A new office deserves more than a headline. We caught up with Daleen Brummer to get into the why, the how, and what comes next as Revel opens our Silicon Valley office in East Palo Alto.

Q: Can you tell us about your personal and professional background?

A: I grew up in the beautiful city of Pretoria, South Africa. Pretoria, the country’s administrative capital, is also known as the “Jacaranda City” for its thousands of trees that bloom each spring. At the University of Pretoria, where I studied, their arrival meant one thing: exam season. There’s a long-standing belief that if a Jacaranda blossom falls on your head while you’re studying, you’re in for a bit of luck.

Professionally, my interior design career began in South Africa. I designed in boutique studio settings, focusing on workplace, hospitality, retail, and high-end residential projects, before opening my own firm in Cape Town, South Africa. When I moved to the United States with my family, we landed in San Francisco almost by chance and count ourselves lucky that we did. We’ve called the Peninsula—specifically, The Islands, Foster City—our home for the last eight years. It’s been a joy to continue my workplace design in this area. I’m looking forward to applying my passion for design and experience managing a business to my role as Managing Director of Revel’s new Silicon Valley office.

Q: What drew you to design as a profession? What keeps you coming back?

A: Originally, I was intrigued by design as a career path because I didn’t know much about the discipline or what a profession in design consisted of. I quickly learned how to embrace my creative side, and just as importantly, developed as a project manager, technical problem-solver, trusted partner, and business builder. As someone comfortable wearing many hats, that range feels natural. Design feels like home.

What keeps me coming back is watching clients light up when they see their completed space. One of my career highlights was leading the design of a new software company headquarters in Foster City. It developed entirely behind the scenes and was unveiled for the first time on opening day during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and walkthrough for the executive C-suite and staff. The project unfolded as a true “reveal” moment, and seeing the excitement and pride on their faces was a feeling unlike any other.

Q: Silicon Valley will be Revel’s fourth office; what is it about this area that inspired expansion?

A: Establishing roots in Silicon Valley shows our commitment to our South Bay clients with campuses and real estate outside of San Francisco. The new office deepens the connections Revel has already built across the region while creating opportunities for new partnerships with companies seeking a trusted, forward-thinking design firm close to home.

It also made sense to have an office here because it is the epicenter of the workplace reimagination we’re seeing, and being at the center of it felt essential. Revel is at the forefront of creative, innovative workplace design, and as a firm inspired by pushing boundaries for the betterment of people, process, and outcomes, we’re eager to invest our experience and expertise in shaping what comes next.

Q: As Managing Director, you’ll be leading the Silicon Valley office. What is your focus as you establish Revel’s design presence—a blend of client-centered creativity and technical expertise—here?

A: My focus is on people. I’m thinking about how clients, end-users, designers, suppliers, contractors, and partners experience the process and what they walk away with. My perspective comes from a well-rounded background; I’ve owned my own design firm, worked in boutique studios, and been an in-house project manager and designer on the client side. I also bring a global viewpoint from working in Dublin, Sweden, Qatar, Dubai, South Africa, India, Singapore, and Australia.

As Managing Director, I’m bringing those perspectives together to tailor our approach in a way that truly serves the people involved, leading to stronger outcomes. Just as important is building a team environment that is positive, supportive, and set up for both individual and collective success. I want the people around me to do their best work.

Q: Silicon Valley and the businesses here are constantly evolving. Can you share any exciting or emerging work you see happening, and how you see Revel’s architecture and interior design perspective contributing to it?

A: I’ve heard more than once from industry connections, “At last, Silicon Valley needs Revel,” which feels incredibly affirming. That sentiment comes from our reputation as a firm that is approachable, sharp, and gets things done. We prioritize time and value while delivering strong design, technical expertise, and a collaborative, enjoyable process.

In my experience, those qualities align closely with expectations here. Innovation moves quickly in Silicon Valley, and architecture and interior design shouldn’t just keep up, it should help lead it. Revel’s perspective and energy are well-suited to contribute to what’s next.

Q: Can you tell us about the new location? Any take-out spots or coffee shops on your radar?

A: The new office is in East Palo Alto, strategically placed between San Francisco and San Jose, just off 101. Convenience for clients and access to project sites were major priorities.

As for food and coffee, I already have a few spots in rotation. Quattro Restaurant & Bar is right next door inside the Four Seasons, and Telefèric Barcelona in Palo Alto is a favorite. There’s also a new coffee shop opening down the street any day now, and I’ll likely be first in line. This is, of course, all very intentional research for client meetings.

Q: When you envision Revel’s Silicon Valley office 3 years from now, what do you see?

A: In three years, I see a well-established local presence. We’ll be known as trusted advisors and a go-to resource for our clients. I expect to see thoughtful growth, a strong pipeline of exciting work, and a team that feels energized by what they’re doing.

I’m looking forward to building on the inspired design, unique energy, and signature spirit that define Revel, and seeing what we create together. If we do it right, this won’t just be another office; it’ll be a place people look to for what’s next.