Headquartered in Redwood City, Corcept Therapeutics is a biotechnology company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of severe metabolic, psychiatric, and oncologic disorders.

The layout of their two-floor, 40k square foot HQ was no longer conducive to the quickly growing workforce. Without any brand identity to show their personality or company ethos, the Corcept team knew it was time to make some changes.

Moving from a more traditional office space with fully enclosed rooms, they wanted to adopt a mix of c-suite private offices and open space workstations with privacy solutions. With a large group of scientists on staff, it was important that any open layout concerns were solved to ensure space for privacy as well as collaboration zones. Six phone booths per floor were added to provide plenty of space for phone calls and heads down work. Lounge furniture was incorporated between workstations so organic collaboration could result in a seamless way.

Their blank, white walls were transformed by incorporating Corcept’s hexagon patterned logo into the wall painting throughout the space, using their brand colors of light purple and dark blue, and designating each space within the office with its own color. This provided continuity from one floor to the next ensuring all 40k square feet felt like a shared space, while also delivering an environment of vibrancy and character. The café with custom millwork, wall graphics, and breakroom furniture ensured a space for meals, connectivity, and leisure.

The largest challenge the coDesign team faced was a quick project delivery deadline. To ensure the timeline was met, multiple crews worked simultaneously on both floors. Corcept had three opening dates for their 482 employees: group one (30 people), group two (120 people), and group three (the remaining 332 employees). To accommodate the multiple move-in dates, construction teams worked in shifts and phases that corresponded directly with each teams’ needs and timelines.