WRD Architects completed a full interior renovation of an original Old Town Salinas office building, designing a space that feels more open and brings in additional natural light for tenants.

Each floor of the three-story atrium has its own identity, featuring a distinct material palette that includes wood finishes, metallic paints, and refined metal detailing.

Three existing skylights were fitted with curved translucent panels to diffuse incoming light, softly illuminating every level. Extensive glass paneling and light-toned finishes on the upper floors draw the eye upward from the neutral ground level. A custom staircase with a glass railing invites visitors to fully experience the stunning, light-filled lobby.

When 1st Capital Bank decided to relocate its headquarters from Monterey to Downtown Salinas, WRD Architects partnered with them to bring their vision of a vibrant, cosmopolitan flagship to life. Our team worked closely with the client to design open, flexible workspaces that promote both collaboration and employee wellness.

The 6,300-square-foot office features a modern open-plan layout with shared work areas, smaller team rooms, and a traditional large conference room to support a variety of work styles.

At the heart of the office is the café, a central hub designed to foster connection and creativity. This inviting space includes pendant lighting, decorative ceiling grids, built-in drawer microwaves, a glazed accent tile backsplash, and multiple seating options, including an island and restaurant-style booths.

The café encourages employees to connect beyond their departments, build stronger relationships, and improve communication.

“We are seeing more and more companies designing offices that give employees greater choices and flexibility,” said WRD Architects Interior Designer Misato Eddy.

Supporting the bank’s focus on employee wellness, the office is filled with natural light from large picture windows. Each employee has a sit-to-stand desk, and standing-height multi-use islands between workstations encourage movement and impromptu collaboration throughout the day.

Headquartered in Monterey, Central Insurance Group (CIG) employs nearly 500 people across five Western states. In 2013, WRD Architects was engaged to develop interior finish standards and design guidelines for all CIG offices as part of a corporate rebranding strategy.

Shortly afterward, WRD implemented these standards throughout CIG’s Monterey campus. This work included a complete overhaul of all office areas and a full redesign of the president’s office. The CEO suite features hidden doors seamlessly integrated into the wall, leading to a private shower, bathroom, and coffee bar.

In a second phase, WRD modernized the main entry at CIG headquarters with a lobby remodel that highlights lush indoor plantings and an undulating blue canopy over the reception desk.

Together, these projects have transformed CIG’s formerly dated campus into a series of fresh, dynamic interiors that reinforce the company’s corporate identity and coastal roots.

WRD Architects’ design for the new Merrill Farms headquarters in Salinas brings together two distinct yet complementary companies—Merrill Farms and its affiliate, Frisco Farms—under one roof.

The building reflects its agricultural surroundings with exposed heavy timber construction in the entry breezeway, evoking the feel of a farmhouse porch and enhancing the public entry experience. Extended eaves and bracketed dormers introduce a relaxed, residential scale to this corporate headquarters, while stone accents and standing seam metal roofing further define its agricultural style.

WRD created a unique look and feel for each company: a richer, more traditional palette for the well-established Merrill Farms, and a lighter, more contemporary design for the youthful and growing Frisco Farms. The shared facility includes 25 workstations, nine executive offices, two conference rooms, and a 16-seat multipurpose room.

In 2000, WRD Architects provided architectural and interior design services for Enza Zaden’s new seed manufacturing facility in Salinas. The 17,400-square-foot building included a warehouse for manufacturing, packing, and controlled storage, along with a seed mill room and 3,338 square feet of corporate office space.

Sixteen years later, in response to increased seed demand, WRD returned to design a seamless 24,400-square-foot expansion that consolidated all company operations under one roof. The addition included temperature- and humidity-controlled rooms for seed storage, as well as expanded space for seed cleaning, treatment, cold storage, and packing. In alignment with Enza Zaden’s commitment to sustainability, the roof was outfitted with solar panels.

Throughout the design process, WRD’s interior design team collaborated with the client to create an innovative, modern workspace that reflects the Enza Zaden brand. The open office layout promotes communication and flexibility, while sit-stand desks support employee health and wellness.