
Join us for
the 25th annual Lab Design Conference in 2026!
We’ll see you in Orlando on May 11-14 at the leading business conference
for lab design professionals to learn about sustainable design, industry trends, and more
Featured
The University of Maine has broken ground on the GEM Factory of the Future, a cutting-edge research facility designed to integrate sustainable mass timber construction, AI-enabled manufacturing, and robotics within a highly precise, adaptable, and collaborative academic environment
Pharmaceutical companies shifting from R&D to in-house production must navigate complex design, regulatory, and operational challenges—requiring early collaboration, flexible facility planning, and a mindset shift—to ensure successful, scalable, and compliant manufacturing capabilities
The Lab Design Conference unites diverse lab professionals to share honest, practical insights and lessons learned from real-world projects—beyond polished success stories—to help attendees navigate every stage of lab planning, construction, and operation with actionable takeaways and meaningful engagement
Latest
2025 Lab Design Conference keynote speaker Jim Blount urged attendees to embrace flexibility and data-driven strategies as essential tools for navigating the challenges of shifting research priorities, funding uncertainty, and rising construction costs
The design and construction of the new Arkansas State Crime Laboratory highlight the importance of early user engagement, flexible infrastructure, and careful planning to meet evolving forensic science needs and operational workflows
An industry expert offers practical guidance to help lab end users choose the right flooring by focusing on performance factors, collaborative decision-making, and expert insights tailored to laboratory needs
Upcoming Events
Register for this free Lab Design webinar for an expert-led follow-up on the past few months of funding and economic shifts—and learn how these recent developments are affecting lab construction timelines, budgets, and planning strategies
Register for this free Lab Design webinar to discover a practical, flexible approach to sustainability for fast-paced lab renovations, and learn how to set clear goals, drive innovation, and deliver meaningful results—without relying on third-party rating systems
Join Lab Design for the Casework and Furniture Digital Conference, which will provide valuable insights into creating lab spaces that meet the diverse needs of scientists and researchers while maintaining aesthetic appeal
On-Demand Events
Join Lab Design for the Innovations in Design Tools Digital Conference, where our speakers will review software options that facilitate better project management and team communication when designing, building, or renovating a lab
This free How to Build webinar offers a comprehensive overview of best practices for planning and designing vivarium facilities—from high-level strategic decisions to the critical details that ensure functionality, compliance, and animal welfare
Join Lab Design for the Flooring & Walls Digital Conference, which will cover the latest innovations in sustainable materials and finishes designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in a lab environment
Project Profiles
The Applied Research Center (ARC) at Florida Polytechnic University is a 95,000-sf hub for innovation and collaboration, featuring flexible research spaces, teaching labs, and sustainability-focused design that supports the university's growth while fostering industry partnerships and connectivity across campus
Lab Design News spoke to Jay Deshmukh, OAA MRAIC, an associate principal at Arcadis who was the project manager and design lead on the project, and Tiina Hubel, OAA, MRAIC, a senior associate at Arcadis who worked as a project architect
Gensler recently completed a renovation of the Medical Education Building at University of California Irvine which spanned multiple project types including an anatomy lab, Active Learning Center, student lounge, classrooms, and offices
Professional Profiles
Lab Design News spoke to Steve Reynolds, vice president of civil engineering with Original Survey Solutions, about his deep-rooted interest in land development, key moments that shaped his career, and the emerging trends influencing the future of lab design
Lab Design News spoke to Jamie Huffman, science + technology project director at Taylor Design, about how his passion for ecology, design, and human-centered collaboration shapes his approach to lab planning and drives his vision for creating science environments that are both impactful and deeply connected to the natural world
At the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver, Dwayne Henry of Montgomery College will discuss communication strategies, challenges, and collaborative techniques from an end user's perspective throughout the lifespan of an academic science building project
Op-Ed
To support the vital work of recovering, identifying, and honoring the remains of missing servicemembers through advanced DNA analysis, forensic laboratories must be purpose-built to enable the precise, contamination-free processing of ancient and mitochondrial DNA—making thoughtful lab design an essential foundation for reuniting families with those lost to war
Dr. Shamika Kelley is transforming New Orleans' forensic lab not only through empathetic leadership and wellness-focused culture, but by directly influencing the physical lab space—expanding staff capacity, bringing DNA analysis in-house with advanced equipment, and ensuring the layout supports both operational excellence and human-centered design
Effective job site meetings—though often disliked—are essential for coordinating complex construction projects, helping all subcontractors anticipate delays, voice concerns, and avoid costly consequences through early, candid communication