Confidential Life Sciences Company Headquarters

HOK’s interior design creates a new Canadian headquarters that reflects this company’s leadership and innovation in the life sciences industry.

The team began by conducting visioning sessions to understand how the workplace should function both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A flex-based hybrid workplace fit with the company’s work style while reducing its overall space footprint by 40 percent.

Flexible spaces that foster connections and a sense of community help draw employees back into the office. In the co-working lounge and café near the office entrance, booths with curved acoustic niches, a work bar along the perimeter and shared harvest tables provide multiple unique settings for employees to gather and work depending on their schedule.

To accommodate different workstyles, the variety of collaboration spaces include phone, huddle, project team and flexible multipurpose rooms with adjustable and modular furniture. Buffered by plants and greenery, the design intentionally locates collaboration spaces nearby individual workspaces to create quick connections.

All spaces are equipped with audiovisual equipment to support videoconferencing for the hybrid office’s large virtual gatherings. Mobile carts with screens also allow employees to connect with colleagues virtually.

To support the flexible workplace, a virtual concierge and booking system allows employees to choose their preferred work setting. Similarly, guests visiting the office can check-in via the virtual concierge before they arrive. The appropriate team member receives a notification to meet the guest upon arrival in the concierge area, which features a hospitality-inspired touchdown bar with built-in seating.

HOK’s design incorporates best practices in sustainability and wellness. The team specified reclaimed barnwood for the café’s harvest and meeting tables. Daylight and occupancy sensors in the lighting control systems reduce the lighting power density by 80 percent.