Webinar Preview: How Are Federal Funding Challenges Reshaping Lab Construction and Renovation?

Laboratory projects across the country are feeling the pressure as shifts in federal funding create new uncertainties for construction and renovation efforts. On May 1, Lab Design invites architects, lab managers, planners, and construction professionals to a webinar featuring a panel discussion on The Impact of Federal Funding Challenges on Lab Construction and Renovation.

Registration is free, and the webinar can be viewed live or on demand. Panelists will be sharing their personal experiences with project interruptions and they will be answering your questions live, so be sure to come prepared with questions about funding strategies, project planning adjustments, and ways to navigate evolving financial challenges.

This timely panel discussion brings together leading experts to explore how financial uncertainty is influencing project timelines, budgets, and long-term planning in the laboratory sector. As institutions and firms grapple with delays, funding reallocations, and shifting policy priorities, understanding the broader impact—and how to adapt—is more critical than ever.

Panelists include Chris Small, Principal at Hanbury; Mike Moreland, Principal at Flad Architects; Michelle Martin, National Higher Education Strategist at DPR Construction; and Leslie Gartner, Senior Vice President, Science + Technology Design at WSP. Together, they will offer a comprehensive look at the challenges and strategies shaping today's lab construction landscape.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how recent changes in federal funding are affecting every phase of laboratory development—from initial planning and budgeting to construction and long-term infrastructure management. The panelists will address emerging risks, evolving compliance requirements, and the potential for significant project delays. They will also discuss practical approaches to securing alternative funding, reallocating resources, and adjusting project scopes to maintain momentum even in a volatile financial environment.

The webinar will emphasize actionable strategies to help project teams mitigate financial risks and adapt to changing circumstances. Topics will include identifying new funding sources, revising contract structures, and best practices for adjusting project timelines and resource allocations to keep lab projects on track.

Whether you’re involved in the early stages of lab planning, managing active construction projects, or preparing for future renovations, this discussion will equip you with critical knowledge to navigate today's evolving funding landscape. Architects, laboratory directors, facility planners, end users, and construction professionals alike will find the session particularly valuable.

Learning objectives for this webinar include:

  • Analyzing how recent shifts in federal funding may influence lab construction and renovation projects, including potential delays, budget constraints, and changing priorities.

  • Identifying alternative funding sources and financial strategies to help institutions and project teams mitigate risks.

  • Gaining insights into evolving government policies and compliance considerations affecting federally funded lab projects.

  • Learning best practices for adapting project timelines, contracts, and resource allocation to maintain project momentum amid financial uncertainty.

Participants will earn 1 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU) for attending.

As federal funding landscapes continue to shift, staying informed and adaptable is key to maintaining progress and safeguarding the future of laboratory infrastructure. Don’t miss this essential opportunity to hear from industry leaders and gather strategies to help your team navigate a changing financial environment with confidence.

Register now to secure your spot and be part of this important conversation shaping the future of lab design and construction.

MaryBeth DiDonna

MaryBeth DiDonna is managing editor of Lab Design News. She can be reached at mdidonna@labdesignconference.com.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marybethdidonna/
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