On Demand: Women in Lab Design Digital Conference
Original Air Date:
Wednesday, February 25, 2025
Join Lab Design and our experts for this free digital conference where industry leaders will share their stories, challenges, and successes in lab design, construction, and renovation
Lab design, construction, and renovation are industries where women have historically been underrepresented, particularly in leadership roles. Gender bias and stereotypes have created barriers for women aiming to advance in these fields. Recognizing women's unique perspectives and contributions is essential for fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM-related industries.
The Lab Design Digital Conference series presents its Women in Lab Design digital event on February 26, 2025, a platform highlighting women's experiences, challenges, and successes in these industries. Industry leaders will share their journeys and provide insights on overcoming obstacles, navigating career advancement, and fostering inclusive work environments. These expert speakers will discuss a range of topics, from breaking through the glass ceiling to mentoring the next generation of women leaders.
Participants will leave with valuable career development strategies, tools for creating supportive work cultures, and inspiration to lead confidently. This summit empowers women in the lab design and construction fields and equips allies with the knowledge to champion diversity and inclusion in their own organizations. An audience Q&A with the presenters will follow each session, and the presentations will also be available for free on-demand viewing. Register for free to join this impactful event and connect with others committed to advancing equality in laboratory design and construction.
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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Agenda
11:00am-12:00pm ET
Panel: Breaking Boundaries: Women in Lab Design and Construction
Join us for an inspiring and interactive panel discussion celebrating the contributions of women in the lab design and construction fields while addressing the unique challenges they face. This session will feature accomplished women leaders who will share their journeys, offering valuable insights into career advancement strategies and the importance of fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.
The discussion will delve into how thoughtful design and construction practices can enhance accessibility and inclusivity for women in laboratory spaces. Panelists will explore key considerations such as ergonomic features, height-appropriate workstations, and access to essential amenities like mother’s rooms and well-designed restrooms, while also addressing the role of construction in bringing these designs to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career in lab design and construction, this session aims to empower and inspire by highlighting the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating spaces that prioritize equity. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and gain actionable takeaways for driving positive change in the industry.
Learning objectives:
Understand how integrating specific features during both design and construction can create equitable spaces that support the needs of women in laboratory settings.
Explore career development approaches, including mentorship and leadership opportunities, that empower women to advance in the architecture, design, and construction industries.
Learn how to incorporate design elements and construction practices that address diverse user needs, ensuring laboratory environments are inclusive and accessible for all.
Discover how to cultivate collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work cultures that promote innovation and diversity within architectural, construction, and design teams.
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU
Speakers
Lynne Cooper
Principal
El Sea, LLC
Danielle McGuire
Director of Science and Technology, Southeast
Flad Architects
Becca Hoynoski
Senior Laboratory Planner
DLR Group
Elise Lontos
Senior Project Manager
Group PMX
12:30-1:30pm ET
Flexibility, Visibility, Camaraderie: Redefining Opportunities for Women in Lab Design
In this panel discussion, our panelists will share how their diverse journeys led them from architecture and science into the world of laboratory planning and design in Australia. Despite architecture achieving near gender parity in Australian tertiary education, women’s representation diminishes at senior levels, compounded by male-dominated related fields such as engineering and construction. However, HDR Australia’s Science team, predominantly composed of women, exemplifies how fostering flexibility, camaraderie, and visibility can support and retain women in the industry.
As return-to-work policies risk undermining advances in flexible work arrangements, the panel will reflect on the benefits of flexible practices, virtual collaboration and Australian family friendly government initiatives. Sharing personal journeys, the panelists will illustrate how these policies have supported their careers.
Camaraderie and advocacy among women in senior roles play a critical role in creating inclusive and appealing teams. From fostering respect to celebrating achievements, the panel will explore strategies to cultivate a supportive environment, ensuring women thrive in lab design and beyond.
Learning objectives:
Gain insights into the career pathways that lead from architecture and science into laboratory planning and design, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities for women in these fields.
Learn how flexible work arrangements and virtual collaboration opportunities enhance retention, career development, and work-life balance in the specialized field of laboratory design and planning.
Discover actionable methods to promote camaraderie, respect, and advocacy within lab planning teams, empowering women to thrive in senior roles and elevating team dynamics.
Examine the specific benefits of lab planning—such as manageable project pace and collaborative potential—and strategies to address hurdles like underrepresentation and structural inequities in the industry.
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU
Speakers
Amy Papas
Associate Director, Professional Associate, Laboratory Planner (EdSci)
HDR
Cintia Mistro
Senior Associate
HDR
Simone Benvenuti
Senior Laboratory Planner
HDR
Stephanie Wood
Senior Program Manager, Sydney Biomedical Accelerator
University of Sydney
Ashlie Hartigan
Science and Innovation Associate
Wentworth Capital
2:00-3:00pm ET
Power in Numbers: Tactics to Mentor Future Generations of Lab Designers
Women in lab design face unique challenges in a profession where underrepresentation and systemic barriers often hinder their advancement. Despite the growing demand for innovative laboratory spaces, women remain disproportionately underrepresented in leadership roles and technical specialties within this niche field of architecture. Mentorship offers a powerful solution to bridge this gap, empower women, and create pathways for long-term success. Kassandra and Natalie have each promoted mentorship programs in different areas of the career path to help grow the lab design profession and to break down barriers. This discussion aims to identify potential roadblocks, offer tactics for effective mentorship, and strengthen the retention of women in lab design (long-term gain realized from mentorship).
Learning objectives:
Learn how mentorship programs can address underrepresentation and systemic barriers for women in lab design, promoting career growth and diversity within the field.
Gain insights into common challenges faced by women in lab design, including leadership roles, technical specialties, and strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Explore proven tactics and tools for establishing impactful mentorship relationships that support career development and encourage long-term success in lab design.
Discover strategies for leveraging mentorship to enhance retention, build leadership pipelines, and promote a culture of inclusion within the lab design profession.
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU
Speakers
Kassandra Garza
Associate, Senior Laboratory Architect
HERA Laboratory Planners
Natalie Szymanski
Senior Laboratory Architect
HERA Laboratory Planners