Oakley Headquarters
Oakley unveiled plans in January 1996 for its new “interplanetary corporate headquarters” to be located on 40 acres in Foothill Ranch. The $35 million facility had “the look and feel of a post-industrial age gone awry. Steel beams, oversized rivets and galvanized metallic surfaces give the structure – dubbed ‘Technical Center’ – a dark, intimidating presence.” The founder of Oakley, Jim Jannard, and Colin Baden, then Director of Design, were responsible for designing the HQ. In an interview, Jannard commented that “…Colin and I referenced “Blade Runner” and “Metropolis” for the building. I then showed him an Indian gold coin… which was the inspiration for the entry.” Jannard reportedly wanted the facility to “look as if it were the sole survivor in a ‘post-nuclear kill zone.'” Oakley moved into its new Foothill Ranch headquarters in early 1997.
Foothill Ranch, Orange County
Photographers: Jacalyn Roberts, Andrew Schmidt