It’s no secret that the environments organizations create play an important role in attracting and supporting talent — especially when thoughtful design, meaningful amenities, and everyday comfort come together to spark creativity, innovation, and maybe even the next viral idea.
Design Centered on Employee Wellbeing
TikTok’s mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy, with more than a billion people using the platform each month to discover content and share their voice. For the company’s USDS office in Scottsdale, leadership envisioned a workplace that would support the wellbeing and experience of their employees while reflecting the brand’s playful and forward-thinking spirit.
Fortunately, TikTok’s leadership was well attuned to the unique needs of their workforce and had a clear vision for the employee experience they wanted to create. Gensler, the design partner, was brought in to bring that vision to life.
Kiana Taie, interior designer at Gensler, led the Scottsdale project. “TikTok is hyper focused on their staff’s health and wellbeing.” According to Kiana, this focus translated into a lighter, brighter palette paired with softer architectural forms, warm material selections, and cozy furnishings that create a welcoming, residential feel.
The space itself was designed with employee wellbeing at the forefront. Dedicated amenities include a wellness suite, an individual therapy room, and a multipurpose space that can transform from a group workout studio into a therapeutic retreat — offering employees a range of spaces that support both productivity and personal wellbeing.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Brittany Mahoney, account manager at Atmosphere Commercial Interiors, worked closely with Gensler during phase one of the project, managing the Steelcase furniture package for the original lease space. The success of that collaboration led to Atmosphere being awarded the phase two build-out for the new office. Brittany explains how the decisions made during this project would lend to decisions in the future;
“Our role was to assist Gensler in creating a unique space with custom pieces — including millwork and furniture that would ultimately help set the standard for TikTok USDS’s brand moving forward,”
Navigating Complexity
The project required careful coordination and planning, with more than 50 specified manufacturers — many located overseas. Managing product availability, timelines, and delivery logistics across international partners added complexity to the process, particularly as the project moved through phased construction.
Kiana noted that Atmosphere’s proactive communication played an important role in keeping the project moving forward. “They attended weekly calls with the owner, architect, and contractor partners,” she notes;
“Atmosphere’s proactive approach and transparent communication were impressive, especially when managing challenging lead times and identifying alternative product opportunities.”
A Playful Design Expression
One aspect of the design process also pushed creative boundaries. “The whimsical and playful spirit requested by TikTok really stretched me as a designer,” Kiana shares.
Working closely with Gensler, the Atmosphere team helped curate distinctive furniture vignettes that felt unexpected while still maintaining a sense of softness and balance. These elements became an important layer in bringing TikTok’s vision to life, reinforcing the brand’s energy while supporting a comfortable and inspiring environment for employees.
Both Kiana and Brittany agree that the partnership with TikTok was a meaningful one.
“Not every client knows exactly what they want,” Brittany says, “but TikTok has a profound dedication to their brand and what the office needs to be in order to serve their employees at the highest level.”
Kiana echoes that sentiment: “TikTok is so far ahead of the curve — they envision a bigger picture than the bottom line. They are a pleasure to work with.”
A Workplace That Inspires
Since its completion, the space has become a vibrant hub for employees. “The space is buzzing,” Kiana says. “Everyone seems upbeat and happy. It’s a designer’s dream to see a vision come to life.”
The project has also gained recognition across the region. According to AZ Big Media and AZRE Magazine, TikTok USDS Scottsdale was named one of the Top Ten Coolest Offices in Arizona for 2025, celebrating innovative workplace environments that support employee wellbeing and creativity.
Additional Award Recognitions:
- ENR Southwest — Best Projects for Interior / Tenant Improvement (2025)
- IIDA Southwest — Award of Excellence, Commercial Office 20,000–75,000 SF (2025)
- IIDA Southwest — Best of Show (2025)
Project Photography: Fotoworks