Lab Planner

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

We are seeking a highly motivated Architectural Lab Planner to join our team, supporting exciting, high-impact projects in the Bay Area. The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in architectural design with specialized experience in laboratory programming, planning, and design.

This role requires close collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders—including scientists, researchers, MEP engineers, and project managers—to create efficient, flexible, and innovative laboratory environments tailored to each client's unique needs. You will lead the planning and execution of complex technology facilities; provide overall programming, master planning, lab design planning. Responsibilities include engaging with clients and user groups to understand project requirements, develop programmatic needs, conceptual layouts, and detailed design criteria. As a technical expert you will represent the firm in both internal and external settings. A deep understanding of lab planning principles is essential, including knowledge of lab functional models, lab staffing needs, departmental adjacencies & relationships, and lab design standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lab Planning & Design

• Provide advanced technical knowledge in the laboratory planning, programming, and design of various-sized life science, academic research, biotech, or other emerging technology facilities.
• Evaluate lab equipment and casework to assist clients in selecting solutions for their specific needs. 
• Develop detailed contract documents and technical specifications, ensuring alignment with applicable codes, standards, and best practices in lab safety and sustainability. 
• Actively seeks new knowledge in the design and planning of laboratories within technical facilities.

Project Leadership

• Lead user group meetings to Independently collect, analyze, and synthesize data; define project goals and objectives; and coordinate cross-disciplinary stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of clients' program requirements, standards, and policies. 
• Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, and consultants throughout all project phases.
• Mentor and direct the work of less experienced staff, may participate in professional development reviews and "Lessons Learned" sessions.
• Communicate planning concepts to project teams, both verbally and through graphic and written documentation.
• Prepare design presentations, diagrams, and space metrics for client reviews. 

Technical Expertise

• Specify lab equipment and infrastructure requirements in coordination with engineering disciplines.
• Provide technical planning expertise and leadership for laboratory facilities in the areas of programming, design, fit-out planning, equipment planning, MEP systems integration planning casework specification and construction administration.
• Provide guidance on lab adjacencies, modular planning, casework systems, and utility distribution.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and regulatory requirements for laboratory facilities.
• Apply DES QA/QC processes throughout project.
• Assist in the development of DES standards related to lab design. 
• Become familiar with DES portfolio of past projects. 
• Actively participates in industry associations to ensure visibility. 

Collaboration & Communication

• Assist in developing proposals including project scope, services, schedule, and fees during the contract process. 
• Assist in establishing overall project budgets and milestone schedules in coordination with project managers, architect and project engineers.
• Communicate planning concepts to project teams, both verbally and through graphic and written reports.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and design teams for technical spaces.
• Participate in business development efforts, including proposal writing, interviews, and client engagement.
• Support coordination across offices and project locations (Bay Area & Austin).

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum of eight to ten years' experience in the programing, planning, and design of laboratories, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or process planning.
• Ability to translate clients' needs into functional technical spaces and determine space demand and capacity. Strong portfolio of lab planning work across life science, technology, or healthcare sectors. 
• Knowledgeable of laboratory planning standards, safety regulations, and best practices (e.g., FDA cGMP/cGLP, AAALAC, NIH, BSL, etc.). 
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office programs. 
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, multi-task, and use time effectively. 
• Positive, out-going, energetic and fun team player who enjoys working in a collaborative team environment.
• Exceptional communication (verbal, listening and written), organization, and leadership skills. Architectural License or pursuit of licensure preferred (State of California and/or Texas preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or a related field. 
• Ability to travel between Bay Area and Austin project sites as needed. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without any restrictions or requirement of sponsorship now or in the future.

The typical pay range for this position is $110,000 - $140,000 in total compensation. Compensation depends on the individual's skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

OUR PURPOSE

At DES, we are innovators in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, rooted in our firm's birthplace in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our team is driven by a passion for technical excellence and a commitment to creating optimized solutions that inspire and elevate. We aim to foster an environment where creativity thrives and challenges are seen as stepping stones to building invaluable relationships with our clients and the Bay Area community.

Join us, and be part of a dynamic team that prioritizes collaboration to redefine what's possible. At DES, we believe that a strong company culture is the backbone of our success. We cultivate a workplace where camaraderie is celebrated, and where fun is an integral part of our workflow. We are looking for individuals who are not just seeking a job, but a career where they can make a meaningful impact. If you're ready to embrace a multidisciplinary way of working, DES is the place for you.

LIFE AT DES

DES is committed to the well-being of our team members and their families. We support a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance. 

BENEFITS YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR:

• Competitive salary & annual bonuses
• 100% company-paid options for employee medical, dental, vision, and life insurance 
• 100% company-paid short & long-term disability benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Commuter & parking benefits
• Legal consultation & advice
• Identity theft 
• Supplemental life insurance & critical illness plans
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Standard & choice holidays 
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Pet Insurance
• Credit Union 
• 401k plan 
• Training & career development opportunities
• Annual career development stipend
• 100% Professional licensing & renewal fees
• Licenses & certification bonuses
• Hybrid work schedule working onsite Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
• Collaborative, friendly, fun, and enriching environment for our team to thrive and grow

We are proud and committed to being an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome, recognize, celebrate, and encourage diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Our teams are comprised of people with experiences from diverse backgrounds which helps us gain a fresh perspective while challenging our own thinking about design. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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