Maximizing Lab Efficiency: Cost-Effective Strategies for Small-Scale Renovations
Taka Soga, principal at ZGF’s Seattle office
As laboratory operations evolve, so do the needs of the spaces in which they function. Lab users can optimize their spaces through gradual, small improvements instead of undergoing costly large-scale renovations that result in significant research downtime. By implementing incremental upgrades, such as reconfiguring workstations, adding modular storage solutions, or integrating flexible lab furniture, users can adapt the space to evolving needs without disrupting ongoing operations.
Upgrading technology and equipment over time, such as adding automation tools or enhancing data management systems, allows for more efficient workflows without the need for a complete overhaul. Additionally, energy-efficient lighting and smart climate control systems can be introduced progressively to reduce operational costs while improving sustainability. This approach not only minimizes the financial burden but also allows labs to remain functional and efficient throughout the process. Small, strategic changes enable labs to stay at the cutting edge of research while maintaining budgetary control and minimizing interruptions.
In a recent discussion with Taka Soga, principal at ZGF’s Seattle office, Lab Design News explored practical strategies for optimizing existing lab spaces without resorting to full-scale renovations. From emerging technologies to energy efficiency and people-centric design, Soga’s insights illuminate how labs can adapt to modern demands effectively and economically.
Check out a segment of our interview with Soga and read the full article below.
Holistic approaches to space optimization
When considering lab optimization, Soga emphasizes the importance of a holistic perspective. Rather than focusing solely on isolated updates, he suggested evaluating how incremental changes integrate with the larger ecosystem of the lab.
It’s crucial to take a step back and take a holistic look at how a specific lab component fits within the larger ecosystem of the lab itself, Soga notes. “Some of the things that should be taken into consideration, other than looking at cost, are downtime, and how building codes (especially the energy code) come into play,” he says. Changes in plumbing codes might necessitate updates to waste treatment systems, he adds, while advances in energy codes could drive heightened performance and cost savings.
Ultimately, Soga advises labs to question whether their current setup restricts research and development capabilities, and if so, to address these limitations as a priority. “That's really the underpinning of whether you should be even looking at [renovating] this lab at all,” he says.
ZGF designed seven floors of flexible laboratory and office space for Shape Therapeutics in the South Lake Union area of Seattle to match the company’s bold vision to unlock the potential of AI & RNA to end genetic diseases. Image: Moris Moreno
Leveraging emerging technologies through modular design
The integration of modular equipment and automated systems offers transformative potential for lab spaces. Modular furniture, ceiling hookups, and adaptable infrastructure allow labs to reconfigure their spaces easily, catering to evolving research needs.
Modular design enables flexibility without triggering extensive renovations, Soga explains. “All our clients are looking to create greater optimization of their spaces. How do we make these spaces so that as research and development pivots—and as they look to either contract or expand, or even change the focus of what their research is—how do we allow that kind of space to be flexible, so it can make that kind of pivot?”
However, he cautions that any updates must be carefully aligned with the existing infrastructure to avoid a domino effect of costly building-wide renovations. “[You may] think that you're only renovating the small space, and suddenly it starts to tether through the entire building, and the tentacles reach back and start to impact the entire operations of the entire building. It goes through doing the initial refresh of one room to a whole renovation of the MEP systems of the building.”
By adopting modular solutions, labs can not only enhance operational efficiency but also future-proof their spaces for evolving technologies and research methods. A modular approach enables labs to respond dynamically to changing demands without incurring unnecessary costs.
Energy efficiency and sustainability
Prioritize infrastructure capacity in lab design to support future research, while phasing in flexible features as budgets allow. Image: Moris Moreno
Labs are notoriously energy-intensive, but Soga shares actionable strategies for improving sustainability without significant structural changes. He recommends starting with a base design for electrical systems, supplying only the necessary power to benchtops, and expanding as required.
Optimizing airflow is another key area. Soga advocates concentrating air change rates where they’re most needed, rather than applying uniform rates across the entire lab. “This targeted approach minimizes waste and reduces energy consumption,” he says. “Lab users need to really look at the air flows that are going into the room and really determine, ‘Is this the necessary number of air changes that we need for the entire space, or are there ways that we can concentrate those areas that we really need that air change rate to be at a more intensive level?’ Concentrate that to a certain area so the rest of the space can be at a less intensive rate, thus you don’t have to just throw air away when you don't really need it.”
Such small but strategic investments can yield significant savings while maintaining safety and functionality.
Prioritizing improvements on tight budgets
When budgets are constrained, labs must prioritize improvements that deliver the greatest long-term value. According to Soga, infrastructure capacity should be the top priority, as it determines the space’s ability to support future research. Flexible elements, such as lab benches and equipment, can be phased in over time as resources allow.
Look at adjustments to potential infrastructure in a specific room or space, says Soga, and then think about how those spaces may change over time. “You want to make sure that you have the proper capacity for the type of research that you want to do, first and foremost, because that's going to be the hardest thing to change over time, and it's going to be your limiting factor in terms of what you're able to do in the space.”
Focus on the main capacity of the room, Soga advises. Flexible features can be adjusted later, allowing labs to align upgrades with their evolving needs and budgets.
Incremental upgrades: lessons learned
Thoughtful lab design that supports varied work styles and wellness boosts productivity, sustainability, and talent retention. Image: Moris Moreno
Implementing incremental upgrades requires careful planning to minimize operational disruption. Soga shares that phasing work to align with research cycles and workflows is critical. Strategies like weekend or overnight installations and side-by-side replacements of equipment help labs maintain functionality during updates.
The toughest challenge is minimizing downtime while ensuring that the upgrades don’t negatively impact other areas of the lab, Soga notes. Ideally, renovations and optimizations can be done in such a way that “it can almost be a flip of a switch as [lab users] go from one space to another, and then it allows you to face the development in such a ways that you really don't have as you have as little downtime as possible.” Tailoring the approach to each lab’s unique operations is essential for success.
People-centric design for recruitment and retention
A growing focus on employee health and wellness has reshaped lab design. Features like natural daylight, views, and spaces for varied work styles contribute to a positive work environment. Soga highlights the importance of creating spaces that cater to both heads-down focused work and collaborative activities. Thoughtful design not only enhances productivity but also helps attract and retain top talent in competitive research fields.
“The thing that we've learned through the pandemic, and as we've come back to the work environment, is that people work in a variety of types of styles. Some people are more heads-down focused. Others enjoy collaboration. And it's not a rule that they're going to want to work in either of those styles at all times. So we create environments that allow for a multitude of working styles and a multitude of kinds of collaboration moments. I think the more ability to allow for that variety, but also allowing those opportunities for collaboration, is key to optimizing the kind of people that you can recruit and retain in your environments.”
Optimizing a laboratory doesn’t always require an extensive renovation or a new build. As Soga’s insights demonstrate, thoughtful planning and strategic upgrades can significantly enhance efficiency, sustainability, and employee well-being. By adopting a holistic approach and leveraging emerging technologies, labs can remain adaptable and cost-effective while meeting the demands of modern research. For lab managers and designers seeking to maximize their spaces’ potential, these strategies provide a roadmap for achieving operational excellence without breaking the bank.
