Malwarebytes Office

Malwarebytes is the fastest growing cyber security company defending consumers and companies against all types of malware. Their mission is simple: create the best protection solutions to combat the worlds most harmful cyber threats.

To accommodate a rapidly expanding staff and need for additional space, Malwarebytes hired Blitz to design 50,900 square feet of office space over two floors in a multi-floor, multi-tenant building in Santa Clara, California. The new office space provides expansive 360 degree views of Silicon Valley and overlooks the new Levi’s Stadium, home of the 49ers football team. 

The move not only provided additional space for Malwarebytes’ growing team but also signaled a dramatic change in work style.   Moving away from a single floor, perimeter private offices, and large cubicle work environment into a completely open office workspace was a significant transition for Malwarebytes. Their goal was to remove isolation and segmentation in favor of a culturally open and fluid work space and culture. The vertical integration of various teams over the two floors in their new space was critical to the success of the design.  

The new office creates an engaging and dynamic environment for the Malwarebytes team, potential employees, and visitors. Teams are organized in neighborhoods that flow outward from the main entrance  Each neighborhood has team-specific amenities (such as touchdown spaces, task-specific storage, and three gaming rooms -gaming of course being the most popular) to support their function and avoid a monotonous layout across the large floor plates of the building.

The textured carpet, wall coverings, and custom colored light fixtures create a layered sophistication with every surface thoughtfully considered. Bright colors in blue and yellow against a neutral black background and organic wood elements stand in contrast to  natural light coming in from the large windows around the entire building perimeter with incredible views throughout. The steel, copper, stone, marble and ceramics in the cafe and all-hands area add various textures and layers creating a sophisticated and grown-up ambiance. 

A large interconnecting stair is the focal point of the office and the epicenter of the organization. It serves as the allhands presentation area and is adjacent to the board room, large work-cafe, and pinball machine corner, creating a cultural hub with everyone meeting in the middle of the physical space.
 
Tucked underneath the main stair is a “secret” bar that is a moment of delight and surprise within the project. The bar is a dark and moody speakeasy-inspired space and a major design highlight for both Malwarebytes and the Blitz teams. Entering through a blind door, luxurious black chevron marble tiles line the walls and draw the eye toward the amazing views of the Levi’s Stadium and the mountains beyond. Custom dark green leather tufted chairs paired with the classic marble tables make for the perfect pair. Equipped with all the essentials, the bar is exactly what the Malwarebytes team needs as they continue to grow and celebrate their success.

The darker hues and materiality were playfully inspired by the staff’s keen interest and devotion to the Star Wars universe. Blitz worked with the Malwarebytes team to curate wall graphics, throw pillows, art pieces, and additional decor elements to create a galactic universal space. CEO Marcin Kleczynski was instrumental in developing the look-and-feel for the project. The project is very representative of his personal aesthetic and vision for the future of the company.  Having a clear stylistic driver that is so integral to the company mission and culture only deepens the authenticity of the project. 

Area: 50,900 sf

Blitz Architecture + Interiors
Lead Designer, Principal-in-Charge: Melissa Hanley
Project Designer: Zach Meade
Interior Designer, FF+E: Liz Evoy
Construction Administration: Emily Burchill
Specifications: John Hunter