Professional Profile: Kendra LeBlanc
Kendra LeBlanc, NCIDQ, lab planner and interior designer with OTJ Architects
Kendra LeBlanc, NCIDQ, is a lab planner and interior designer with OTJ Architects. Lab Design News spoke to Kendra about her journey into laboratory design, engaging scientists throughout the design process, and practical strategies for designing laboratories that stand the test of time.
Q: What sparked your interest in designing labs—was there a defining moment that led you to this career?
A: My brain has always been wired to design technically complex spaces. Each project is a unique puzzle to solve, and me and Excel are lifelong friends! I nearly pursued a career in engineering, but a high school architectural drafting class completely changed my mind. Lab design is the perfect blend of creativity and precision, combining my love of design with the technical planning and organization that make these highly specialized spaces work.
Q: What is one important “soft skill” that all lab design experts should have?
A: Flexibility is one of the most important soft skills a lab designer can have. We often talk about creating flexible lab spaces, but we need to be just as adaptable ourselves. Science is constantly on the move, so clients may need to refine their vision as a project develops, and that's okay! Our job is to listen, adapt, and build a space that truly works for them. Being able to pivot (cue the iconic Friends stairwell scene) is part of the job.
Q: How do you approach designing a laboratory that balances functionality, safety, and sustainability?
A: Let's be honest—a lot of labs become cluttered over time, and that can quickly turn into a safety hazard if emergency stations are blocked by boxes or equipment. That’s why we strategically place these stations along circulation-only paths to remove the possibility, and we plan for ample (often high-density) storage in dedicated rooms. It’s a simple but effective solution, and baked into the design from Day One.
Sustainability is most successful when it's considered early in the design process. On smaller renovations, thoughtful material selections can make a meaningful difference. One of my favorite recommendations is rubber flooring because it's exceptionally durable for lab environments while also offering high levels of recycled content and low levels of off-gassing. Its longevity standing up to life science environments puts the majority of sheet vinyl alternatives to shame.
Q: What strategies do you use to engage scientists and researchers in the design process and gather meaningful input?
A: Clear communication from the beginning is key. At the start of every project, we walk the scientists through the design schedule so they understand what information we'll need, when we'll need it, and how their input will shape the final design. Completing the chemical inventory and equipment matrix can be a significant effort, so giving them plenty of advance notice helps the process run much more smoothly.
Once we have the basics, we hold regular weekly or biweekly meetings to review progress. We start with space planning and equipment placement, then build on that by exploring flooring, ceilings, utilities, and casework together before moving into the finer details, like PPE requirements and signage. The goal is for there to be no surprises. Breaking the process into manageable steps keeps everyone engaged and ensures the final laboratory truly supports the way the scientists work.
Q: If you weren't in this profession, what job would you like to have instead?
A: I would own and operate a bookstore that serves coffee and wine, of course! I am a big reader of science-fiction (surprise!), thrillers, literary fiction, you name it.
