Lab Planner (Architecture Background)

Perkins&Will • Chicago, IL

2d • $95,000 - $118,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Perkins&Will is seeking an experienced Lab Planner to join its Chicago studio in a hybrid role. The position leads laboratory programming and planning for complex science and technology facilities, including academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other specialized environments. The Lab Planner works with clients, researchers, architects, engineers, and multidisciplinary design teams to translate technical requirements into thoughtful, flexible, and sustainable design solutions, contributing from early visioning through construction.

The role guides laboratory planning and design across project phases, coordinating research workflows, equipment, casework, utilities, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. It also develops and reviews architectural documentation, supports project delivery and quality, communicates design recommendations to stakeholders, mentors colleagues, and contributes to the Science and Technology practice. The position incorporates sustainability considerations such as building performance and resource efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture and professional architectural licensure.
• At least five years of progressive laboratory planning experience; approximately 8–10+ years of relevant experience is typical for the role.
• Progressive experience in laboratory programming, planning, and design across multiple project phases, with a strong understanding of complex science and technology facilities.
• Experience with space programming, research workflows, equipment planning, casework, MEP coordination, and applicable building codes and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit and BIM-based design workflows, and strong capabilities in architectural documentation, technical drawings, specifications, and 2D/3D design production.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to lead user group discussions, explain technical concepts, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of sustainable and integrated design principles, including LEED guidelines, and the ability to incorporate environmental considerations into technical design solutions.
• Ability to obtain LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) accreditation within six months of hire, along with professional accreditation in an area of Living Design identified in the position requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Architecture or a related field.
• Experience across specialized laboratory environments such as vivarium, biocontainment, pharmaceutical, clinical, teaching, research, process, or manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with Rhino, Grasshopper, SketchUp, Enscape, V-Ray, Adobe Creative Suite, Ladybug, Climate Studio, and physical modeling technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory planning and programming for science and technology projects, developing solutions that support research activities, operational needs, and long-term flexibility.
• Collaborate with clients and user groups to understand research workflows, equipment requirements, technical standards, and project goals, and translate these needs into planning strategies.
• Guide laboratory design from master planning and conceptual design through detailed layouts, technical documentation, and construction administration.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment, casework, utility requirements, and MEP systems with engineering and design teams.
• Develop and review laboratory plans, specifications, equipment layouts, room data sheets, and construction details while maintaining project quality and documentation standards.
• Contribute to scope development, budgets, milestone schedules, quality assurance, and resolution of technical design challenges.
• Present design concepts and recommendations through presentations, drawings, written reports, and discussions with clients and project stakeholders.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members, share laboratory planning expertise, and contribute to the Science and Technology practice and business development efforts.
• Integrate sustainable design principles, including building performance and resource efficiency, into laboratory planning solutions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior