Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), or a related professional architectural degree from an accredited university
10+ years of architectural design and laboratory planning experience, particularly in life sciences projects
Experience with laboratory environments, including R&D, Quality Control, and biotechnology facilities
Strong understanding of laboratory planning and architectural design principles, including applicable building codes
Proficient in Revit and/or SketchUp, with familiarity in Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, coupled with client engagement capabilities
Ability to manage multiple complex projects and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams
Responsibilities
Lead laboratory planning and architectural design for diverse scientific environments
Conduct client programming sessions and needs assessments to inform design solutions
Develop feasibility studies and conceptual designs, guiding team for detailed design packages
Coordinate planning activities with engineers and consultants across multidisciplinary teams
Present design concepts and qualifications to clients and participate in business development
Mentor junior staff and support their professional development
Travel to client sites for meetings and workshops as required
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in the life sciences sector
Collaborative environment with multidisciplinary project teams
Mentorship and professional development support for career growth
Involvement in various phases of project development from planning to execution
Travel opportunities for site visits and client engagements
Full Job Description
Overview
The Senior Lab Planner / Architect will join PM Group's growing Philadelphia area team based in Conshohocken, PA and support our ongoing expansion across the United States. The office delivers cutting-edge projects for Pharmaceutical, Biologics, and Cell & Gene Therapy manufacturing facilities, supporting clients from feasibility and conceptual design through qualification and operational readiness. Together with our clients and partners, we deliver projects that improve lives around the world.
This is a senior-level role for a professional who enjoys both client engagement and the technical aspects of laboratory planning and architectural design. The Senior Lab Planner / Architect will lead early project phases, including programming, site master planning, feasibility studies, concept development, and basic design. The role requires the ability to manage multiple complex priorities, develop practical and innovative solutions, and collaborate effectively with architects, engineers, and project specialists across the organization.
Responsibilities
Lead laboratory planning and architectural design for Research & Development laboratories, process and product development laboratories, Quality Control laboratories, vivaria, and other science and technology environments
Lead client programming sessions, needs assessments, and planning workshops to translate operational requirements into effective space programs and design solutions
Develop feasibility studies and conceptual designs. Provide guidance to the team for basis of design and detailed design (construction document) packages.
Coordinate architectural and laboratory planning activities with engineers, consultants, project managers, and other members of multidisciplinary design teams
Present PM Group's qualifications, design concepts, and recommendations to new and existing clients
Participate in client interviews, presentations, workshops, and business development activities
Liaise with global key account teams and colleagues across PM Group, as appropriate
Develop project resource plans, work-hour estimates, scopes, and pricing for architectural proposals
Provide technical guidance to project teams and support the resolution of complex planning and design challenges
Apply relevant building codes, laboratory regulations, industry guidelines, and client standards to project work
Support design quality, interdisciplinary coordination, and the timely delivery of project documentation
Mentor junior architectural and laboratory planning staff and support their professional development
Travel to client sites, project meetings, and workshops as required
Complete other duties and special projects as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), Master of Architecture (M.Arch), or a related professional architectural degree from an accredited university
10+ years of architectural design and laboratory planning experience, including significant experience supporting life sciences projects
Demonstrated experience with Research & Development, development, Quality Control, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other science and technology facilities
Strong understanding of laboratory planning, architectural design principles, and applicable building codes
Proficiency in Revit and/or SketchUp
Experience using Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office applications
Strong verbal, written, presentation, and client-facing communication skills
Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams and manage multiple complex priorities
Commercial awareness, including experience developing work-hour estimates and managing work within project budgets
Ability and willingness to travel as required to meet client and project needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Registered Architect in one or more jurisdiction(s)
Experience with business development, proposal preparation, and client presentations
Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to less experienced team members