Lab Design Digital Conference
Tuesday, September 24 through Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Starting at 11:00am EDT
Join Lab Design and our experts for this free on demand webinar series which provides expert insight related to the design, construction, and renovation of lab facilities
Watch on demand
Lab Design will host its virtual Lab Design Conference on September 24-25. This webinar series will feature industry experts who will provide attendees with comprehensive insights into the process of planning, designing, and constructing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. These interactive presentations will delve into the fundamental principles and latest advancements in lab architecture, engineering, construction, and renovation. Experts in the field will share their knowledge and experiences, guiding attendees through the critical considerations involved in creating innovative laboratory spaces that facilitate collaboration, promote safety, and enhance research outcomes.
This event will focus on different aspects of the design/build process, including the need for flexible lab design, effective communication techniques between project teams and lab stakeholders, the benefits of sustainable lab design, and what we can expect from the lab of the future. This virtual conference will empower professionals in the laboratory design and construction industry to navigate the complexities of today's rapidly evolving landscape and drive excellence in facility development. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss strategies for effective communication, coordination, and decision-making with our expert speakers in an interactive Q&A session following each presentation.
Each webinar in this free event can be attended live and/or on demand. Sign up once to access all the webinars in this series.
This digital event will also include information about the in-person Lab Design Conference, to be held on May 11-14, 2025 in Denver, CO. Tune in to find out more about the conference speakers, agenda topics, the exhibit hall, and networking/socialization opportunities during this exciting event. Bring your questions about the conference, and let us know if you’re working on your own lab build or renovation project. Visit https://www.labdesignconference.com/ for more information and to sign up for our mailing list to receive regular updates.
Learning objectives:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles of laboratory design and utility infrastructure, to create efficient and functional research environments
Explore innovative approaches and emerging trends in laboratory construction, such as sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, to optimize building performance and reduce environmental impact
Develop strategies for effective project management and collaboration throughout the laboratory design and construction process, encompassing planning, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement
Enhance knowledge of regulatory requirements and safety standards governing laboratory design and construction, and acquire insights into the integration of cutting-edge technologies
Lab Design is an AIA CES approved education provider
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Design Considerations to Support Safe Lab Operations
11:00 am EDT
Various factors must work in harmony when considering lab safety to facilitate suitable conditions. These factors start with and are made possible by good lab design. Architects and lab designers have a complex task when performing a programming exercise with end users to determine how their new or renovated space can meet their needs because programming continues beyond equipment placement in the order of operations. It extends into understanding the ebb and flow of staff throughout shifts to determine maximum expected occupancy, determine where egress pinch points may form based on shift flows, and prepare for how the space can facilitate accident remediation when one may occur.
This session will discuss several examples of lab safety as facilitated by design. The presentation will review the programming questions that lab designers, planners, and stakeholders must address before the schematic design process begins, as well as design guidelines that guide a safe working environment and the health and wellness of lab occupants. The session will also outline the necessary aspects of safe lab egress and strategies to prepare for possible accidents and hazards.
Learning objectives:
Identify the programming questions that should be asked before the schematic design process begins
Understand laboratory design guidelines focused on safety and occupant health/wellness
Explore solutions for functional and safe egress from the lab facility
Be able to summarize accident preparedness strategies when designing a lab
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU/HSW credit
Speaker
Lori Ambrusch, MAUD
Director, Science & Technology
Ware Malcomb
The Importance of Advance Lab Planning
12:30 pm EDT
This presentation will discuss several factors for science-tech organizations to consider prior to leasing, building, and/or designing lab space. Topics will look at location, incubator versus start-up space, the difference between managed incubator and lab leasing, zoning, and short-term versus long-term planning. As well, discussions will cover environmental goals, such as user-centered design and well-being, flexibility, safety, function, ease of operation/maintenance, security, energy conservation, permitting/zoning, regulatory issues, and shared resources in a multi-tenant building. The role of programming, master planning, location, and branding will also be featured. The session will close with lessons learned from industry veterans, from finished labs, to floor plans, and the steps required for a successful science or research environment.
Learning objectives:
Gain the ability to discern and selection from the variety of options available when choosing the best location for and type of laboratory facility
Discover the importance and application of user-centered design and well-being
Determine the role and creation of master planning and programming in the lab planning process
Identify three or more safety issues and how to address them when designing a lab environment
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU
Speakers
Bob Skolozdra, AIA, LEED AP
Partner
Svigals + Partners
Wan Leung, AIA
Principal
FCA
Panel Discussion: Holistic Sustainability in Lab Design: Balancing Safety, Quality, and Operability
2:00 pm EDT
Explore the future of laboratory design through a groundbreaking panel discussion focusing on integrating sustainable practices at every stage of laboratory facility development, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and quality standards while optimizing operational efficiency. Topics include innovative approaches to energy-efficient HVAC systems, selection of sustainable materials, and advanced waste management strategies tailored to scientific environments.
Experts will highlight case studies of LEED-certified labs and discuss how these facilities achieve high-performance standards without compromising safety or functionality. Join us to discover how forward-thinking design can create laboratories that are not only cutting-edge but also environmentally responsible, setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices in scientific research.
Learning objectives:
Understand the principles of sustainable laboratory design and how they can be integrated at every stage of facility development
Identify key strategies for ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards while enhancing operational efficiency in laboratory settings
Explore innovative approaches to energy-efficient HVAC systems tailored for scientific environments
Examine the selection and use of sustainable materials in laboratory construction and renovation projects, and learn about advanced waste management strategies that support environmental sustainability in research facilities
Analyze case studies of LEED-certified laboratories to understand how high-performance standards can be achieved without compromising safety or functionality
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU
Panelists
Natasha Griffith
CEO
SOTER Bio Consulting
Jeff Owens
Senior Laboratory Planner
HERA Laboratory Planners
Mark Wheatley
Biocontainment Engineer, Chartered Building Services Engineer, and Specialist
MODERATOR:
Luis Alberto Ochoa Carrera, MSc.
Responsible Official
High-Containment Lab/Pandemic Safety Manager
Michigan State University
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Navigating the Path to Building Systems Decarbonization
11:00 am EDT
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the focus on decarbonizing buildings and their systems has intensified. The built environment plays a significant role in carbon emissions and embodied carbon, making it imperative to explore effective strategies for decarbonizing building systems. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of current and emerging carbon landscape, key challenges, and practical solutions to promote sustainable and low carbon-built environments.
This presentation will delve into the evolving topic of building systems decarbonization. The speakers will examine the challenges and opportunities in reducing carbon emissions and embodied carbon associated with the built environment. Participants will gain insights into innovative technologies and sustainable practices aimed at achieving decarbonization goals.
Learning objectives:
Understand the impact of building systems on carbon emissions and the urgency of decarbonization
Explore innovative technologies and practices for achieving decarbonization in the built environment
Gain insights into local policy considerations and regulatory frameworks supporting building systems decarbonization
Identify practical steps and best practices for implementing decarbonization strategies in diverse settings
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU
Speakers
Frank Angelini
Principal and Life Science Practice Leader
Vanderweil Engineers
Stephen Lahti, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Project Manager and Senior Engineer
Vanderweil Engineers
What Project Managers Should Know about Lab Design
12:30 pm EDT
Laboratories are very different from office environments. Lab staff face exposure to dangerous elements every single day, along with other conditions that can easily lead to exhaustion and even burnout. Staff often spend long days in the lab, day after day. Some labs do not have any windows, and lab work requires long hours on one’s feet. Helping project managers understand the lab environment, including how lab staff work, will allow them to understand the lab staff's needs better, and project managers can then be leveraged as advocates for good lab design.
This webinar will review examples of poor lab design and what to do differently. We will also review the aspects that project teams and lab managers should consider when designing a new laboratory and why they are essential. Attendees will understand better how lab staff work and what's necessary for them when creating new lab spaces.
Learning objectives:
Identify the unique challenges and hazards faced by laboratory staff compared to office environments, including potential risks to health and well-being, and strategies for mitigating these risks
Analyze examples of poor lab design and their impact on lab staff productivity, safety, and overall well-being, in order to recognize key elements of effective lab design
Evaluate the importance of understanding how lab staff work in the design process of laboratory spaces, including considerations such as workflow, ergonomics, and environmental factors
Apply knowledge gained from the webinar to advocate for and contribute to the development of well-designed laboratory spaces that prioritize the needs and safety of lab staff, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and satisfaction
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU/HSW credit
Speaker
Tracy Durnan
Research Operations Manager
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Designing Laboratories for Hazardous Collections and Forensic Materials
2:00 pm EDT
Scientific and forensic collections are invaluable assets for research, instruction, and legal processes but can pose unexpected hazards if not properly managed. From fluid-filled jars of preserved specimens in natural science facilities to forensic evidence requiring secure, long-term storage, these collections demand meticulous handling, organization, and preservation. Poorly housed or improperly managed collections can become dangerous over time, with risks including chemical degradation, environmental instability, and security vulnerabilities.
Designing a facility to safely house hazardous or sensitive collections requires a strategic approach that goes beyond basic storage needs. Key considerations include understanding the nature of the materials—whether biological or physical—and their specific preservation requirements, such as chemical quantities, temperature control, backup systems and access control. Collaborating with collection specialist and scientist to understand the operational workflows, research goals, and security needs is essential to developing tailored design solutions that support both safety and functionality.
This presentation will guide participants through the essential steps of facility planning for hazardous collections, emphasizing simplicity, strategic planning, and effective communication. Attendees will learn how to ask the right questions, engage with stakeholders, and balance competing needs to create spaces that are safe, efficient, and conducive to research. By focusing on collection type, furnishings, utilities, and thoughtful design, this session will explore how to create facilities that enhance the value and safety of scientific and forensic collections, one methodical step at a time.
Learning objectives:
Understand the risks associated with improperly stored scientific and forensic collections, including allowable chemical quantities, environmental instability, and security issues. Learn how to assess and mitigate these hazards to ensure the health and safety of staff and the integrity of collections.
Explore best practices for the intake, preparation, recording, and storage of hazardous collections, with a focus on maintaining safe environments. Gain insights into managing preservation requirements such as temperature, humidity, and secure containment to prevent exposure to dangerous substances.
Learn how to design laboratory spaces that prioritize the welfare of personnel and the public by integrating essential safety features, including proper ventilation, chemical storage solutions, and access controls—while keeping the resource accessible. Understand the importance of involving collection stewards in the design process to address specific safety needs.
Acquire strategies for ensuring long-term safety and compliance within facilities housing hazardous collections. Learn how to implement ongoing monitoring, maintenance protocols, and safety training programs to uphold health standards and meet regulatory requirements, thereby minimizing risks over time.
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 LU/HSW credit
Speaker
Clay Stafford
Subject Matter Expert
HERA Laboratory Planners
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