Kirksey Architecture · 2 days ago
Director of Laboratory Planning
Houston, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/ExecutiveKirksey Architecture is a firm specializing in architectural solutions, and they are seeking a Director of Laboratory Planning to lead the programming and planning of scientific and industrial laboratories. This role involves advising on lab functionality, workflows, and compliance while collaborating with various stakeholders throughout the design process.
ConsultingLegal
Responsibilities
Serve as the firm’s subject matter expert in laboratory planning for academic, commercial, healthcare, institutional, industrial, and government science facilities
Lead user programming sessions with researchers, facility managers, and technical staff to define space requirements, workflows, equipment lists, adjacencies, and operational needs
Develop laboratory planning concepts, diagrams, blocking and stacking, test fits, space metrics, and functional layouts
Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to integrate lab requirements with building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, process utilities, and environmental health and safety systems
Ensure all laboratory designs meet applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements such as biosafety, chemical safety, cGMP, GLP, vivarium standards, and sustainability guidelines
Review and coordinate specialty systems including laboratory casework and furnishings, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, gas distribution, and equipment infrastructure
Conduct reviews during design documentation and construction to verify compliance with planning intent
Provide guidance on laboratory design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in research and development environments
Oversee and mentor Laboratory Planners and architectural staff, and provide training and quality control for lab related project deliverables. This includes identifying internal and external staff appropriate to grow into Laboratory Planner or similar roles
Support project management teams with scope definition, fee development, staffing requirements, and project schedules for lab related work
Participate in business development, including proposal writing, interviews, client presentations, and project strategy. Participate in industry-related events to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of laboratory planning, visible in the appropriate markets, and is known and available to potential clients and partners
Maintain strong client relationships and act as a trusted advisor throughout design and construction
Qualification
Required
Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field
Background in architecture, laboratory planning, engineering, science facilities management, or a related science / technical field
Extensive experience with laboratory programming and planning across multiple scientific disciplines
Strong knowledge of lab equipment, scientific processes, building systems integration, and regulatory requirements
Excellent communication and facilitation skills for working with highly technical user groups
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects
Preferred
Experience in an architecture or design firm environment is highly preferred
Company
Kirksey Architecture
Kirksey Architecture is a Houston-based architectural design firm.
Founded in 1971
201-500 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Kirksey Architecture has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (1)
2024 (2)
2023 (1)
2022 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Crystal McDonald
Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
Houston Business Journal
2025-03-11
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