Patience Heart

Chattame Project 1

The company where I worked had been chosen for a huge project—redesigning the offices of a tech company named Chattame, located in the heart of San Jose, Silicon Valley. Chattame was an AI chat program that had rapidly gained popularity in the tech world. They were initially a security systems company, but with the rise of AI, they pivoted and made a name for themselves in the field. They were now more well-known for their AI innovations than anything else, with a subsidiary in China focusing on developing online games.

When I first heard about the project, I was both excited and a little nervous. I'd been given the lead role, responsible for redesigning the interior of their four-story office building. It was a massive task, but I felt ready for the challenge.

This was the kind of opportunity that could really put my name out there as an interior designer. The key was understanding not just the aesthetic needs of the space, but also how to make it functional for the people who worked there. I had a reputation for getting to know the companies I designed for, observing their workflow, and creating environments that enhanced productivity while also being beautiful and welcoming. I knew this would be no different.

Today was the day I would visit the Chattame offices for the first time. I decided to drive my own car down from San Francisco to San Jose. The hour-and-a-half drive would give me a chance to clear my head and take in the California landscape. There was something about driving that calmed me—it was my quiet time, and I could mentally prepare for the day ahead. Besides, I liked the flexibility of being able to come and go as I pleased without depending on anyone else.

The weather was perfect, too—blue skies and a slight breeze. I rolled down the windows and let the fresh air fill the car as I sped along the highway, enjoying the sight of rolling hills and the occasional glimpse of the ocean in the distance. It was moments like these that made me feel lucky to live in California, even though life here was far from simple.

As I neared San Jose, the towering glass buildings of Silicon Valley came into view, a sharp contrast to the serene landscapes I'd just driven through. Chattame's building was easy to spot—modern, sleek, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the sunlight. It was a four-story structure nestled among other tech giants, each vying for dominance in the ever-growing tech market.

I parked my car in the visitor section and took a deep breath before stepping out. The excitement of the project buzzed inside me as I walked toward the entrance. I'd read so much about Chattame, but now I was about to see it for myself, and meet the people who would be working in the space I was tasked with transforming.

Inside, the lobby was expansive, with a high ceiling and minimalist design—a mixture of concrete, glass, and light wood. There was a futuristic feel to the place, but it still managed to feel welcoming, thanks to the greenery dotted around in large planters and the soft lighting.

As I approached the front desk, I was greeted by a warm, middle-aged African American woman. Her smile was wide and inviting, instantly putting me at ease.

"Hi there, I'm Daisy. But everyone calls me Mama Dee," she said, her voice filled with the kind of energy that made you feel like you'd known her for years. "You must be Ellen, right? We talked on the phone before."

I returned her smile. "Yes, that's me! But you can call me Elly."

Daisy—or Mama Dee as I would soon start calling her—was the office manager, the heart and soul of the building, from what I had heard. She was one of those people who seemed to know everything about everyone, and her warmth made her a beloved figure in the company.

"Let me take you on a little tour of our building," Mama Dee offered. "It'll give you a better sense of the space you'll be working with."

I nodded enthusiastically, grateful for the opportunity to get the lay of the land before I dove into the design process.

As we walked through the building, Mama Dee pointed out different departments and teams. Each floor had a distinct purpose. The first floor housed the administrative offices and the main lobby. "This is where we greet most of our visitors and partners," she explained as we passed through the reception area. "A lot of meetings with clients happen right here, so you might want to focus on making it a bit more... impressive," she added with a knowing wink.

The second floor was where the design and marketing teams were housed. The vibe here was noticeably different—brighter, with more open spaces and colorful accents. Posters of Chattame's previous work lined the walls, and the employees seemed to be chatting animatedly as they brainstormed ideas. "This is the creative heart of the company," Mama Dee said, watching as a group of designers huddled over a table strewn with sketches and coffee cups.

The third floor was home to the engineers and developers. Rows of desks, some with standing options, were filled with people typing furiously away at their computers. I noticed the atmosphere was a bit more relaxed here—people wore headphones, a few had small plants or toys on their desks, and the lighting was softer. "Our tech folks like their quiet," Mama Dee whispered as we moved through the floor.

Finally, we reached the fourth floor, where the executive offices and meeting rooms were located. Here, everything was more polished and professional—sleek furniture, glass doors, and an unobstructed view of Silicon Valley's skyline. "This is where the big decisions get made," Mama Dee said, motioning toward the large conference room at the end of the hallway.

As we walked, I took mental notes of everything—the way the light streamed through the windows, the flow of people, the colors and textures in each space. Designing an office was more than just picking out furniture and paint. It was about creating an environment that reflected the company's values and supported its employees.

When the tour was over, we ended up back in the lobby, where Mama Dee asked if I had any questions.

"I think I've got a pretty good idea of the space now," I said. "Next step is gathering more input from the employees themselves. I want to make sure the new design really works for them."

Mama Dee smiled approvingly. "You're going to fit in just fine here, Elly."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as I left the building that day. There was a lot of work ahead, but I knew that this project was going to be something special. Chattame wasn't just another tech company—they were pushing boundaries, and now, I had the chance to help create a space that would inspire their next big innovation.

As I drove back to San Francisco, I thought about all the possibilities for the office design. Ideas were already forming in my mind—the kind of open, collaborative spaces that encouraged creativity, alongside quiet, focused areas for the engineers. I had a feeling that Chattame would become one of the most exciting projects of my career.

And with people like Mama Dee around, I knew I was in good hands.