Professional Profile: Steve Reynolds
Steve Reynolds, vice president of civil engineering, Original Survey Solutions
Steve Reynolds is vice president of civil engineering with Original Survey Solutions in Pleasanton, CA. Lab Design News spoke to Steve about his passion for land development, influential career experiences, and the evolving trends shaping the future of laboratory design.
Q: If you weren't in this profession, what job would you like to have instead?
A: I began my career as a civil engineer working on large ground-up building projects at Stanford University, and I’ve always been drawn to land development. There’s something uniquely rewarding about taking a piece of land—whether it’s untouched, underutilized, or already developed—and transforming it into something that serves a greater purpose and benefits the broader community.
If I weren’t in this profession, I imagine I’d be a real estate developer, continuing to pursue that same passion for shaping land into something meaningful, functional, and impactful.
Q: What is your favorite building, lab-related or not?
A: I don’t have just one favorite building—but one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences in my career was being part of the design team for the four buildings that make up the Stanford Science and Engineering Quad (SEQ): Y2E2 (Jerry Yang & Akiko Yamazaki Environment & Energy Building), the Jen‑Hsun Huang Engineering Center, Shriram Center for Bioengineering & Chemical Engineering, and the Spilker Engineering & Applied Sciences Building.
What made the project especially memorable was attending the dedication ceremonies in person. I had the chance to hear Jen-Hsun Huang, founder of NVIDIA, speak at the Huang Center opening, and Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo!, at the Y2E2 dedication. Hearing their vision and passion firsthand—and knowing I played a role in creating those spaces—was truly inspiring.
Q: If you could collaborate with any architect, designer, or scientist (past or present), who would it be and why?
A: It’s a tough call—Einstein redefined physics, and Edison brought ideas to life with relentless drive. But Nikola Tesla stands out for his rare blend of imagination, obsession, and visionary thinking. He wasn’t just solving the problems of his time—he was dreaming far into the future.
Tesla was a thinker who wasn’t afraid to challenge convention. He was also an engineer and experimentalist at heart, which I relate to. He saw the world not just for what it was, but for what it could be. The idea of collaborating with someone like that—who was constantly trying to leap forward, even if the world wasn’t ready—is incredibly inspiring. I imagine working with him would involve a lot of wild ideas, late nights, and breakthroughs that seemed impossible until they weren’t.
Q: What trends are you seeing in lab design that you think will shape the future of the industry?
A: One of the biggest trends is flexibility and adaptability—labs are no longer designed for a single fixed purpose. We’re seeing modular layouts, movable casework, and infrastructure that supports rapid shifts in research focus, equipment, or team structure. Amid a softening life sciences market and shifting funding conditions, developers are prioritizing versatile spaces that can adapt to new uses or accommodate multiple tenants as needs evolve.
Another major trend is the integration of digital infrastructure—from smart building systems and real-time monitoring to automation and AI-assisted research environments. Labs are becoming more data-driven and connected, and the buildings need to support that with high-capacity IT backbones, greater electrical demand, and secure data systems.
We're also seeing a stronger push toward sustainability. Clients are asking for lower energy footprints, more daylighting, better materials, and LEED or WELL certification as a baseline—not a bonus. Especially with high-energy-use facilities like labs, balancing performance with environmental responsibility is a huge driver for innovation.
Q: What are some of your future career goals?
A: I’ve had the opportunity to work on large campuses and multi-building developments that span entire city blocks—those are the kinds of projects I find most rewarding. I thrive on the complexity and enjoy guiding clients and partners from early planning through construction completion. Right now, we’re providing services across five different states, and one of my long-term goals is to support our clients wherever they choose to build—even if that means expanding into new regions. I’m excited by the opportunity to grow with our clients, take on bigger challenges, and deliver meaningful impact on a larger scale.
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: I’d have to say Yosemite National Park. I went there every summer as a kid, and it’s a place that still takes my breath away. The sheer scale of the granite cliffs, waterfalls, and natural beauty is unforgettable.
Now, as a civil engineer, I also appreciate the challenges behind designing infrastructure in such a delicate and iconic environment. Things like bridges, roads, and trails allow millions of people to experience the park each year—but they have to be planned with extreme care to minimize environmental impact. There’s an ongoing tension between access and preservation, and I think Yosemite is one of the best real-world examples of that balance being continuously refined.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in this new role?
A: Beyond the project work itself, I’m most excited about the opportunity to grow our team and mentor the next generation of engineers and designers. I’m passionate about sharing the knowledge and lessons I’ve picked up over the years, helping younger staff build confidence, develop their technical skills, and take ownership of their careers. My goal is to help shape a team that’s empowered, collaborative, and ready to lead. If I can leave behind a strong, self-sustaining team—and a legacy of impact and mentorship—that’s success in my book.
