Brereton Architect completed the interior fit-out of Notion’s San Francisco headquarters within the historic Monadnock Building, creating a contemporary workplace that respects and celebrates the building’s layered past. The project transforms a landmark shell into a flexible, light-filled office that balances modern tech culture with careful preservation of architectural character.

Design response
Working within an existing, character-rich framework, the design emphasizes spatial clarity and daylighting. Open collaborative zones, quiet focus rooms, and adaptable meeting suites are organized around a clear circulation spine to support varied work modes. Materials and color palette are restrained and tactile — warm wood tones, polished concrete, and soft metal accents — chosen to complement the Monadnock’s original masonry and cast-iron details while providing a distinctly contemporary workplace identity.

Historic sensitivity & preservation
A primary goal was to preserve and reveal the Monadnock’s defining features. Where possible, original fabric and details were restored or reinterpreted: exposed structural rhythms, preserved masonry, and reconditioned metalwork are integrated as prominent design elements. New interventions were intentionally legible and reversible, ensuring that contemporary additions read as distinct from the historic structure while strengthening its long-term stewardship.

Interior experience & amenities
The interior sequence prioritizes human scale and sensory comfort. Daylit lounges, flexible collaboration islands, and a generous kitchen/communal area promote social exchange and well-being. Acoustical strategies and thoughtfully proportioned private spaces provide balance for concentrated work. Custom millwork and integrated technology solutions support Notion’s needs for fast, reliable, and flexible operations without compromising the interior’s refined materiality.

Sustainability & performance
Sustainable strategies were incorporated through systems upgrades, energy-efficient lighting, and durable, low-VOC finishes to improve occupant health and reduce operational impact. The fit-out also optimized existing building systems and minimized demolition waste by keeping and reusing significant portions of the original structure and finishes.

Community & urban contribution
Positioned in the heart of San Francisco, the completed headquarters strengthens the Monadnock Building’s role as an active civic asset. By sensitively adapting an important historic structure for contemporary use, the project demonstrates how preservation and innovation can coexist — supporting the city’s architectural legacy while accommodating evolving workplace culture.

Brereton Architect’s completion of Notion’s headquarters is a careful synthesis of history, craft, and flexible design, delivering a workplace that is both rooted in place and oriented toward the future.