Gilead Sciences, Inc. Center for Innovative Drug Research

McCarthy, in collaboration with Flad Architects, delivered a 350,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art life sciences facility that serves as a cornerstone of Gilead Sciences’ commitment to advancing therapies in virology, oncology, and inflammation. Designed to consolidate multiple research groups under one roof, the four-story, steel-framed structure includes 230,000 square feet of advanced laboratory space and 120,000 square feet of office space. The interior build-out features digitally enabled laboratories, flexible research suites, and support spaces tailored for the handling of biological materials, fostering collaboration and innovation. Specialized infrastructure includes a hazardous material storage facility and a dedicated vertical transportation system to support complex research operations. The facility also incorporates wellness-focused amenities, such as indoor and outdoor recreation spaces and a meditation garden, promoting employee well-being. Utilizing a hybrid of Design-Bid-Build, Design-Assist, and Design-Build delivery methods, the team streamlined coordination through a shared design model, enabling early prefabrication and technical precision. Key features include six distinct exterior skin systems, deep foundations in challenging bay mud, and a pedestrian bridge connection to a six-story parking structure, all seamlessly integrated into Gilead’s Foster City campus.

Complementing the research facility is a 190,000-square-foot, six-story cast-in-place parking structure with 519 stalls, connected to the laboratory and office building via a pedestrian sky bridge. The open-air garage features exterior metal panels and precast paneling, and was designed with future sustainability in mind—prepped for additional EV charging stations and rooftop solar panels to support Gilead’s environmental goals.