Lab Planner

Our Washington, DC studio is currently looking for an experienced Science & Technology Designer or Laboratory Planner to work with us on numerous public and private projects.

A Lab Planner is a specialized professional within the architectural industry who is responsible for the planning and programming of laboratory facilities, including both research and manufacturing environments. This role requires hands-on collaboration with clients, designers, and project teams to develop and implement lab designs, ensuring the facilities meet specific needs, adhere to standards, and integrate with broader building projects.

An ideal candidate will already have demonstrable experience within this sector, be confident when liaising with diverse project teams, and be familiar with the varied scope of environments within this area of design.

Key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Planning and Programming: Lead the planning and programming of laboratory spaces, considering factors like equipment needs, workflow, and compliance with relevant regulations and standards.
• Design and Development: Assist in the design and development, modification, and review of laboratory planning concepts, ensuring a functional and efficient space.
• Client Communication: Work closely with clients to understand their needs, program requirements, and expectations, ensuring a collaborative and effective planning process.
• Technical Expertise: Possesses a strong understanding of laboratory design principles, building codes, and safety regulations specific to laboratory facilities across a broad spectrum of research environments.
• Construction Administration: Support the construction administration phase, ensuring the project is completed to program, cost, and quality aspirations, and that all relevant standards are met.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and well-coordinated project.
• Sustainability: Incorporate sustainable design solutions into lab projects, such as energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly materials.
• Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed documentation, including space layouts, equipment lists, and other relevant project information.

Specific Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of laboratory design principles, building codes, and safety regulations.
• Market Understanding: In-depth understanding of differing science needs for a variety of science + technology project typologies.
• Expertise: Interest in the various fields of science, engineering, and research.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with clients and project teams.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and solve technical and design problems.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze space needs, equipment requirements, and project goals.
• BIM Software: Proficiency in Revit for creating, modelling, and modifying laboratory plans.

Education and Experience:

• 10+ years relevant Lab Planning Experience
• Project experience demonstrates significant involvement in science/technology/research facility, lab design, including the design of traditional laboratories, production facilities, computational research, and higher education science teaching spaces
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture required
• Master’s degree
• Requires 5 plus years’ progressive experience focused on programming and planning of all phases of a variety of laboratory types such as: vivarium, biocontainment, research, teaching (science), pharmaceutical, public health, clinical, process, and manufacturing facilities.
• Demonstrates creativity, passion, and interest in the design and planning of laboratories within technical
• Knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for laboratory design. Knowledge of laboratory programming delivery and how design impacts those systems, including space, operational, and equipment programming, as well as MEP systems
• Knowledge of laboratory planning, design, construction documents, construction administration, and project construction cost
• Knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, and InDesign graphic software
• Proficiency in Revit or another BIM platform
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to convey laboratory planning needs to designers and other team members
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines
• Licensure strongly preferred
• LEED GA or within 6 months of hire

Salary Range Information

We foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, competitive, and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate’s qualifications, including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications, credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis. At the time of posting this job advertisement, the annual pay salary range for this position in DC is between $98,000 and $130,000, commensurate with qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

---