At OLSON LEWIS + Architects, we know that designing laboratories is about more than equipment and infrastructure—it’s about creating flexible, collaborative spaces that support innovation and scientific discovery. With decades of experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, manufacturing, and cleantech sectors, our team designs labs that evolve with rapidly changing technologies and research needs.
Whether working with start-ups or established global firms, we help our clients create labs that work smarter—for their science and their people.
Key Trends Shaping Today’s Laboratory Design
1. Collaboration Drives Innovation
Younger scientists, trained in team-based problem solving, expect collaborative environments. Modern lab design reflects this shift:
- Plug-and-play collaboration zones within labs
- Video conferencing integration for global teamwork
- Writeable walls and digital collaboration tools to capture shared insights
From H3 Biomedicine to Thermo Fisher Scientific, OL+ clients benefit from spaces that spark interaction inside and outside the lab.
2. Common Areas That Build Community
Kitchens, cafes, and breakout areas aren’t afterthoughts—they’re critical spaces where interdisciplinary teams connect, solve problems, and foster company culture.
3. Company Culture Shapes Design
While each client’s culture and processes are unique, industry-wide trends include:
- Encouraging visible collaboration within labs
- Incorporating global communication tools
- Blending office and lab spaces for cross-functional connection
4. Flexible Workspaces for Fast-Paced Science
Today’s research changes fast. Labs must adapt just as quickly:
- Modular benches and open lab layouts support reconfiguration
- Avoiding overbuilt casework preserves floor space for large equipment
- Infrastructure planning allows in-house teams to adapt labs as needs change
At OL+, we help clients plan for change from day one.
5. Shared Labs Enable Start-Up Growth
Shared lab environments, like those at North Shore InnoVentures (NSIV), provide access to expensive resources for start-ups and small firms. These incubator facilities promote collaboration while supporting individual growth—essential in today’s biotech landscape.
6. Lighting: Efficiency Meets Performance
Daylight remains desirable, but not always practical. Advances in LED lighting allow labs to maintain high visual performance with lower energy use. At NSIV, OL+ incorporated Sylvania’s beta-site LED system, delivering the feel of natural daylight with superior energy efficiency.
7. Sustainable, Safe Materials
Clients are increasingly focused on sustainability and worker safety:
- PVC-free vinyl and Marmoleum tiles offer cost-effective, sustainable flooring options
- Low-VOC paints and coatings improve indoor air quality
- Designers are moving away from epoxy wall and floor coatings, using alternatives whenever possible
At OL+, material selection is a core part of creating healthier, more sustainable lab environments.
Partnering for Smarter Labs
Whether you’re planning a new build or renovating existing facilities, OLSON LEWIS + Architects brings decades of lab planning expertise. We help biotech, cleantech, and pharmaceutical clients create efficient, flexible labs that prioritize collaboration and worker satisfaction.
