Lexington, Mass. – Maugel DeStefano Architects and The Richmond Group announced
the completion of the 57,000 SF research and development facility for KSQ Therapeutics at
Four Maguire Road in Lexington, Mass. Renovations included upgrades to the core and
shell and a complete office and lab interior fit-out for KSQ Therapeutics, a clinical-stage
company using the CRISPRomics® discovery platform to systematically decode the entire
genome to identify optimal gene targets for oncology and autoimmune disease. The new
facility houses multiple laboratories, offices, conference rooms, a café, and outdoor amenity
spaces.
Four Maguire Road is managed by The RMR Group (RMR), a leading alternative
management firm, that hired the design-build team in 2020 to reposition the property to
attract a life science tenant. Building upgrades included all new mechanical and electrical
infrastructure, utility services, lab utilities, and control areas for use and storage of
hazardous materials. As a result of these upgrades, Four Maguire Road now has a certified
LEED Core and Shell Silver rating. Additional project team members included AHA,
DeSimone Consulting, Highpoint Engineering, Radner Design, Newmark, and Total Office
Interiors.
Maugel DeStefano reimagined the building’s entrances with new lobby additions,
storefront entrance systems, glass canopies, and cladding. Modern materials complement
the existing exterior and add drama to the façade: large-scale metal perforated panels
frame entrances, soaring glass curtainwalls allow natural light to flood the interior, and faux
copper patina panels and wood siding add color and interest. New outdoor amenity spaces
feature seating areas, pedestrian paths, columnar way-finding lights, a covered bike rack,
and a fire pit. The combination of architectural and landscape elements defines the
entrances and creates a welcoming approach.
”KSQ is proud to call 4 Maguire Rd. our new headquarters. A big thanks goes out to the
team of experts who worked on the design and construction of this purpose built, state of
the art facility. This flexible infrastructure will provide KSQ with the best opportunity to
carry out our mission of bringing cures to patients,” says Wade Hicks, Director of IT and Lab
Operations and tenant design lead.
Biophilic design principles inspired the interior layout and design. The building’s original
exterior piers were replaced with storefront windows along the café to maximize exterior
views and natural light to the first-floor café, board room, and open office area. Due to the
increased depth and the geometry of the second floor, open office areas were located at
exterior walls with conference rooms, huddle spaces, phone rooms, and support spaces
located in the center of the building. Glazed walls and floating glass volumes at internal
spaces allow natural light to filter through the office space into interior rooms.
Interior finishes were also selected for their natural and organic feel. Wood strip ceilings,
cork flooring, and a live-edge elm island top contribute warmth to the space. Veined
quartz counters, carpet, and porcelain tiles were chosen for their organic patterns, and
acoustical felt wall panels were designed in an organic wave pattern across the lobby
accent wall. An eclectic mix of light fixtures is also reminiscent of forms found in nature. In
open office areas, amoeba-shaped light fixtures connect and flow across open-to-structure
ceilings. Lights in boulder and helical shapes and mini-globe pendants, suspended in a
wave pattern, take center stage in the café.
“The innovative interior design of KSQ Therapeutics not only symbolizes the life science
research conducted at the facility, but also promotes employee well-being, health, and
wellness,“ said Mark Pelletier, principal and science and advanced technology lead at
Maugel DeStefano Architects. “We were honored to create this outstanding life science
facility to support KSQ Therapeutics’ important work to treat a wide range of cancer and
autoimmune disease.”
