Lab PlannerLocation: Chicago, IL
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
About the RoleIn this role, you'll lead laboratory programming and planning efforts for complex science and technology facilities, including academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other specialized environments. Working closely with clients, researchers, architects, engineers, and multidisciplinary design teams, you'll translate sophisticated technical requirements into thoughtful, flexible, and sustainable design solutions. You'll bring technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and collaborative leadership to projects from early visioning through construction.
What You'll Do- Lead laboratory planning and programming for science and technology projects, developing innovative solutions that support research activities, operational needs, and long-term flexibility.
- Collaborate with clients and user groups to understand research workflows, equipment requirements, technical standards, and project goals, translating their needs into clear planning strategies.
- Guide laboratory design development from master planning and conceptual design through detailed layouts, technical documentation, and construction administration.
- Coordinate complex technical systems, including laboratory equipment, casework, utility requirements, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, in partnership with engineering and design teams.
- Develop and review architectural documentation, including laboratory plans, specifications, equipment layouts, room data sheets, and construction details, while maintaining project quality and documentation standards.
- Support project delivery by contributing to scope development, budgets, milestone schedules, quality assurance, and resolution of technical design challenges.
- Communicate design concepts and recommendations through presentations, drawings, written reports, and collaborative discussions with clients and project stakeholders.
- Mentor and collaborate with team members, sharing specialized laboratory planning knowledge while contributing to Perkins&Will's broader Science and Technology practice and business development efforts.
- Integrate sustainable design principles into laboratory planning solutions, considering building performance, resource efficiency, and the evolving needs of research environments.
What You'll BringRequired Qualifications- A bachelor's degree in Architecture and professional architectural licensure.
- Progressive experience in laboratory programming, planning, and design across multiple project phases, with a strong understanding of complex science and technology facilities. Experience spanning at least five years of progressive laboratory planning is required; approximately 8-10+ years of relevant experience is typical for this role.
- Demonstrated experience with laboratory planning and technical requirements, including space programming, research workflows, equipment planning, casework, MEP coordination, and applicable building codes and regulatory requirements.
- Advanced proficiency in Revit and BIM-based design workflows, along with strong capabilities in architectural documentation, technical drawings, specifications, and 2D/3D design production.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead user group discussions, explain complex technical concepts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and meet project deadlines.
- Knowledge of sustainable and integrated design principles, including LEED guidelines, with the ability to incorporate environmental considerations into technical design solutions.
- Ability to obtain LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) accreditation within six months of hire, along with professional accreditation in an area of Living Design identified in the position requirements.
Preferred Qualifications- A master's degree in Architecture or a related field, along with experience across a range of specialized laboratory environments, such as vivarium, biocontainment, pharmaceutical, clinical, teaching, research, process, or manufacturing facilities.
- Experience with additional design, visualization, and analysis tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp, Enscape, V-Ray, Adobe Creative Suite, Ladybug, Climate Studio, and physical modeling technologies.
Salary Range InformationWe foster a culture that is diverse and inclusive and strive for pay practices that are fair, and competitive and reflect our commitment to pay equity. Our compensation decisions include but are not limited to a candidate's qualifications including skill sets, education, experience and training, licensure and certifications credentials if applicable, and business-related factors. This practice extends to all employees, including performance considerations for merit increases, job promotions, and transfer opportunities. We additionally review our pay practices, conduct pay equity audits, and ensure our managers are trained in our pay practices on an annual basis.
At the time of posting this job advertisement, commensurate with qualifications, the annual pay salary range for this position in Chicago, IL is between $95,000 and $118,000.
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