# Juno Therapeutics' Collaborative Offices Overlook Seattle's Space Needle
When Seattle-based Juno Therapeutics needed to consolidate multiple locations into a single headquarters, they partnered with Flad Architects, Tangram Studio, and Tangram Technology to create something extraordinary. The result? A 195,000-square-foot workspace spread across nine floors that perfectly balances cutting-edge biotechnology research with human-centered design.
## A Space That Inspires Innovation
Completed in 2017, the new headquarters houses 670 employees across lab spaces, workstations, and collaborative areas. The building features 657 custom workstations and 28 fully A/V-equipped conference rooms, all while offering breathtaking views of downtown Seattle and the iconic Space Needle.
**The design philosophy was clear from the start**: create an environment that supports collaboration, expresses the company's brand, and makes a lasting impression on visitors. The team focused on capturing authenticity through both design and materials, drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking work Juno does in cell therapy.
## Technology That Doesn't Dominate
One of the most fascinating aspects of this project was the approach to technology integration. As Ben de Rubertis, Design Director at Flad Architects, explained, the team was "obsessed" with making technology feel seamless rather than disruptive.
The large-scale technology integration included: - More than 120 displays - Multiple conference rooms across nine levels - Remote room scheduling devices - A conference center with video wall - Additional signage displays
Behind the scenes, 18 sophisticated equipment racks support this networked system. These were built and thoroughly tested at Tangram's facilities before on-site deployment, ensuring flawless operation from day one.
## Custom Furniture with Purpose
Rather than settling for pre-manufactured solutions, Juno and Flad chose to collaborate with Tangram Studio on custom furniture that reflects the company's values and functional needs.
### Workstations Built for Wellness Every employee received a height-adjustable workstation with low privacy panels to maintain sight lines to windows. The end panels feature hot-rolled steel with Zintra inserts, reflecting Juno's commitment to authenticity. Each desk includes a powder-coated magnetic whiteboard and personal pedestal.
### Conference Tables for Long Sessions Knowing employees often spend extended time in meetings, the team selected multi-ply surfaces with Fenix soft-touch laminate. The contemporary triangular bases are crafted from raw, hot-rolled steel—a design nod to the strength of the DNA helix that's central to Juno's work.
### Flexible Kanban Tables These collaborative meeting tables were designed in various sizes and configurations to fit different spaces. The 4-inch tall drawers hold post-its and markers, perfect for the spontaneous brainstorming sessions common among scientific teams.
### Statement Executive Conference Room The crown jewel is an elegant 20-foot table with an arched base and back-painted glass top displaying ghosted T-cell graphics that echo throughout the building.
## Wellness Woven Throughout
Health and wellness weren't afterthoughts—they were foundational to the design process. The low workstation panels ensure natural light reaches every employee, while the open layout supports the collaborative culture essential to scientific innovation.
A central stairwell connects all nine floors, with benches and touchdown spaces at each level encouraging spontaneous meetings and cross-departmental collaboration.
## Creating Connection
According to Geoff Quinn, Senior Director of Engineering, Facilities & Capital Infrastructure at Juno Therapeutics, the space has exceeded expectations. "The team has been pleasantly surprised to see how much fun people are having with the building," he noted. "It allows them to come together as a company and celebrate successes together."
The variety of work settings—from quiet individual spaces to dynamic collaboration zones—gives employees the flexibility to choose environments that best support their work style and current tasks.
## Lessons for Commercial Design
This project demonstrates several key principles that commercial design professionals can apply:
**Authenticity in Materials**: Using raw, honest materials like hot-rolled steel created a connection between the physical space and company values.
**Seamless Technology Integration**: Planning technology infrastructure from the beginning, rather than layering it on afterward, creates cleaner, more functional spaces.
**Wellness Through Design**: Simple decisions like low panels and strategic furniture placement can dramatically impact employee wellbeing without major cost increases.
**Custom vs. Standard**: When budget allows, custom furniture solutions can create unique environments that truly reflect brand identity and functional needs.
The Juno Therapeutics headquarters proves that when architects, furniture designers, and technology integrators collaborate closely from project inception, the results can be transformative for both the organization and its people.
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**Project Team:** - Architect: Flad Architects - Furniture Design: Tangram Studio - Technology Integration: Tangram Technology - Real Estate Developer: Alexandria Real Estate - Construction: Skanska - Electrical: Precision Electric Group Inc. - Project Management: Westlake Consulting Group
