Explore Colorado Lab Innovations at the 2025 Lab Design Conference

The 2025 Lab Design Conference, which will be held on May 11-14 in Denver, will feature a rich lineup of sessions focusing on cutting-edge laboratory projects in Colorado. These sessions, incorporating case studies and expert insights, underscore the state's leadership in innovative and sustainable lab design. From major renovations to groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, these presentations offer valuable lessons for professionals in architecture, engineering, and laboratory planning.

Registration is open for this industry-leading event! Read more about the Colorado-centric educational sessions that will be featured on the agenda, as well as other talks that will focus on adaptive reuse, benchmarking and metrics, gathering end user feedback, and the future of lab design.

Keynote: Strategic renovations at NIST

Skip Vaughn, NIST’s director of facilities and property management, will kick off the conference with the keynote “Innovative Lab Design: Empowering Science through Strategic Renovations.” This session will spotlight the comprehensive renovation of Wing 5 in Building 1 on NIST’s Boulder campus. The project exemplifies the fusion of modern design principles with the practical needs of a multi-generational workforce, offering a model for forward-thinking laboratory environments.

Vaughn’s keynote will detail the collaborative processes between architects, engineers, lab planners, and equipment suppliers. Attendees will gain insight into how these stakeholders addressed critical questions and aligned their objectives to create a state-of-the-art research facility. By highlighting the challenges and successes of this renovation, Vaughn will illuminate how lab design professionals enable scientific breakthroughs, ensuring bench scientists have the optimal tools and environments to excel.

Vibration control at the University of Colorado Boulder

Vibration sensitivity is a critical consideration in laboratory design, particularly for facilities housing advanced research tools. In the session “What’s Shaking?! Controlling External and Internal Vibrations in an Ultra-Sensitive Laboratory,” the focus shifts to the Chemistry and Applied Mathematics building at the University of Colorado Boulder. This facility incorporates spaces for highly sensitive equipment, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and quantum research labs.

The case study will explore the challenges posed by both external sources, such as roadways and rail lines, and internal factors, including footfall-induced vibrations. By leveraging advanced testing and modeling techniques, the design team implemented innovative solutions, including specialized structural designs and vibration isolation measures. This presentation emphasizes how understanding and mitigating vibrations can ensure a facility meets the demanding requirements of sensitive research.

Sustainable lab design: Achieving net-zero

Another standout session, “Colorado’s First Net-Zero Energy & All-Electric Life Sciences Building,” will highlight the Ridgeway Science & Technology project. Designed to meet ambitious energy and sustainability goals, the facility is pursuing LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications while serving as a flexible core and shell space for life sciences tenants.

Key design features include a borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) system, hybrid solar solutions, and energy recovery innovations. The session will showcase how early performance modeling and cross-disciplinary collaboration optimized the building's HVAC and electrical systems to meet future tenants' needs while minimizing its carbon footprint. This project sets a precedent for balancing high-performance lab environments with sustainability objectives.

Advancing sustainability at NREL

The conference will conclude with the session “Advancing Sustainability in Laboratory Design: A Comprehensive Overview of Smart Labs.” Led by experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, CO, this presentation will explore the Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) Smart Labs program.

Participants will learn about practical strategies for decarbonizing laboratory operations through optimized HVAC systems, electrification, and renewable energy adoption. Case studies from real-world implementations will illustrate how laboratories can reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency and safety. Tailored guidance will also address sustainability in federal laboratories, covering regulatory frameworks and funding opportunities.

Learning opportunities at this must-attend event

Each session offers distinct learning objectives, ensuring participants walk away with actionable insights. From understanding collaborative renovation processes to mastering advanced vibration control and sustainability strategies, these presentations provide tools to tackle complex challenges in lab design. By focusing on Colorado's projects, the conference shines a spotlight on the region's innovative contributions to the laboratory design field.

Educational sessions are available for AIA continuing education credit. Optional add-ons to your conference ticket include hands-on workshops and behind-the-scenes tours of local laboratory facilities.

With a comprehensive agenda that integrates practical lessons and visionary strategies, the 2025 Lab Design Conference promises to inspire attendees to rethink how laboratories are designed, constructed, and operated. These Colorado-based case studies exemplify the evolving demands of scientific research and the creative solutions shaping the future of lab environments. Whether your interest lies in cutting-edge technology, sustainability, or collaboration, this year’s sessions are sure to offer something invaluable. Register now to secure your spot!