Case: Medical-instrument companies are really “med-tech” companies. We think of them as tech companies with the highest calling of saving lives and improving patient care. Med-tech companies value many of the same attributes in a workplace community as other tech companies. They are in a battle for the best talent so recruiting and retention is key. In Vyaire's case, they were formerly a division of Becton Dickinson. As a stand-alone, rapidly growing company, they sought and have selected a workplace community that reflects the quality of their brand and unique culture.

GlobeSt.com: Which amenities work best for them and which are less important?

Case: Fitness, wellness and food are among the popular amenities. In Southern California, many companies also desire premium outdoor work and meeting spaces. In Vyaire's case, the Quad @ Discovery Business Center was particularly attractive because of its proximity to the Irvine train station and the array of outstanding retail and shopping options. They also were attracted to the Commons, our Wi-Fi enabled outdoor meeting and gathering spaces, and KINETIC, our state-of-the-art fitness and wellness program.

GlobeSt.com: What do they typically request at lease-negotiation time?

Case: Their requests vary, depending on their specific needs. Vyaire wanted a new home that offered high-quality R&D and corporate office space in a premium location.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about these tenants?

Case: We're seeing increased interest from med-tech companies in the Irvine Spectrum area. There is already significant talent in Orange County, and Irvine Spectrum's proximity to UC Irvine, one of the top public universities in the nation, is also a benefit. Irvine Spectrum is also near outstanding workforce and executive housing, John Wayne Airport and three freeways. It has outstanding options for shopping, dining and entertainment. All these attributes have made it a hub for a diverse array of companies, including leaders in med tech, other tech, financial services, automotive, law and more.

IRVINE, CA—Med-tech companies have a distinct presence in the Orange County market, and as tech users, these tenants have different requirements for their real estate space than traditional office users.

Vyaire Medical Inc., a leader in medical devices for respiratory diagnostics, ventilation, anesthesia delivery and patient monitoring, recently signed a lease for two buildings at Irvine Co.'s new “NextGen” campus at the Quad @ Discovery Business Center in Irvine Spectrum. The company will occupy 50% of the Quad, totaling 185,000 square feet when the workplace community opens in the summer of 2018.

We spoke with Steve Case, EVP of Irvine Co. Office Properties, about what makes med-tech tenants special, which amenities work best for them and how they negotiate their leases.