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For GoodRx, an app-based health care company increasing access to affordable prescriptions, the goal was to bring a “homey” feel to its new 76,000-sq-ft headquarters building. The project, based in Santa Monica, Calif., included several amenities, including a coffee bar, library, meditation and yoga facility and a speakeasy with 100-year-old restored bar imported from Glaslow, Scotland. The structure also features six skylights and three interconnecting stairs, with large warehouses as well as smaller meeting rooms.

The owner worked closely with RIOS, the project’s architect, to achieve its goals. “Our work with GoodRx was highly collaborative. Fostering a positive workplace culture was a critical element of our work with their team,” says Andy Lantz, creative director and partner at RIOS. “We examined how our design could best support productivity and encourage positive morale while embodying the brand that promotes an engaging work culture.”

Photo by Jasper Sanidad

Sustainability was another key component of the project. The team sourced 98% of the building’s furniture from suppliers within a 30-mile radius, with local suppliers brought on staff to achieve this goal. To conserve water, a Tournesol planter irrigation system was installed to water the plants in the building. The system, which uses a moisture sensor to control the release of water into the soil, allows for long periods of time between watering. 

Construction took place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting unique challenges. To ensure a safe working environment, the project team took on measures such as temperature scanning and symptom screening during each shift, as well as face coverings and staggered shifts to allow for social distancing. 
Despite delays caused by the pandemic, the project was able to stick to a swift 22-week construction timeline. Groundbreaking took place in June 2020, with completion in September of that year.