Casework & Furniture Digital Conference
Original Air Date:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Join Lab Design and our experts for this free digital conference where industry leaders will cover key factors like material durability, ergonomics, and compliance with safety standards
Laboratory casework and furniture are essential elements in developing functional, efficient, and safe lab environments. The right casework choices for a lab help optimize space, improve workflow, and ensure adherence to industry standards. The appropriate selection and arrangement of lab furniture can greatly influence usability, safety, comfort, and overall productivity.
Join Lab Design on September 17, 2025, for this virtual event on Casework and Furniture, part of the Lab Design Digital Conference series. Industry experts will discuss key considerations when selecting and designing laboratory casework and furniture, including material durability, ergonomics, customization options, and compliance with safety regulations. This event will provide valuable insights into creating lab spaces that meet the diverse needs of scientists and researchers while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
A Q&A session will be available after each session. Register for free to join live or access on demand.
The webinars in the Lab Design Digital Conference series are free to attend live and/or on demand. Select sessions will be available for AIA/HSW continuing education credit.
View on demand
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Lab Design is an AIA CES approved education provider
Sponsors
Agenda
11:00am-12:00pm ET
Designing Laboratory Worksurfaces
Durcon produces, manufactures and fabricates laboratory tops of all configurations, sizes and colors which are then installed into the world's leading university, government and commercial laboratories in the research and development, chemical, medical, and industrial markets. This course is designed for science and technology groups interested in lab-grade worksurfaces material options, product applications, design options, product performance, innovative options and green alternatives.
Learning objectives:
1. Select appropriate laboratory worksurface materials when considering the specific desired uses and activities of a facility
2. Compare and contrast commonly used laboratory-grade product materials when evaluating against unique performance criteria
3. List common design options including trends, colors, thickness, profiles, and shapes for modern laboratory worksurface systems
4. Identify the best components and material compositions for a science laboratory worksurface system
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU credit
Speaker
Beto Garcia
Architectural Specs Manager
Durcon—A Wilsonart Company
12:30-1:30pm ET
Casework and Beyond: Integrating Furnishings into a Holistic Lab Infrastructure
Successful laboratory environments are built on sound planning principles that seamlessly integrate engineering requirements with furnishing solutions. Casework selection—shaped by scientific needs, utility service requirements, cost considerations, and installation timelines—plays a pivotal role in both immediate functionality and long-term adaptability. This presentation will explore core lab design concepts, provide an overview of modern casework systems using SEFA-10 guidelines, and highlight the importance of aligning casework decisions with infrastructure planning. Attendees will gain strategies for coordinating architecture, engineering, and furnishing choices into a cohesive, future-ready lab environment.
Learning objectives:
Apply integrated architecture and engineering (A/E) planning principles to enhance laboratory safety, adaptability, and operational performance.
Compare the features, benefits, and limitations of various casework systems, with attention to safety, accessibility, and user comfort.
Understand utility distribution strategies that ensure safe, code-compliant, and reliable delivery of services to support critical lab functions.
Evaluate infrastructure and furnishing options to select solutions that promote long-term efficiency, flexibility, and return on investment.
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU credit
Speakers
Steve Hackman
Principal/Senior Laboratory Planner
Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Sophie Mendelsohn
Laboratory Planner
Lamar Johnson Collaborative
2:00-3:00pm ET
On-Carpet vs. Off-Carpet Spaces: Creating NextGen Labs That Attract and Inspire
The laboratory is no longer an isolated, basement-level space—it’s becoming the centerpiece of modern workplace design. This session explores how forward-thinking organizations are redefining the relationship between traditional office environments (“on-carpet”) and lab spaces (“off-carpet”). The NextGen Lab concept emphasizes inclusivity, visibility, and collaboration, transforming labs into inspiring places that support both science and culture.
Through real-world design strategies, we will examine how labs are being brought into the heart of the workplace with natural light, flexible layouts, and adjacency to “collision zones” that spark innovation. Participants will learn how thoughtful planning of transitional spaces, modular casework, and reconfigurable lab furniture creates environments that not only meet rigorous safety and compliance needs but also reflect corporate identity and attract top talent.
Attendees will gain expert insight into how the evolution of lab spaces can support long-term adaptability, align with institutional growth strategies, and enhance the overall workplace experience.
Learning objectives:
Understand the NextGen Lab trend and how integrating “on-carpet” office zones with “off-carpet” lab areas supports collaboration, culture, and innovation.
Explore inclusive design strategies that bring labs out of the basement and into vibrant, visible spaces filled with natural light and adjacent to collaboration zones.
Evaluate flexible lab planning and modular casework solutions that balance compliance and safety with adaptability for evolving research needs.
Discover how modern lab design enhances talent recruitment, strengthens corporate identity, and positions organizations for long-term success.
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU credit
Speakers
Jeff Turk
Chairman
Formaspace
Aaron Stoneburner
Creative Director
Formaspace
Brian W. Edmonds
CEO
Cramer