Director of Laboratory Planning

Kirksey Architecture is seeking a Director of Laboratory Planning to lead the programming and planning of scientific or industrial research, production, and teaching laboratories within the Science & Technology practice. 

ABOUT KIRKSEY ARCHITECTURE

At Kirksey, we greatly value our people, our clients, our communities, and our planet. As architects, designers, and planners, we are committed to creating high-performing, healthy environments that make a lasting, positive impact. Our work focuses on resource-efficient, community-enhancing design that delivers meaningful experiences for the people who use the spaces we create. As part of our commitment to responsible practice, Kirksey operates as a carbon-neutral firm.

We are an award-winning architecture firm built on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. Our specialized practice groups function as “firms within a firm,” empowering teams with the leadership, focus, and flexibility to deliver exceptional, tailored design solutions.

If you’re looking for more than just a job, you’ll find it here. With a culture that encourages ideas, supports ambition, and invests in professional growth, Kirksey is a place where you can build a long-term, rewarding career.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Laboratory Planning will act as the primary advisor on laboratory functionality, workflows, equipment requirements, safety, and regulatory compliance. This role includes direct client interaction, coordination with project teams, and leadership from early concept through detailed design to ensure laboratory environments are efficient, safe, adaptable, and aligned with client objectives. This is an onsite position based at one of our Texas offices. Candidates may be located in or willing to work from Austin, Dallas or Houston. 

KEY 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· 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 COMPETENCIES

· Experience in an architecture or design firm environment is highly preferred.

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BENEFITS AND PERKS

At Kirksey Architecture, we are committed to supporting your professional and personal growth. We offer:

· Employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (at employee base level)

· Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

· Employer-paid Life and AD&D Insurance 

· Non-elected Employer 401(k) contribution

· Employee Assistance Program and Mental Wellness resources

· Identity Protection

· Minimum of 15 days of paid time off (PTO)  

· 10 Paid Holidays

· Hybrid work schedule after 60 days of employment

· Exam and professional reimbursement

· Professional development and continuing education opportunities

To Executive Search Firms and Staffing Agencies:
Kirksey Architecture does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered Kirksey’s property. If you have questions, reach out to careers@kirksey.com.