Professional Profile: George Bouris
Lab Design News spoke to George Bouris, vice president, mechanical electrical plumbing at Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc., about trends in lab design, balancing functionality with sustainability in a lab build, and the most unexpected request he received for a lab project.
Q: What is one important “soft skill” that all lab design experts should have?
A: One crucial soft skill for lab design experts is effective communication. Designing a laboratory involves collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders—including scientists, engineers, facility managers, and regulatory bodies. The ability to clearly articulate ideas, actively listen to client needs, and facilitate open dialogue ensures that the final design aligns with the functional requirements, safety standards, and the client's vision. Good communication helps in preemptively addressing potential issues and fosters a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can emerge.
Q: What trends are you seeing in lab design that you think will shape the future of the industry?
A: A significant trend shaping the future of lab design is the move towards flexible and adaptable spaces. With the rapid advancement of technology and evolving research methods, laboratories need to accommodate changing needs without extensive renovations. This includes the use of modular furniture, movable casework, and adaptable infrastructure systems that allow for easy reconfiguration. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on sustainability—integrating energy-efficient systems, utilizing renewable materials, and designing for minimal environmental impact. The incorporation of smart technologies for better data management and automation is also becoming increasingly prevalent.
Q: What’s the most unexpected or quirky request you’ve received from a client during a lab project?
A: One of the most unexpected requests came from a client who wanted to integrate a live green wall within their laboratory space. They believed that bringing elements of nature indoors would enhance air quality and boost the well-being and productivity of the lab staff. Incorporating a living wall in a controlled lab environment presented unique challenges, such as managing humidity levels and ensuring that the plant life didn't interfere with sensitive experiments. However, by carefully selecting appropriate plant species and integrating advanced environmental controls, we were able to create a feature that not only met aesthetic desires but also contributed positively to the lab environment.
Q: How do you approach designing a laboratory that balances functionality, safety, and sustainability?
A: Balancing functionality, safety, and sustainability requires a holistic and collaborative approach. I start by thoroughly understanding the specific workflows and processes that will occur in the lab to ensure that the design facilitates efficiency and productivity. Safety is integrated into every aspect of the design—selecting appropriate materials, ensuring proper ventilation, and strategically placing safety equipment like eyewash stations and fire extinguishers. For sustainability, I incorporate energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting, low-flow fume hoods, and HVAC systems optimized for minimal energy consumption. Material selection also plays a role; using recyclable or renewable materials where possible reduces environmental impact. Additionally, I consider future adaptability to reduce waste from renovations, designing flexible spaces that can evolve with changing needs. By interweaving these elements from the outset, the laboratory becomes a space that is not only efficient and safe but also contributes to broader sustainability goals.
Q: For someone entering this career field, what advice would you give them?
A: My advice is to build a strong foundation in core principles such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mastering the use of key engineering software like AutoCAD and Revit for design. Ensure you become an expert with specific tools such as HVAC load and energy modeling software. Pay close attention to codes and standards—as a professional engineer we have an obligation to ensure the public health and safety. Beyond technical skills, focus on developing problem-solving abilities and be open to collaboration since engineering involves working within multidisciplinary teams. Lastly, never stop learning. Technology and best practices are constantly evolving, so staying updated on industry trends is critical to long-term success.
