Sr Architectural Lab Planner
HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients, and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.
We are currently seeking a Sr Lab Planner to join our team. As a Sr Lab Planner, you are responsible for leading the laboratory project planning effort toward the successful completion of complex technology facilities. This includes providing overall programming, master planning, and lab design planning, as well as communicating with clients and user groups to understand project requirements.
Leadership
Oversees and possesses advanced technical knowledge in the laboratory planning and programming of various-sized pharmaceutical, academic research, biotech, or other emerging technical facilities. Responsibilities include:
- Overseeing technical planning expertise and leadership for laboratory facilities in programming, design, fit-out planning, equipment planning, MEP systems integration planning, casework specification, and construction administration.
- Developing a comprehensive understanding of clients’ program requirements and standards for completion.
- Leading the design development, modification, and/or review of laboratory planning concepts and solutions.
- Translating planning concepts into comprehensible terms for clients, designers, and project team members.
- Developing and overseeing architectural drawings and specifications to communicate planning concepts for project documentation and construction.
- Anticipating and developing solutions to technical and design problems following established standards.
- Overseeing the construction administration of laboratory spaces and associated systems, applying proper QA/QC methods throughout the project.
- Developing and maintaining excellent relationships with existing and potential clients.
- Participating in selected marketing and business development opportunities.
- Actively seeking new knowledge in the design and planning of laboratories within technical facilities.
- Overseeing the development of standard materials that describe the portfolio, systems, processes, and people of the Science + Technology Group.
- Incorporating Integrated Sustainable Design solutions into projects.
- Mentoring and directing the work of less experienced staff, participating in professional development reviews and “Lessons Learned” sessions.
- Assuring HOK document standards are met and archiving documents appropriately.
- Actively participating in industry associations to ensure visibility.
- Taking personal responsibility for fostering a green workplace through sustainable work practices.
- Fostering a commitment to external and internal client service.
Client Interface
Leads the client (heads of departments, specialists, etc.) in programming sessions defining the facility needs (SOP and regulatory requirements). Responsibilities include:
- Leading periodic project meetings and presentations; ensuring the client is adequately briefed on project progress.
Teamwork
Provides guidance to project managers, architects, and project engineers to establish overall project budgets and milestone schedules. Responsibilities include:
- Communicating planning concepts to project teams, both verbally and through graphic and written reports.
- Assisting Science + Technology business unit leadership to develop yearly strategic business plans and budget, focusing on appropriate market sectors and strategies for winning and doing work successfully.
- Participating actively in the firm-wide Science + Technology practice within HOK.
- Setting up project team software parameters and managing standards.
- Overseeing preparation of 2D and 3D presentation/design drawings and building models for client/project team review.
Required Skills
- Demonstrated creativity, passion, and interest in design and planning of laboratories within technical facilities.
- Advanced knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for laboratory design.
- Advanced knowledge of laboratory programming delivery and how design impacts those systems, including space, operational, and equipment programming, as well as MEP systems and casework.
- Advanced knowledge of laboratory planning, design, construction documents, construction administration, and project construction cost control for lab facilities.
- Advanced knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines.
- Strong hand and advanced CAD drafting skills.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD/Architectural Desktop preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Proficiency in 3D Modeling software such as 3D Studio Max and Viz 2006 preferred.
- Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, and InDesign graphic software preferred.
- Proficiency in Revit or other BIM platform preferred.
- Proficiency in NewForma preferred.
- Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to convey laboratory planning needs to designers and other team members.
- Ability to work in a team environment and supervise others.
- Ability to effectively meet deadlines.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture required with laboratory design as a certificate or main area focus of study. Master’s degree preferred.
- 10 years’ experience focused on programming and planning of all phases of a variety of laboratory types such as vivarium, bio-containment, research, teaching (science), pharmaceutical, public health, clinical, process, and manufacturing facilities, with 5 years of team leadership experience required.
- Architecture license preferred.
- LEED credential required within 6 months of employment.
H