IAVI
IAVI’s new 30,000-square-foot headquarters blends cutting-edge lab facilities with flexible, welcoming office spaces, reflecting the organization’s evolution and commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability.
IAVI, a global nonprofit organization focused on developing vaccines and antibodies for infectious diseases, engaged SGA to design their new headquarters at 95 Greene Street in Jersey City, New Jersey. This 30,000-square-foot interior fit-out marks a significant milestone for IAVI, transitioning from their previous location at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. The new headquarters reflects IAVI’s evolution, providing a modern, flexible work environment supporting cutting-edge research while allowing for future expansion.
SGA was tasked with creating a space that balances the scientific nature of IAVI’s work with a welcoming atmosphere. With a goal of supporting the organization’s collaborative culture, SGA introduced warm wood tones and blue and gray accents drawn from IAVI’s branding, creating a clean yet inviting setting for the tenants.
The design program comprises 70% lab and 30% office areas, with the layout positioning the labs in the southern portion of the building, with the offices located to the north. This separation of functions ensures a logical flow and fosters ease of movement for researchers and office staff. The layout also accounts for future flexibility, with modular lab spaces that can be reconfigured by removing demising walls as IAVI’s needs shift.
Durability and functionality were central to the design, with sheet vinyl and epoxy finishes chosen for their ease of maintenance and long-lasting performance. In the offices, oak millwork, wood slat ceilings, and felt wallcoverings add warmth and texture, creating an environment supporting research and teamwork. The reception zone features a slat wall made from reclaimed wood mounted on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified plywood, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability while contributing to the overall inviting atmosphere.
One of the main challenges was adapting the office to meet the specialized requirements of IAVI’s work, particularly in optimizing ceiling heights and MEP systems. Throughout the programming process, SGA worked directly with the department leads to accommodate equipment needs, bench-top requirements, and systems specifications. By collaborating closely with stakeholders, SGA successfully overcame these technical constraints, maximizing ceiling height for the labs to support its research functions and strategically enhancing natural light exposure for an optimal working environment.
SGA’s design for the IAVI headquarters provides a state-of-the-art, open environment that reflects the organization’s culture of innovation and growth. The blending of functional lab spaces with comfortable office areas ensures the space continues to evolve as the organization grows.