Exploring the Future of Laboratory Design at the 2025 Lab Design Conference
The 2025 Lab Design Conference is set to redefine the boundaries of laboratory design and construction with a lineup of future-focused talks. This year’s sessions will delve into cutting-edge concepts such as automation, sustainability, and adaptability, offering attendees a glimpse into the labs of tomorrow.
The conference will take place on May 11–14 in Denver, CO, offering an immersive experience for professionals in laboratory design, construction, renovation, and optimization. Your ticket grants you access to two full days of educational sessions, accredited by the AIA, led by thought leaders and industry experts. In addition to gaining valuable insights, you'll have the opportunity to engage in casual networking sessions and explore an exhibit hall showcasing top-tier lab equipment and service providers ready to address your questions and needs.
Enhance your experience with optional add-ons, including hands-on workshops and exclusive guided tours of cutting-edge laboratory facilities in the Denver area. Whether you're seeking inspiration, knowledge, or connections, this conference promises to deliver unparalleled value.
Featuring renowned experts sharing valuable insights and case studies, these sessions are designed to inspire and empower professionals with strategies to excel in a rapidly evolving landscape. Here are just some of the Lab Design Conference sessions that delve into designing, renovating, and optimizing future-proof lab facilities.
Designing for automation: the next frontier
Yvonne Choe, a registered architect and partner at DIALOG, will kick off the discussions with her session, The Future of Labs—Designing for Automation. Choe will explore how automation technologies are reshaping laboratory design, creating safer, more efficient spaces, and paving the way for innovation.
Drawing from a recent project, Choe will highlight strategies for integrating automation-ready infrastructure and share how her team designed spaces to adapt to advancements in AI and automation. Attendees can expect to gain actionable insights on future-proofing labs, identifying key areas for automation, and leveraging these technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.
Future-proofing labs: an owner’s perspective
Steven Breslin, chief of the standards and policy branch at the National Institutes of Health, will lead a session titled Laboratory Future-Proofing. Breslin will emphasize the importance of designing laboratories that cater to a wide range of research programs without requiring frequent renovations.
He will discuss critical considerations such as standard performance levels, regular planning geometry, and flexibility features. By integrating these elements into the initial design, Breslin argues, labs can accommodate evolving needs while ensuring safety and efficiency. This session will offer a practical roadmap for balancing immediate requirements with long-term priorities, equipping attendees to create adaptable, cost-effective spaces.
Sustainability through renovation
Larry Wright, senior associate at Leo A Daly, will take attendees on a journey into the past with his presentation, Creating the Future from the Past—An Environmental Study on the Armed Forces Radiobiological Research Institute (AFRRI).
Highlighting the LEED V4 Silver-certified renovation of AFRRI’s mid-century modern buildings, Wright will demonstrate how reusing existing structures can reduce carbon footprints and support sustainability goals. From green planning to practical renovation strategies, this session will provide valuable lessons on transforming outdated facilities into adaptable, environmentally conscious spaces that meet the demands of modern research.
The 6 A's of innovative laboratory design
Wrapping up the future-focused discussions, Kieron McGrath, associate director at PM Group, will present How the 6 A’s Will Generate Current and Future Innovative Laboratories. McGrath will delve into the six pillars of laboratory design—adaptability, adjacencies, assembly, automation, aesthetics, and accountability—showing how their interplay drives innovation and sustainability.
Using a case study of a “lab of the future,” McGrath will challenge conventional approaches to lab design, envisioning new trends that optimize research spaces. This session will also offer insights into fostering collaboration among project teams, ensuring that every aspect of the design process aligns with the goals of creating functional, sustainable, and forward-looking laboratories.
A glimpse into tomorrow’s labs
The 2025 Lab Design Conference promises to be an enlightening experience for professionals eager to embrace the future of laboratory design. From automation and adaptability to sustainability and innovation, each session will provide actionable strategies and thought-provoking ideas to inspire the next generation of laboratory spaces.
Join these visionary speakers and be part of the conversation shaping the future of research environments. Whether you're a designer, owner, or lab manager, the insights gained from these sessions will help you stay ahead in this dynamic field. Register now to secure your spot!
