Lab Planner

Summary

Design Group is seeking an experienced Senior Lab Planner to support programming, planning, and design of complex laboratory environments across our growing Science & Technology (S&T) sector, and will serve laboratory design in other sectors, including Education, Commercial, and Healthcare. This role focuses on translating scientific workflows, research, and learning needs into high‑performing, technically sound laboratory spaces. The Senior Lab Planner will work closely with clients, researchers, design teams, engineers, and internal project managers to develop functional programs, equipment layouts, laboratory standards, and planning strategies that align with institutional, industry, and regulatory requirements.

They will also support Design Group’s business development efforts through publishing articles and white papers for thought leadership, participating in professional organizations and business networks, attending laboratory facilities conferences as a Subject Matter Expert, and speaking individually and on panels about project work and niche sector topics.

• Lead programming sessions with scientists, researchers, faculty, and end users to document functional and operational needs.
• Develop laboratory space programs, room data sheets, adjacency diagrams, equipment lists, and workflow assessments.
• Create conceptual lab layouts and planning strategies that incorporate safety requirements, ergonomics, and best practices in research environments.
• Coordinate laboratory requirements, utilities, and infrastructure with engineering partners.

• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to support the development of schematic design, design development, and construction documents.
• Provide technical oversight for laboratory components, including benching systems, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, cleanroom elements, and specialist support spaces.
• Ensure lab design aligns with relevant codes, standards, and guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with internal project teams and external consultants to maintain alignment on scope, schedule, and technical expectations.

• Facilitate client meetings, planning workshops, and user group sessions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients throughout project delivery, communicating complex technical requirements clearly and effectively.
• Maintain industry‑leading design expertise and create content to be leveraged with external industry, professional organizations and business networks.
• Assist with the preparation of proposals and qualifications packages; create content aligned with pursuit strategies.

• Provide planning guidance during construction administration as needed.
• Assist with quality control reviews related to laboratory layouts and technical features.
• Oversee, curate, and refine the firm’s lab planning tools, programming benchmarking, BIM model resources, detail libraries, product and specification preferences, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5-10 years of progressive experience in laboratory planning within Science & Technology, Higher Education, Healthcare, or related research and commercial lab environments.
• Professional registration (RA, NCIDQ, or equivalent is preferred).
• Demonstrated expertise in programming, lab planning, equipment coordination, and workflow development.
• Strong understanding of laboratory systems, adjacencies, safety standards (BSL), and infrastructure requirements.
• Proficiency in Revit; ability to review and interpret BIM models.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, researchers, and client stakeholders.
• Ability to translate complex technical and scientific requirements into clear, functional planning solutions.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently.
• Demonstrated ability to lead meetings, facilitate user groups, and present ideas clearly and confidently.
• Ability to travel as required for client meetings, workshops, and site visits.