Designing the future of work
Takeda’s $62B acquisition of Shire Pharmaceuticals marked one of the most transformative moments in current pharma industry. At the center of this shift was the reimagining of 500 Kendall Square in Cambridge, not just as a headquarters, but as a symbol of Takeda’s vision for global leadership and human-centered design. We elevated 500 Kendall beyond architecture by embodying Takeda’s culture and future vision. We showcased how Takeda enriches the employee experience through sustainability, hybrid work, and design excellence. And we built Takeda’s compelling executive voices into the brand renovation, framing a humancentric story about connection, purpose, and pride.
Spaces Made for You
Values Inspired Design
Sustainable Footprint
Community Connection
Welcome Back
To support employees returning to the office and celebrating the opening of the redesigned 500 Kendal building we developed a series of wayfinding signage, posters, and communications materials. This had an impact for team members as they would now be working on a hybrid schedule, within new types of spaces that aligned with the project’s objectives.
Deliverables
Global executive video series spotlighting Takeda leadership
Conceived, designed, launched communications across internal and external channels
Return-to-office campaign for post-pandemic employee relations
Digital and physical orientation tools including maps, guides, signage
Impact
47% increase in employee satisfaction post-launch
Seamless return-to-office transition with no attrition
Reframed Takeda as global leader in design, culture, and connectivity
Reinforced Takeda as a purpose-driven leader in Cambridge’s innovation hub
