Everything You Need to Know About Choosing and Outfitting a Lab
In the world of laboratory design and management, choosing and outfitting a lab space that meets both current demands and future growth potential is no small feat. To delve into this complex process, Lab Design News spoke with Kelly Sullivan, PhD, director of lab operations at CIC, to discuss the critical factors lab managers need to consider when creating or selecting lab spaces.
From budgeting strategies and evaluating different lab types to spotting potential red flags and measuring project success, Sullivan provides expert insights and actionable advice. Her guidance highlights not only the practicalities but also the strategic foresight needed to develop a lab environment that is flexible, cost-effective, and fully equipped to support innovative research for years to come.
Q: How can lab managers build a budget to help determine how they should approach finding or creating a lab for their needs?
A: When building a budget for a lab, the key is to plan not just for your current needs but for future growth as well. I always recommend looking at lab spaces that are roughly a third larger than what you need at the moment. Consider how flexible the lab is—will it accommodate your growth or adapt to new research directions? Factor in costs for infrastructure, equipment, and staff, but also plan for ongoing costs, like waste removal, equipment calibration, or equipment repair and maintenance.
Q: What options do lab managers have when choosing a lab space?
A: There are generally three primary options:
Building a lab from scratch: This offers complete customization, but it can be time-consuming and costly.
Finding a pre-built lab: This may only require additional pieces of equipment, making it more cost-effective and quicker to set up.
Shared lab space: This option can provide access to state-of-the-art equipment without the full investment, but you need to be strategic in finding the right operator who will meet your needs.
Q: How should lab managers evaluate their options?
A: Start by identifying your core needs, such as space, equipment, and the level of customization required. Look at references from labs in similar industries, and ask about their experience with vendors and builders. When evaluating pricing, consider both short-term costs and long-term return on investment. Always ask key questions like:
● What’s included in the base cost?
● How quickly can the space be operational?
● What equipment, if any, may be in place already?
● Are there auxiliary services like equipment maintenance or environmental health and safety (EH&S) support available?
Also, don't overlook practical considerations, like location—how easy will it be to hire and retain staff based on the cost of living?
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each lab option that should be considered?
A: Each option has its pros and cons:
● Building from scratch: Full control and customization, but expensive and time-consuming. Often are linked to multi-year leasing requirements.
● Pre-built labs: Quicker to get up and running but might require compromises on design or equipment layout. Typically have long leasing requirements.
● Shared labs: Access to high-quality resources at a lower cost, on-site expertise, with some operators like CIC who offer great flexibility for scaling, shared equipment, community-building activities, and more. Shorter leasing options, some as short as 30 days.
When choosing, think about your long-term plans. Can the lab grow with you? Will it allow you to future-proof your operations, like offering mobile benches, leasing time frame, or other adaptable features?
Q: What are some red flags lab managers should watch out for in this process?
A: One of the biggest red flags is high staff turnover in the geographic location. This can signal potential issues with retention, which impacts lab productivity. Another is a lack of auxiliary lab resources in the area, such as equipment service providers or EH&S support. Lastly, ensure the local staff or contractors understand the unique needs of your science. If they don’t, your lab may face delays or challenges that could easily be avoided.
Q: How can labs evaluate the success of their lab setup project?
A: Success can be measured by how well the lab meets both immediate and future needs. Did the lab allow for future growth? Were you able to stay within your budget while still delivering high-quality outcomes? Also, assess how quickly your lab became operational and whether it continues to function efficiently over time. Growth potential is a key metric here—was the lab built with enough flexibility to allow your team to expand without significant renovations?
Q: Is there anything else you'd like our audience to know about choosing and outfitting a lab?
A: Yes—don’t overlook flexibility. Labs that are overly rigid, with fixed casework and immovable equipment, can become a bottleneck for future changes. At CIC, we emphasize mobile solutions—benches, vacuums, even fume hoods—to ensure labs can be reconfigured as needs evolve. Also, engage movers and equipment calibration teams early in the process to avoid delays. It’s the little things like this that can make or break your lab's success.
