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.
Project Overview:
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. To support 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 60% lab and 40% 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.
Project Planning
The planning process for IAVI’s new headquarters was a collaborative effort between leadership, researchers, and key stakeholders to ensure the space met the organization’s evolving needs. The C-suite played an active role in the project, emphasizing the importance of innovation, flexibility, and collaboration within the new facility. To align the design with employee needs, SGA engaged department leads throughout the programming process, gathering input on equipment requirements, bench-top configurations, and laboratory infrastructure. This direct engagement ensured that the space would effectively support scientific research while providing an inviting and functional work environment.
Project Details
IAVI was designed with a strong emphasis on health, wellness, and branding, for a space that supports scientific research and employee well-being.
The design incorporates natural light strategically throughout the office areas, fostering a bright and comfortable work environment. Durable and easy-to-maintain materials, such as sheet vinyl and epoxy finishes in the labs, contribute to both cleanliness and long-term functionality. In the office spaces, warm oak millwork, wood slat ceilings, and felt wallcoverings add texture and warmth, promoting a welcoming atmosphere that balances the precision of scientific work with a human-centered approach.
Branding is subtly woven into the space through a color palette inspired by IAVI’s identity, with blue and gray accents reinforcing the organization’s mission-driven focus. One of the most unique features is the reception area’s slat wall, crafted from reclaimed wood mounted on FSC-certified plywood, reflecting IAVI’s commitment to sustainability while adding a distinctive design element. Additionally, the headquarters’ flexible layout, with modular lab spaces that can be reconfigured as needed, provides adaptability for future growth.
Key Products
- Interface Carpet
- Tarkett Sheet Vinyl Flooring
- Stonhard Epoxy Finishes
- Certainteed Decoustics Wood Slat Ceilings
- Felt Right Felt Wallcoverings
- Terrami Reclaimed Wood Slat Wall on FSC-Certified Plywood
- Wolf Gordon Wall Covering
Tech in the Workplace
Overall Project Results
The completion of IAVI’s new headquarters resulted in a cutting-edge research environment that encourages collaboration and future expansion. One of the primary challenges in this transition was adapting the space to meet the highly specialized requirements of IAVI’s research, particularly optimizing ceiling heights and MEP systems to support laboratory functions and ensure all equipment was properly allocated. Through close collaboration with department leads, SGA worked with Vanderweil Engineers to successfully address these technical constraints, creating a facility that seamlessly integrates lab and office spaces. Post-occupancy feedback underscores the success of this project, with employees noting the benefits of the modernized, flexible work environment. To ensure the space continues to meet IAVI’s evolving needs, we plan to check in with IAVI leaders periodically to gather additional feedback and assess how the environment is supporting their research efforts.
The intentional separation of lab and office areas has improved workflow efficiency, while strategic natural light placement has enhanced the overall work setting. The most illuminating outcome is how the new space positions IAVI for long-term growth within New Jersey’s expanding biotechnology community. The relocation supports current research efforts while strengthening partnerships across the life sciences sector. With a focus on innovation and adaptability, the headquarters serves as both a center of excellence for vaccine development and a foundation for future advancements in global health.
Top Contributors:
- SGA – Architect / Interior Designer
- Thor Equities —Building Owner
- JLL – Landlord Brokers
- Vanderweil Engineers —MEP FP
- CBRE — Owners Representative, IAVi
- Consigli — Construction Manager
Meet the Team
Caroline Bergin, NCIDQ, Director, Interior Design, SGA
Abbey LaPerle, Senior Interior Designer, SGA
Nikhil Sanghvi, Project Designer, SGA
Yatin Tuteja, Project Manager, CBRE
David Kristjanson, Managing Director, Global Sector Lead, Life Sciences, CBRE
Steven Karl, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Vanderweil Engineers
Michael Henrici, Project Executive, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Photography
Images courtesy of Connie Zhou
