Lab Planner

DGA•Newport Beach, CA

About The Position

DGA is seeking a Lab Planner and architect to lead architectural lab programming and planning for science and technology facilities. The role supports teaching and research, vivarium, and STEM facilities for academic, corporate research, and government clients, working closely with Principals, Project Managers, designers, clients, and other project team members. The position calls for a professional who combines creative design, technical expertise, and lab-planning experience in life science, biotech, high-tech laboratory, and critical facilities sectors. The Lab Planner meets with clients and users to develop or validate program requirements, develops space programs and physical plans at multiple scales, and collaborates with project teams on flexible planning grids, laboratory organization diagrams, and service distribution concepts. The role leads documentation of laboratory systems, including casework and lab equipment, and helps develop laboratory spaces for discovery. It also contributes to marketing efforts, maintains client relationships, guides production of construction documents, ensures design and documentation compliance with applicable requirements, and shares expertise with colleagues while mentoring junior staff. DGA describes itself as a people-focused firm. The advertised annual salary range is $110,000 to $150,000, commensurate with qualifications. The position includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), PTO, an annual staff development allowance, and a bonus program.

Requirements

At least 8 years of architectural lab programming/planning and project architecture experience.
Demonstrated effectiveness in managing clients, project teams, and project processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of AutoCAD and SketchUp.
Expertise in Revit and other industry-accepted software, including Microsoft Office Suite products.
Advanced knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements for laboratory design.
Ability to convey laboratory planning needs to designers, team members, and clients.

Nice To Haves

Architectural registration is preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet with clients and users to develop or validate program requirements for laboratory and high-tech facilities.
Develop space programs and physical plans at a variety of scales.
Collaborate with project teams to develop flexible planning grids, laboratory organization diagrams, and service distribution concepts.
Lead documentation of laboratory systems, including casework and lab equipment, and development of laboratory spaces.
Participate in marketing efforts through proposal development, interview participation, and presentations.
Ensure designs and construction documents adhere to applicable building codes, zoning regulations, industry standards, and environmental requirements.
Determine and guide production of comprehensive construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and other necessary documents.
Develop trusting relationships with clients.
Share expertise with colleagues and mentor junior staff members.