Laboratory, Science & Research Building Design

Although designing numerous new laboratory and science buildings, many other projects involve renovating and remodeling mechanical and electrical systems in existing lab and research buildings. Renovation in a laboratory or research building is one of the most challenging areas of our business. Our engineers and designers are often faced with updating and replacing major mechanical and electrical infrastructure in a laboratory building, while still keeping the building functioning during the renovation. With 24 hour/day 365 day/year operation, the phasing of a project can often be much more demanding than the project itself. Ketchmark & Associates, Inc. has found that detailed field survey early in the design process is essential. Our founder and president, Dana Ketchmark, often says that "you can't properly design and renovate an existing building by sitting at your desk. If you spend enough time in a building it will speak to you and tell you what you can and cannot do". By their inherent nature laboratory, science and research buildings include numerous specialty systems, such as fume hood exhaust, process gases, heavy telecom and power requirements, room pressurization controls, etc.. These systems all compete for limited space availability. As design progresses, systems are over-layed onto one another, allowing them to be fully coordinated, saving a great deal of construction cost and time. This also avoids unnecessary "design by addendum and bulletin", which usually results in a compromised project. In addition, most complex renovations include detailed narratives on proposed construction phasing, explaining to the contractor how the design and construction have been integrated into the ongoing building operation. These narratives coupled with clear, concise and detailed drawings/specifications help make each project a success.