francisco and 40 Bond in New York. We are ready to bring this approach to more clients in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and Oakland."

Founded in 2009 with an initial endowment of $1.9 million, HMC’s nonprofit Designing Futures Foundation (DFF) has donated about $230,000 in its three years of existence, including $105,000 in scholarships to California students. The grants help promising high schoolers with an interest in architecture, design, engineering, education, or healthcare pay for expenses like test preparation services, computers, and college entrance exam fees and tuition. The scholarships can be extended for up to five years of college.

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