Shaping the Future of Laboratory Design: Key Takeaways from the Lab Design Digital Conference
The Lab Design Digital Conference, held on September 24-25, is now available for free on demand viewing.
The Lab Design Digital Conference, hosted by Lab Design News on September 24-25, 2024, offered a comprehensive look into the future of laboratory environments, bringing together leading industry experts, architects, engineers, and lab professionals. Over the course of this two-day virtual event, participants explored cutting-edge trends in laboratory design, construction, and innovation. The virtual format not only made the event more accessible to a wider audience but also fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas through interactive sessions, real-time Q&A opportunities, and compelling presentations. The event continues to be available for free on demand access and AIA credits—visit https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/virtual-lab-design-conference to view these webinars.
The digital conference began with a forward-looking session by Lori Ambrusch, MAUD, director, science & technology at Ware Malcomb and Lab Design News columnist, who emphasized the importance of thoughtful lab design in ensuring safety. “Design Considerations to Support Safe Lab Operations” highlighted the role of architects and lab designers in programming exercises to assess equipment placement, staff flow, and occupancy levels. Key topics included addressing potential egress pinch points, preparing for accidents, and creating a safe, functional lab environment. The session also covered critical questions to ask before schematic design, safety-focused guidelines, and accident preparedness strategies, aiming to ensure both safe lab operations and the health and wellness of lab occupants.
Bob Skolozdra, AIA, LEED AP, partner with Svigals + Partners and editorial advisory board member of Lab Design News, teamed with Wan Leung, AIA, principal with FCA, for a presentation on “The Importance of Advance Lab Planning.” This webinar explored key considerations for science-tech organizations when leasing, building, or designing lab spaces. Topics included evaluating location options, comparing incubator and start-up spaces, zoning, and planning for both short- and long-term needs. The session covered essential factors such as user-centered design, safety, flexibility, and energy conservation. It also highlighted the importance of master planning, permitting, and regulatory issues, especially in multi-tenant buildings. Bob and Wan shared valuable insights from their experiences, offering practical lessons on creating successful research environments, from initial planning stages to final design.
A panel discussion, “Holistic Sustainability in Lab Design: Balancing Safety, Quality, and Operability” added a crucial dimension to this conversation. Panel members Natasha Griffith, CEO of SOTER Bio Consulting; Jeff Owens, senior laboratory planner at HERA Laboratory Planners; and Mark Wheatley, biocontainment engineer, chartered building services engineer, and specialist; shared an engaging discussion with moderator Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc., responsible official, high-containment lab/pandemic safety manager at Michigan State University. The panelists answered audience questions related to sustainable laboratory design practices that ensure safety, quality, and operational efficiency. The webinar covered topics like energy-efficient HVAC systems, the use of sustainable materials, and waste management strategies tailored for scientific environments. Attendees gained insights into how LEED-certified labs achieve high-performance standards without compromising functionality or safety. The panel also examined case studies to showcase innovative approaches to lab design that prioritize environmental responsibility, setting new standards for sustainability in scientific research facilities.
“Navigating the Path to Building Systems Decarbonization,” featuring Vanderweil Engineers members Frank Angelini principal and life science practice leader, and Stephen Lahti, PE, LEED AP BD+C, project manager and senior engineer, addressed the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and embodied carbon in the built environment. In their discussion, Frank and Steve offered an overview of the current carbon landscape, key challenges, and practical solutions for promoting sustainable, low-carbon building systems. Their session covered innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and local policy considerations to support decarbonization goals. Key takeaways included how to implement decarbonization strategies in various settings, insights into the role of building systems in climate action, and how to navigate the regulatory frameworks supporting these efforts.
Tracy Durnan, research operations manager at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, represented the lab manager and lab end users’ point of view in her session, “What Project Managers Should Know about Lab Design.” Her webinar highlighted the unique challenges faced by laboratory staff, including exposure to dangerous elements and long hours without adequate facilities. It emphasized the importance of understanding lab work dynamics to advocate for effective lab design. Tracy reviewed examples of poor lab design and their negative impacts on productivity and well-being, providing insights into necessary design considerations. Those who viewed the webinar learned to identify hazards, analyze design flaws, and apply their knowledge to create safer, more efficient laboratory spaces that prioritize staff needs, ultimately enhancing safety and job satisfaction.
The event concluded with “Designing Laboratories for Hazardous Collections and Forensic Materials,” Clay Stafford, subject matter expert with HERA Laboratory Planners. Clay offered insight into the unique and oftentimes challenging task of creating safe, functional spaces for storing sensitive scientific and forensic collections. Since these collections pose significant risks, including chemical degradation, environmental instability, and security vulnerabilities if improperly managed, strategic facility design is crucial. Clay’s presentation offered an overview of material types, preservation needs, and security measures needed in order to properly account for intake, storage, and handling of hazardous collections in a lab design plan. He also reviewed how to integrate safety features like proper ventilation, access control, and chemical storage. The presentation also covered long-term safety strategies, maintenance protocols, and compliance to ensure the safety and integrity of collections.
The Lab Design Digital Conference speakers succeeded in delivering high-quality content that was both informative and actionable. The variety of topics—ranging from sustainability and decarbonization to lab safety and flexible design—ensured that attendees from different sectors will find value in these presentations. The focus on future-proofing laboratory spaces, through both flexible design and advanced technology, was particularly impactful, as it aligns with the evolving demands of the scientific community.
For lab professionals, architects, and engineers alike, the conference provided a well-rounded education on the latest trends and best practices in laboratory design. The event's virtual format, combined with its interactive elements and access to expert insights, made it a must-attend for anyone involved in the planning, design, or management of lab spaces. For those unable to view the live webinars, on demand access is available. The Lab Design Digital Conference is available for free on demand access and AIA credits—visit https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/virtual-lab-design-conference to view these webinars.
The next free virtual event will be the Facilities Management webinar series on November 19, with sessions on ergonomic lab design, incorporating water systems into a lab design plan, and lab lighting. Webinars will be available live on November 19 and on demand afterward. Visit https://www.labdesignnews.com/events/facilities-management-webinar-series to register for free for this event.
The in-person Lab Design Conference will be held on May 11-14, 2025 in Denver, CO. The agenda includes educational sessions on lab end user needs, relocating lab facilities, lessons learned from lab projects, case studies of successful lab renovation and new build projects, and more. The conference will also a roundtable session and networking/socialization events, and there are also optional hands-on workshops and behind-the-scenes local lab tours available. Visit https://www.labdesignconference.com/ for more information.
