DPR "Wedge" - Office & Prefabrication Assembly Facility

DPR is repurposing Santa Clara’s “Wedge” building into a 113,702-square-foot office that will house regional and corporate operations, a Prefabrication Assembly Facility (PAF), and DPR's family of companies: GPLA Structural Engineers, OES Equipment, and EIG Electrical Systems. The building was designed by SmithGroup.

“Working with DPR is always a collaborative experience, so to partner on this particular project where we’re creating a new space for their own workforce was especially exciting and rewarding,” said Juhee Cho, Vice President and Workplace Studio Leader at SmithGroup. “The design process allowed for the sharing of new ideas and innovative ways to transform the existing building into an office that fits the vision for the future of the Silicon Valley workforce.”

The result is a purpose- and performance-driven design that integrates the office and PAF within the existing building. Central to the design, the three-story atrium runs the length of the building. The space features stadium stairs for presentations and working, a wine bar, and more spaces where employees can gather to collaborate.

The 68,100 square feet of open office space was designed to support a modern and mobile workforce. In addition to the traditional workspace, employees will have access to over 30 conference rooms, three snack/coffee areas, and an outdoor work area.

“True to our living lab approach, we’re leveraging progressive building techniques and materials, like mass timber on the Silicon Valley Office,” said Tyler Schenk-Wasson, DPR’s project manager.

Mass timber is an innovative and sustainable building material gaining traction across the industry. Prefabricated and engineered for strength, mass timber can allow for faster construction—up to 25% quicker than traditional concrete systems in some cases—and offers a renewable alternative with a lower environmental impact. With uncertainty on materials costs and tariffs, most mass timber is sourced regionally, making it worth considering alongside more traditional building structures.

“Once we’re open, clients and partners can tour the facility and see firsthand how these solutions may work on their projects,” added Schenk-Wasson.

Beyond its structural benefits, mass timber’s natural look is often cited as contributing to warm, welcoming spaces that can improve mood and well-being. Depending on design, its use can also reduce the need for extra interior finishes, further reducing DPR’s environmental impact.

“We self-performed the mass timber, and we’re so proud of our builders.” said Chris Strock, co-leader of DPR’s Bay Area Business Unit. “Current and future generations of DPR employees will see their work and be inspired by their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.”