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 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando will spotlight the design and construction of flexible, resilient academic labs, offering planners, architects, and campus leaders practical strategies, lessons learned, and insights for modernizing research facilities while balancing budgets and sustainability goals
A recent explosion at a Harvard lab underscores the need for resilient, access-controlled, behavior-informed, and well-designed laboratory environments, and expert Dan Scungio outlines how thoughtful planning—from materials and infrastructure to low-cost upgrades, user behavior, and risk-based zoning—can prevent minor incidents from escalating into catastrophic ones
The seventh annual Design Excellence Awards, recognizing innovation and excellence in lab design, are now open for submissions until December 5, 2025—explore last year’s winners to see the creativity and technical expertise these awards celebrate
Latest
At the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver, a presentation on Integrating Lab Infrastructure—Casework Solutions highlighted how coordinated planning between architecture and engineering enhances laboratory flexibility, safety, and long-term operational efficiency
California State University, Chico has broken ground on its Human Identification Laboratory—a project that will triple capacity, modernize infrastructure, expand training and research, and strengthen statewide forensic anthropology support for law enforcement and public safety
Rhode Island’s new State Health Laboratory in Providence replaces an outdated facility with a modern, flexible, and sustainable space that enhances public health capabilities, supports collaboration with academic and industry partners, and positions the state to respond to emerging threats with advanced technologies like genomic sequencing
Upcoming Events
Join Lab Design for the Academic Lab Design Digital Conference, where our expert speakers will explore how to create flexible lab spaces that can adapt to evolving research needs and promote interdisciplinary collaboration
Join Lab Design for the Casework & Furniture Digital Conference, where industry leaders will share key considerations ranging from material durability and ergonomics to customization options and regulatory compliance
Join Lab Design and our experts for this free digital conference where industry leaders will explore how emerging digital technologies are reshaping every stage of lab planning and design—improving accuracy, strengthening collaboration, and helping teams deliver high-performing spaces that meet the complex needs of modern science
On-Demand Events
Join Lab Design for the HVAC Design for a Sustainable Lab Digital Conference, and discover how to effectively integrate HVAC systems into lab design and construction and plan for their future operation and maintenance
As we prepare for the 2026 Lab Design Conference, join Lab Design for this digital event which will present a deep dive into the essential aspects of laboratory design, construction, renovation, and furnishing
Register for this free webinar from Lab Design to discover how industry experts are guiding teams through the full lifecycle of adaptable labs—covering flexibility, AI, robotics, modular systems, and practical strategies to ensure facilities evolve with changing science
Project Profiles
Ritedose Corporation is investing over $17 million to triple its cGMP lab footprint in Columbia, SC, adding new analytical chemistry and microbiology facilities that enhance efficiency, expand in-house testing capabilities, and support the company’s growing production capacity of 2.6 billion doses per year
Missouri State University has completed an addition to Roy Blunt Hall, marking the first phase of a larger project designed to showcase science while providing flexible, sustainable facilities for future growth
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
Professional Profiles
SmithGroup’s Michael Paul Krug, AIA, LEED AP, chats with Lab Design News about the inspirations, philosophies, and personal passions—from community building to hands-on design—that shape his approach to architecture and laboratory design
Julianne L. Baron, PhD, CPH, RBP, president of Science and Safety Consulting, will present “Optimizing Lab Design: Supporting Scientific Operations and Ensuring Biosafety” at the 2026 Lab Design Conference, offering insights on aligning scientific workflows with design strategies, fostering collaboration between lab users and architects, and avoiding common pitfalls that impact lab safety and functionality
At the 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando, FL, Sam Huber will be part of a panel that will discuss real-world examples of obstacles they’ve faced when building or renovating a lab facility—audience participation is highly encouraged
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
