Pharmaceutical & life sciences office design: the coolest workspaces

The UK life sciences sector has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by strong government investment, a surge in early‑stage innovation, and a strategic push to make the UK a global leader in biotech and medical technologies. Growth has been supported by more than £2 billion in government funding and a coordinated national plan to accelerate R&D and commercialisation. These developments have led to exciting innovations in the design of life sciences facilities and work environments.

Our top 6 pharmaceutical & life sciences workspaces

Here, we showcase eight of the coolest life sciences and pharmaceutical spaces in the UK.

1/ The Crick at Regent’s Place

The Crick at Regent’s Place is a Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratory and write‑up environment that blends scientific precision with a warm, timeless aesthetic. The recent fitout transforms the floorplate into flexible, fully serviced lab space with modular benching, glazed connections and plug‑and‑play infrastructure to support diverse research tenants. A central breakout hub with timber finishes, soft colour palettes and acoustic detailing creates an inviting contrast to the technical lab zones. Large windows showcase ‘science on display’, while bespoke signage, magnetic write‑on panels and bio‑attributed materials promote functionality, safety and sustainability.

Key project info                                                                                                       

• Size: 33,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: ‘Science on display’ showcasing windows
• Office designer: Studio Sutton
•  WRKPLC’s verdict

This is a really impressive, flexible lab space that balances high-tech specifications with warmth and comfort. The perfect blend of function and aesthetics.

2/ BioPure

BioPure’s new hub is a state‑of‑the‑art facility that unites cleanroom manufacturing, engineering, logistics and office functions within a single high‑performance environment. The scheme supports BioPure’s rapid growth by integrating ISO-compliant cleanrooms, gantry‑equipped production halls and dedicated packing zones. There’s also a mezzanine housing raw‑material feed systems and a major air‑handling plant. The activity‑based workplace strengthens collaboration between departments, while re‑engineered technical infrastructure ensures precision, scalability and quality control. The result is a future‑focused hub that reinforces BioPure’s position as a leader in biopharmaceutical fluid path innovation.

Key project info                                                                                                       

• Size: 120,000 sq ft
• Location: Hampshire
• Standout feature: Dedicated mezzanine structure
• Office designer: Area Laboratories

 WRKPLC’s verdict

A remarkable new work environment that will improve interaction between disciplines and encourage collaboration at the highest level.

3/ Stanhope, White City Place

Stanhope’s White City science and research suites have transformed a modern building into four flexible, CL2 laboratory and office environments. Designed to attract top‑tier tenants, each suite combines fixed benching and modular systems, ducted fume cupboards and fully serviced lab prep areas and meeting spaces. The project prioritises long‑term adaptability, using modular design and detailed technical documentation to support rapid tenant customisation. Located within an active life sciences cluster, the development will strengthen Stanhope’s reputation while meeting growing demand for UK science and research facilities.

Key project info

• Size: 25,000 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Fully flexible and adaptable lab space
• Office designer: Morgan Lovell

WRKPLC’s verdict

Stanhope have cemented White City Place’s credentials as a leading science and research hub. The use of flexible space and modular design is astute, ensuring long-term value and tenant attraction.

4/ GSK

GSK’s Stevenage facility consolidates multiple operations into a bright, modern R&D hub that blends advanced laboratory environments with high‑quality workspace. The project transformed Building 8 from shell and core into a full Cat B research facility, introducing new curtain walling for natural light, biophilic elements and state‑of‑the‑art lab furniture, including fume cupboards and biosafety cabinets. Overbury also delivered an MRI suite, autoclaves, necropsy areas and breakout spaces, alongside freezer‑farm relocation requiring strict temperature control. The result is a dynamic, technically robust centre for scientific innovation.

Key project info

• Size: 43,000 sq ft
• Location: Stevenage
• Standout feature: New curtain walling system
• Office designer: Overbury

 WRKPLC’s verdict

This is a bright, sleek and impressive workspace fitout incorporating state-of-the-art tech and high-quality office space.  

5/ Health Service Laboratories

Health Service Laboratories (HSL) required temporary laboratory facilities within their Fitzroy Street premises. 8Build transformed former office space into a fully functional lab environment designed to meet urgent programme and cost requirements. Completed in just seven weeks, the scheme began with a full strip‑out of raised floors, glazed partitions and existing amenities. A rapid design freeze and tightly coordinated MEP sign‑offs enabled the team to maintain momentum, while close liaison with key suppliers ensured seamless installation. The resulting CAT B laboratory is a modern, high‑quality space, providing operational continuity for HSL during its relocation period.

Key project info

• Size: 4,520 sq ft
• Location: London
• Standout feature: Project logistics and delivery
• Office designer: 8Build

 WRKPLC’s verdict

A remarkable fitout against tight timescales. 8Build created a new modern lab, at speed, to support their client’s needs. Good job!

6/ MedPharm

MedPharm’s refurbished Guildford facilities present a modern, high‑performance environment for advanced pharmaceutical research. Designed to attract young talent, the new workspace will enable MedPharm to work more efficiently and reflects their position as market leaders. Split across two buildings, the new facilities comprise three laboratories for formulation development, production and analysis, plus office space for admin and sales. Open plan labs, write‑up areas and meeting rooms are integrated into a cohesive layout, while informal breakout spaces, flexible private offices and a larger communal area support a range of workforce needs. This redeveloped workplace strengthens operational capability, reinforces brand credibility and provides a sophisticated platform for ongoing R&D excellence.

Key project info

• Size: 30,000 sq ft
• Location: Guildford
• Standout feature: Clean, crisp and neutral workplace aesthetic
• Office designer: Oktra

 WRKPLC’s verdict

A nice balance of high-tech functionality and brand identity, with everything tailored to people and processes.

Key trends and considerations when designing offices in the Pharmaceutical & life sciences sector

So, what have we learned from these innovative and cool pharmaceutical spaces?

Agility and modularity

Life sciences and pharma workspaces are increasingly modular, which means labs can be reconfigured to fit shifting research priorities and project needs. Plug-and-play facilities, mobile benches and flexible write-up zones enable rapid tenant adaption.

High‑tech, high-spec

Scientific research environments are being shaped by increasingly rigorous standards and expectations. To ensure excellence in R&D, the highest-spec tech infrastructure is required, with elevated HVAC performance, cleanroom standards and contamination control a must for all new facilities. The integration of advanced digital systems for monitoring, automation and data integrity is also essential.

Sustainability and ESG

As science labs are major energy consumers, designers are prioritising low-carbon materials, heat-recovery systems and efficient air handling. Certifications, such as BREEAM, LEED and WELL, are becoming incorporated into design briefs and project development to demonstrate environmental and wellbeing commitments.

Convergence of lab and workplace

While core administrative and scientific functions retain their own distinct workspaces, there’s a clear shift towards cross-disciplinary interaction. Transparent lab fronts are increasingly common, putting ‘science on display’ and enabling clear lines of sight between research and non-research zones. Collaboration spaces and touchdown areas, where colleagues from different departments can interact, are also a design priority.

Talent attraction

Pharma companies and research institutes depend on a constant flow of scientific talent. Modern facilities are designed to attract young research professionals through daylight-rich, ergonomic, engaging and amenity‑enhanced environments. Workplace design as an expression of brand identity, purpose and scientific excellence is also an increasingly popular mechanism for talent attraction and retention.

If you’re looking to redesign your pharmaceutical or life sciences space, get in touch with WRKPLC for expert guidance and advice. You can also download our free Office Design Companies Guide.

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