A Look Inside MemSQL’s Hip San Francisco Office

MemSQL, a real-time in-memory database that helps its clients query big data and adapt to changing business conditions, recently moved into a new dog-friendly office in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood, designed by Fennie + Mehl Architects.

“Located in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood, MemSQL, a tech start up comprised of young engineers, found themselves outgrowing their space at a rapid pace. As a novice company with several investors to please, they wanted to show financial responsibility without sacrificing a playful and inspiring space that would continue attracting talent. Since furniture and finishes have a higher return on investment than new construction, the client worked with FENNIE+MEHL Architects to design a flexible, open office environment out of the existing brick and timber space. F+M utilized a large majority of the existing space to fit the client’s program. As a result, the construction cost for the space ended up being $45/sf, which is virtually unheard of in today’s market. The client praised F+M for helping the space “pay for itself” in a relatively short amount of time. The office is built around providing the most comfortable environment in order to harvest creativity, encourage staff to work on-site, and promote a sense of unity through shared meals, game nights, and coding competitions. MemSQL embraces it’s quirky culture and prides themselves on being famous for having some of the most difficult interview questions. They consider themselves a highly technical engineering company that is the perfect mix of serious and fun”.

• Location: SOMA – San Francisco, California
• Date completed: 2014
• Size: 14,000 square feet
• Design and photos: Fennie + Mehl Architects