ZGF Architects transforms historic Portland bank building into Expensify office

Photography is by Garrett Rowland.

A swinging chaise and a hidden salon are among features in this tech company headquarters, housed inside a century-old bank in Portland, Oregon.

Designed by local practice ZGF Architects, the office was created for Expensify, which develops software for tracking charges and creating expense reports. Founded in 2008, the company has offices in several cities beyond Portland, including San Francisco and London.

For its Oregon location, the company decided to lease the National Landmark First National Bank, which dates to 1916 and was designed by Coolidge and Shattuck. Classical columns and stone cladding define the building's stoic exterior.

For the interior, ZGF worked with Expensify to create a space that reflects the company's preference for a "choose-your-own-adventure" work environment, in which seating is not assigned and employees are able to work in a variety of spaces. The approach pays homage to the early days of Expensify, when the staff worked out of coffee shops. Later, they worked in a San Francisco office with open seating.