Avanir Pharmaceuticals

New workplace design reflects pharmaceutical company’s mission and rebranding

The re-design of Avanir Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters in Aliso Viejo, California transformed the 110,000-square-foot workplace into a highly branded, collaborative environment that embodies the company’s values of innovation and human-centered compassion.

As the creator of groundbreaking pharmaceutical treatments for people with central nervous system conditions, Avanir’s primary goal with the expansion of its three-story office was to provide staff with more choice and flexibility in their work environment, while creating enhanced opportunities for collaboration.

By downsizing individual workstations to 6 feet by 6 feet, the design increased meeting spaces and added a variety of conference rooms, huddle rooms and phone rooms on each floor. Two corners on each level serve as collaboration areas and are equipped with screens and movable furniture for maximum flexibility. An expanded ground-floor conference center accommodates the company’s nearly 400 employees for all-hands meetings and includes an operable wall that can divide the space in different configurations. Ergonomic workstations and break areas filled with natural light promote employee health and wellness, another priority for the pharmaceutical company.

To reflect Avanir’s high value on transparency in its work and business, floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow employees and guests look through the board room and adjacent office spaces. Prominent linear design details on the wood ceiling and stained concrete floor draw guests to the reception space, which welcomes visitors with a branded video wall and hospitality area.

The work environment reflects Avanir’s mission and a rebranding effort, which coincided with the office expansion. Warm, natural materials such as wood flooring and ceiling elements, hospitality-inspired lighting and live plant walls support the human experience of the company’s clients, while angular, hexagonal accents convey the trailblazing research occurring at the company every day.