Lab Design Conference Speaker Profile: Burcin Moehring

Burcin Moehring, FAIA, is the Science + Technology leader at DLR Group.

In her role, Burcin provides clients with state-of-the-art laboratory concepts with an emphasis on sustainable design, innovation, evolving flexibility, and strategy.

As well, she will also focus on team and discovery-based learning, interdisciplinary interaction, teaching, technology, and research integration in her design spaces.

Burcin will be one of the panelists on the women in lab design panel at the 2024 Lab Design Conference, along with Lynne Cooper, and Eva Baker, to share their experiences as women in the field.

Lab Design spoke to Burcin about her career journey, hobbies, and her favorite seafood spot.

Q: How did you get started in your career? Did you major in your field in college, get an internship, switch careers mid-stream, etc.?

A: I always loved playing with Legos. I know it’s a bit cliché, but for me, it was an opportunity to be creative and to see how my ideas could be made real. I have both undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture. Architecture is a beautiful integration of art and science, and for the past 30+ years, I have worked with several teams and institutions to blend these two elements into everything my team and I design.

Q: What are some of your career highlights so far?

A: Serving in leadership roles at the International Institute for Sustainable Labs (I2SL), the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have been career highlights. I serve as the president of the I2SL Pacific Northwest which allows me to collaborate with institutional leadership across sectors and geographies in science & technology to create innovative, lasting solutions. This is one of the most valuable experiences that I have had, as it allows me to have meaningful connections and conversations with clients that move the needle for our industry.

 One project that I’m proud to have worked on is delivering “green labs” for St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN). The main goal of this project was to create a more open, day-lit environment to improve the work environment for researchers. During the process of the project, we were also able to reassess the number of hazardous materials used in the lab and to reduce hazardous materials as well as fume hood requirements. This not only reduced costs but provided a more spacious and better environment for the users.

Q: What is the biggest work-related challenge you've faced? How did you overcome it?

A: One of the biggest challenges that we all face is aligning the scope of a project with the budget. Often, clients are looking to achieve “the next big thing,” but within a limited budget, this can be a challenge. Successful outcomes require transparent communication with all parties including the client, contractor, and our internal teams.

Q: What are some of your future career goals?

A: I plan to explore opportunities in the bio-tech market and help growing research organizations strategize their roadmap and plan their future. In my role at DLR Group, I plan to help clients and institutions think strategically and intentionally about near and long-term project planning decisions. My goal is to enable institutions to achieve their mission.

Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you have received?

A: My advice would be: seek first to understand, then to be understood. This is habit 5 from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and has been incredibly valuable for me professionally.

Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?

A: Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, I’ve enjoyed hiking and exploring trails at Mt. Rainier and visiting Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia during weekends.

Q: What is your go-to takeout order?

A: Chinook’s at Salmon Bay always has the best fresh seafood. When I go, I order something different each time because it’s an opportunity to try something truly fresh.

Q: If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?

A: I wouldn’t tell my younger self to do anything much differently, because I feel every experience in life has taught me something valuable. But if I had to tell my younger self something, I might encourage her to pursue a graduate program in a different geographic location than my undergraduate to broaden my perspective on the built environment at a young age.

Q: If you could teleport to any destination in the world, where would you go?

A: New Zealand or Australia!