A river runs through it

With roots in the Pacific Northwest, this prominent global biotechnology company specializing in revolutionary science and transformative cancer-related therapies sought to expand their business operations along the West Coast. With a focus on South San Francisco's booming biopharma district – which spans 500 acres and features over 200 other biotech-focused organizations – this confidential client partnered with Flad for the interior design and fit-out of their new office located in the heart of the Bay Area.

Spanning approximately 16,000 square feet, the interior design directly reflects the client's core mission and cultural values while maintaining a purposeful connection to the character and climate of its geographic origin – the Pacific Northwest. Featuring open and private office environments, collaboration space, conference rooms, lounge areas, and amenity space, the design accommodates different work styles to enhance employee productivity and advance the development of cutting-edge cancer treatment therapies. The variety of space types sponsors both interactive, collaborative group activities and contemplative, individual tasks.

Interior graphics celebrate scientific research throughout while further honoring the lushness and beauty of the Pacific Northwest. An overarching theme highlighting the ever-changing flow and character of a river – from contemplative eddies to vibrant, energetic rapids – supports connectivity and community, giving expression to the design. A central conference room is an "island" in this riverine expression, serving as a communal space where people meet to share ideas and solutions to the essential, life-saving therapies. Anchoring the plan, this object is articulated by the features of a hydro-electric dam – channeling and releasing energy to support life.

Recognizing the client's commitment to the environment as well as the health and well-being of its staff, the facility incorporates a variety of sustainable design elements. Access to natural daylight, the use of natural and low-VOC materials, and biophilic references connect staff to a quality, nature-inspired indoor environment. Additionally, the use of modern, flexible furniture supports new collaborative methods and healthy ergonomics.

A richness of texture, color, and pattern layer together throughout the interior to create purposeful definition between the different space types while connecting staff and visitors to the company's roots. Variable wood slats combine with applied films to integrate a graphic representation of healthy cells and mountainous horizons. The undulating wood ceiling combines with the organic floor pattern, reinforcing a riverine concept of movement and blurred boundaries.

As an organization committed to transforming lives, the client's new office space reinforces a strategic need to expand operations and organizational capacity in an environment that fosters teamwork, innovation, and exploration.