Webinar Preview: Client and Design Team Communications: Strategies for Seamless Lab Design
In today’s complex world of laboratory design, successful project outcomes hinge on more than just technical expertise; effective communication among all project stakeholders plays a critical role in ensuring smooth workflows, timely completions, and safe, functional lab spaces. Whether it's aligning the needs of owners with the vision of designers or navigating the operational realities of construction teams, communication can make or break a project.
To address these high-stakes challenges, Lab Design News will host a webinar on October 30, "Effective Team Communication in Lab Planning, Design, and Construction." This free digital event will bring together experts from the client, design, and construction sides to share best practices for improving communication throughout lab projects. The panel features Jennifer Flanagan, associate director with Sanofi; Donna DeFreitas, director and project executive with DC Beane; Anthony Petone, PE, LEED AP, principal with BR+A Consulting Engineers; and Katie Archard AIA, LEED AP BD+C, associate principal with ARC.
This session will be available live on October 30 at 1:00pm Eastern Time, as well as on demand afterward. This webinar is available for 1 learning unit credit for members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
This dynamic and practical session, featuring an experienced panel of professionals, will dive deep into the nuances of communication in lab design. The panelists, representing a diverse set of roles—from owners and designers to builders—will offer insights into the challenges and solutions that come with managing complex projects. By discussing replicable approaches and best practices, this webinar aims to equip participants with the tools they need to foster open, ongoing dialogue and enhance collaboration.
Attendees are strongly encouraged to read Archard’s article on “Client and Architect Communications: Strategies for Seamless Lab Design” before viewing this webinar.
Key topics
One of the central focuses of the webinar will be the importance of getting projects off to a strong start. The panel will emphasize how early actions and clear information sharing can lay the foundation for success. From the initial stages of assembling the design team to gathering stakeholder input, establishing a robust communication framework early on ensures that everyone’s goals and concerns are clearly understood. This leads to smoother decision-making, fewer misunderstandings, and a stronger working relationship between all parties involved.
The webinar will also explore the challenges and aspirations faced by both owners and design teams. Owners often come to projects with a specific set of needs, pressures, and timelines, while designers must translate these into viable, creative, and cost-effective solutions. Through candid discussions, the panel will address how these distinct viewpoints can sometimes clash, but also how they can be reconciled through better communication. Understanding each party’s pain points, whether it’s budget constraints, design limitations, or tight timelines, is critical to fostering a collaborative environment.
Another important aspect to be covered is the role of stakeholder and user group input. The panel will discuss how asking the right questions early in the process can help ensure that all voices are heard, including those of lab users who will ultimately occupy the space. By appointing user group spokespersons and facilitating open dialogue, design and construction teams can avoid missteps that may arise from a lack of understanding of day-to-day operations within the lab. This approach not only leads to better-designed spaces but also helps prevent costly revisions and delays down the line.
In addition, the webinar will highlight the value of communication tools such as "design assist" in the pre-construction phase. These tools help ensure that design decisions are informed by practical construction insights, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes. Integrating construction input early can help identify potential issues before they become roadblocks, keeping projects within budget and on schedule.
Learning objectives
Attendees will come away from this webinar with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with assembling and managing a lab design team. The panel’s practical advice will help participants navigate the complexities of choosing the right partners for their projects, ensuring that all team members are aligned from the outset. Participants will also learn how to apply lessons learned from the client, designer, and builder perspectives to their own projects, improving communication across all stages.
Crucially, attendees will gain insights into the types of questions that should be asked to understand the priorities of user groups and stakeholders. By doing so, project teams can better align their design decisions with the real-world needs of lab occupants, which not only enhances functionality but also promotes safety and welfare. Creative, responsible design solutions can only emerge when consistent communication is prioritized throughout the process.
Finally, this webinar will offer practical methods for keeping projects on budget and schedule. Through thoughtful communication and planning, teams can mitigate risks, avoid costly surprises, and deliver successful lab spaces that meet the needs of all stakeholders.
In an environment where collaboration and communication are essential to success, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable advice for anyone involved in lab design and construction. Whether you’re an owner, designer, or builder, you’ll leave this session with a deeper understanding of how to navigate communication challenges and create lab spaces that are not only functional but also safe and innovative. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from experts and take your lab project communication strategies to the next level.
