Whale Rock Capital Boston Headquarters
Boston Office Headquarters expansion. Graham acted as an owner's representative to identify, onboard, and guide the architect through a successful office expansion design and renovation project. Working with the founder and portfolio manager Graham also directed the design, production, and installation of branding, artwork, artifacts, and awards, including historical data visualizations and commissioned artwork that introduces the firm and presents a positive impression. The 15,000 sq office accommodates a growing team and has increased productivity. Credits: Creative Direction, Graham Schelter; Interior Design and Space Planning, Gensler Boston; Signage Production, Bluebird; A/V and Technology, Communications Design Associates; Photography, Inessa Binenbaum
The office layout balances the team’s need for both formal and informal collaborative spaces and private offices for quiet work. Three large light-filled conference rooms, a pantry, and a library provide various places to create a collegial team environment that stimulates discussion. The office is a key branding asset. Our branding goal is simple: tell people who we are. We have created a distinctive sense of place that is in line with the Whale Rock brand, culture and history. We have been conscious to have one foot in the history of the firm: the founders and influences and the other foot in the fast paced global technology market.
The Boston office reception
During the office expansion artwork was integrated into the architecture. The office includes a collection of original and reproduction hung art and historical technology and whaling artifacts.
The White Whale Conference Room is one of three large conference rooms that include custom awards, artwork, and infographics.
This historical diagram visualization of the adoption of technology in the U.S. As the diagram shows, people tend to adopt new technologies at varying rates. From the telephone to the smartphone, the adoption of innovation follows an S-Curve when plotted over time. Evert Rogers first explained this technology adoption dynamic in his book Diffusion of Innovation. Concept & Design, Graham Schelter & Alex Sacerdote. Data by Asymco and WRCM Research. Production by Gentler & Bluebird.
The wall in the kitchenette memorializes year-end holiday videos.
This private commission “bookscape” hung artwork features some of the founding team’s favorite investment and technology books, many of which have influenced the philosophy and framework. Art Direction Graham Schelter, Artist: Max-Steven Grossman.
The reception area includes a selection of technology artifacts including: Motorola DynaTAC, RIM Blackberry, iPod, original iPhone, original Macintosh, and the Atari 2600.
The White Whale Award for Excellence in Research Award Board. 50”x 30”Hand-carved, stained and painted mahogany with gold leaf.Two award boards: Award for Excellence in Technology Management for Technology Management are hung in the White Whale Conference Room.
Concept & Design, Graham Schelter & Alex Sacerdote, Fabrication by Paul Kukstis, Photography, Graham Schelter.
The Melville Conference Room included historic S-Curve infographics.
Memorializing a holiday performance of Hamilton, including lyrics inspired by Cabinet Battle.
“Our office is a way for us to showcase what we stand for. When companies, L.P.s and potential hires come through the office they get a sense of who we are. Graham and the team captured the mission and vision and imbeded it in the office experience.”