In March 2015, GSK established a new Consumer Healthcare joint venture with Novartis and required relocation and consolidation of its U.S. Headquarters to house a cross-functional mix of employees, including Marketing and Sales, Research and Development and Supply Chain teams. Francis Cauffman embraced the GSK vision for the new headquarters, creating a transformative workplace where employees can focus on innovation and collaboration to provide new and better everyday healthcare products to meet consumers' needs. At the centerpiece of the 150,000 SF state-of-the-art facility, is the shopper science lab that is modeled after GSK's successful shopper lab at the global UK headquarters. The lab, utilizing leading shopper insight tools and technologies, will enable GSK Consumer Health to understand how and why shoppers make decisions and what influences their choices. In addition, a creative and collaborative technical workplace was designed with an open plan, consistent with other GSK facilities.
A fundamental design principle was the provision of natural light into all occupied spaces, as well as the ability for a view to the exterior. Users can also make adjustments when necessary to desk heights and utilize various types of work settings during the day (from collaborative to private). The use of color, which had a large impact on the design, enhanced space and created the energy and buzz GSK was looking for. In addition, Francis Cauffman consulted with Fiore Design on the facility's branding program to integrate the core elements of the GSK corporate culture into the design. The project is LEED Gold certified, integrating efficient and modern systems, enabling GSK to continue reaching its sustainability goals.