Studios Architecture San Francisco, California, USA Ever since the company was founded in 1985 with Apple Computer as their first client, the architectural design firm Studios has grown alongside high-tech firms in Silicon Valley. Studios designed the progressive offices of Excite and Silicon Graphics featured in this issue. Their team-based working style and the close and on-going collaboration between the principals and the clients allow them to achieve innovative office designs. An old warehouse for a paint manufacturer was converted into a narrow, three-story office with large windows and abundant natural light. “Open Door Policy” is demonstrated at this office. Doors, which hinder communication, are removed to realize an open office environment that encourages employees to move about freely. In the office layout, the workstations of the designers are located considering the daily interactions with each other. The basic unit is a cluster composed of 4 people. A table is set in the center of the back of the four designers so they can gather easily for quick meetings. The offices of the five principals are located along the wall on the first floor. However, there are no doors at any of the offices to encourage their staff to come in and out of the offices easily. Instead of creating a floor for the executives, they are located among the other staff members to promote communication. This type of work environment facilitates achieving smooth communication and collaboration among themselves and with clients and other outside consultants.           Location: San Francisco, California, USA     Move-In Date:     Floor Area: N/A     Workforce: 65     Building Design: Studios Architecture     Interior Design: N/A     Interview Date: 1998.6