Nvidia Headquarters

Nvidia Headquarters in Santa Clara, California, stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, completed in 2018. Designed by SF Gensler Architects and landscaped by TLS Landscape Architecture, this visionary project integrates ProFlow Pavers from Black Locust Lumber. These eco-friendly pavers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also promote environmental responsibility.

Project Partners

TLS Landscape Architecture

TLS Landscape Architecture is a prominent firm specializing in landscape architecture, with offices in Berkeley, California, and Zurich, Switzerland. Established in 2001, TLS is recognized for its innovative and sustainable approach to landscape design.

Used in this project

Black Locust Boardwalks

Project Details

Project Name: Nvidia Headquarters
‍Location: Santa Clara, California, USA
‍Year: 2018
‍Architect: Gensler Architects
Landscape Architect:TLS Landscape Architecture
Firm (Contractor):Devcon Construction
Product Used: ProFlow Pavers

Awards and Recognition

• LEED Gold
• LEED Platinum for Interiors

Press and Additional Resources

Nvidia LEED Gold Certificate

ProFlow Pavers installation at NVIDIA

Nvidia CSR Report

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The Nvidia Headquarters in Santa Clara, California, completed in 2018, is more than just a corporate campus—it is a statement of how design, technology, and sustainability can merge into a unified vision. Conceived by Gensler Architects and realized with landscape design by TLS Landscape Architecture, the project embodies a forward-thinking philosophy that matches Nvidia’s global reputation as a pioneer in graphics and artificial intelligence. From the beginning, sustainability was woven into every detail of the project. One of the most distinctive material choices was the integration of ProFlow Pavers crafted from black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia). These wood pavers are not only visually striking but also carry deep ecological significance. Black locust is celebrated as one of the most durable temperate hardwoods, rivaling tropical species in rot resistance, yet it grows abundantly and quickly in North America. Its use at Nvidia underscores a conscious shift away from environmentally destructive practices, such as harvesting endangered rainforest hardwoods, and instead embraces a renewable resource that actively contributes to carbon sequestration. The wood pavers serve as functional pathways and gathering spaces throughout the campus, softening the relationship between the modern architectural geometry and the landscaped environment. Their natural texture contrasts beautifully with steel and glass, offering warmth to an otherwise high-tech space. Beyond aesthetics, their permeability allows water to pass through naturally, helping reduce runoff and supporting healthy soil ecology—an increasingly vital feature in the context of California’s environmental challenges. The decision to utilize black locust lumber was not merely practical but symbolic. Robinia pseudoacacia, native to the Appalachian region, is known for its resilience, adaptability, and ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen through its root systems. By selecting this material, Nvidia aligned its headquarters with the principles of regenerative design, ensuring that the project not only minimized harm but actively contributed to environmental health. Recognition quickly followed. The campus achieved LEED Gold certification, and its interiors were awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum, reflecting Nvidia’s dual focus on reducing environmental impact and creating healthier, more productive spaces for employees. The ProFlow Pavers from Black Locust Lumber played a pivotal role in reaching these milestones, demonstrating how innovative material choices can have a measurable impact on both sustainability metrics and the quality of daily life within the built environment. Today, the Nvidia Headquarters stands as a benchmark for corporate architecture, proving that cutting-edge technology companies can and should lead the way in sustainable design. The black locust wood pavers are not simply part of the landscape—they are part of the narrative of how design decisions shape the future. They tell a story of durability, ecological responsibility, and the enduring beauty of natural materials. In this way, Nvidia’s headquarters reflects not only a commitment to innovation in technology but also a commitment to innovation in how we build and live in harmony with our environment.