Event Review: Women in Lab Design Digital Conference
The Women in Lab Design Digital Conference provided a crucial platform for discussing the experiences, challenges, and successes of women in the lab design, construction, and renovation industries. Historically underrepresented in leadership roles within these fields, women continue to face barriers stemming from gender bias and systemic inequities.
This free event not only highlighted these challenges but also offered actionable strategies for fostering inclusivity, career advancement, and mentorship opportunities. The videos are available on demand if you missed the initial broadcast or would like to view them again.
The three webinars in this event each qualify for 1 AIA learning unit. Email aia@labdesignconference.com for information on obtaining these credits by watching these videos on demand.
Breaking Boundaries: Women in Lab Design and Construction
The first panel, “Breaking Boundaries: Women in Lab Design and Construction,” set the tone for the day with an engaging and insightful discussion. Featuring lab design/construction experts Lynne Cooper of El Sea, LLC; Danielle McGuire of Flad Architects; Becca Hoynoski of DLR Group; and Elise Lontos of Group PMX, the session explored the barriers women face in advancing their careers and the role of thoughtful design and construction practices in fostering accessibility and inclusivity. Panelists emphasized the importance of incorporating ergonomic features, height-appropriate workstations, and essential amenities such as mother’s rooms and well-designed restrooms in laboratory spaces. Additionally, the conversation touched on the necessity of mentorship, collaboration, and fostering inclusive work environments that encourage women’s professional growth.
Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how both design and construction can contribute to more equitable workspaces. The session also provided strategies for career development and leadership opportunities, making it a valuable experience for professionals at all stages of their careers. With an interactive Q&A segment, the discussion allowed for real-time engagement, ensuring that audience concerns and insights were addressed.
Flexibility, Visibility, Camaraderie: Redefining Opportunities for Women in Lab Design
The speakers in the 2025 Women in Lab Design Digital Conference
The second panel, “Flexibility, Visibility, Camaraderie: Redefining Opportunities for Women in Lab Design,” brought a global perspective, focusing on the experiences of women in Australia’s laboratory planning and design industries. Moderated by a group of leaders from HDR Australia’s Science team—including Amy Papas, Cintia Mistro, and Simone Benvenuti, along with Stephanie Wood from the University of Sydney and Ashlie Hartigan from Wentworth Capital—this session explored how flexible work arrangements, camaraderie, and advocacy can help retain and support women in the industry.
Despite architecture nearing gender parity in Australian tertiary education, representation diminishes at senior levels, particularly in male-dominated fields such as engineering and construction. The panelists shared personal experiences of navigating these challenges and highlighted the impact of family-friendly government policies, virtual collaboration, and workplace flexibility.
One of the most powerful takeaways from this discussion was the emphasis on the role of camaraderie and mutual support among women in leadership. The session underscored how mentorship and advocacy at senior levels can help create more inclusive teams and drive systemic change. Additionally, the discussion explored specific benefits of lab planning, such as its manageable project pace and collaborative nature, while also addressing ongoing structural inequities that hinder women’s advancement.
Power in Numbers: Tactics to Mentor Future Generations of Lab Designers
The final session, “Power in Numbers: Tactics to Mentor Future Generations of Lab Designers,” led by Kassandra Garza and Natalie Szymanski from HERA Laboratory Planners, focused on the critical role of mentorship in fostering the next generation of women in lab design. This discussion tackled some of the most persistent barriers to gender equity in the industry, including underrepresentation in leadership roles and technical specialties.
Garza and Szymanski shared insights into the long-term benefits of mentorship, illustrating how structured programs can break down systemic barriers, enhance retention, and build strong leadership pipelines. The session also offered attendees practical tactics for establishing effective mentorship relationships, emphasizing the importance of sponsorship, skill-building, and confidence-building initiatives.
A key highlight of this discussion was the emphasis on mentorship as a two-way street—mentors not only provide guidance but also benefit from fresh perspectives and the professional fulfillment that comes with helping others advance. Attendees left with a clear understanding of how they could contribute to a culture of inclusion and career support within their own organizations.
Videos available on demand
The Women in Lab Design Digital Conference was a resounding success, offering a wealth of insights, strategies, and personal stories that resonated with professionals across the industry. Each session reinforced the importance of fostering inclusive work environments, providing mentorship, and implementing design practices that prioritize accessibility and equity.
The interactive Q&A sessions allowed attendees to engage directly with industry leaders, further enriching the experience. Moreover, the availability of these sessions for on-demand viewing ensures that those who could not attend live still have access to the invaluable knowledge shared during the event.
By addressing both the systemic challenges and the opportunities for progress, the Women in Lab Design Digital Conference as a vital step toward a more inclusive and diverse future in laboratory design and construction. The conversations sparked during this event will undoubtedly continue to influence industry practices, inspire emerging professionals, and drive meaningful change for years to come.
If you missed these webinars, or would like to view them again, click here to view the on demand videos for free!
