LSY Architects & Lab Planners

Project Spotlight: The renovation of this UMBC Lecture Hall focused on updating and upgrading the lecture hall within the Administration Building to meet modern standards for functionality, accessibility, and safety. The goal was to create a more comfortable, flexible, and technically advanced learning environment while ensuring compliance with the latest building codes and ADA requirements.

Project Goals:

Functional and Aesthetic Improvements: The renovation aimed to enhance the lecture hall’s functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating a modern, comfortable environment for learning and teaching.

Accessibility: Improvements were made to ensure ADA compliance, making the space accessible to all users, including those with physical disabilities.

Safety and Code Compliance: Upgrades to fire protection systems, emergency lighting, and HVAC systems were made to ensure the facility meets the latest safety codes.

Technological Integration: The installation of modern AV equipment, electrical raceways, and lighting upgrades provided the infrastructure needed to support modern teaching technologies.

The lecture hall renovation at the UMBC’s Administration Building successfully addressed the need for a more modern, functional, and accessible learning environment. With improvements to seating, finishes, lighting, and mechanical systems, the project modernized the space while maintaining the flexibility and infrastructure needed for future teaching needs. The renovation also ensured full compliance with updated building codes, accessibility standards, and safety requirements, creating a space that enhances both the educational experience and the safety of its occupants.

Project Spotlight: The University of Delaware MRI Research Facility is a 12,000 SF, 2-story addition to the Life Science Research Facility. It expands human and animal imaging capabilities while strengthening research, training, funding opportunities, and faculty recruitment and retention. The project includes specialized imaging equipment and dedicated spaces for functional and small animal imaging research, supporting current and future studies in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and biomedical research.

LSY’s Role and Services Provided:

•Programming and Design: LSY led programming and design, working with the University to create a layout for human and animal imaging needs.

•Architectural and Engineering Services: LSY designed the layout, imaging rooms, and HVAC/electrical integration needed for MRI and imaging equipment.

•Construction Administration: LSY managed construction to meet schedule, budget, and University research requirements.

The MRI Research Facility significantly strengthens the University of Delaware’s biomedical imaging capabilities, supporting advanced human and animal imaging research while helping attract faculty and external funding.

The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) Animal Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art 6,000 SF addition to Building 21 at the Tulane National Primate Research Center. The expansion consists of a 4,000 SF advanced technology surgical complex and a 2,000 SF mechanical penthouse, designed to support cutting-edge research and surgery involving Non-Human Primates (NHP) for infectious disease studies and other biomedical research, including the AIDS SPF breeding colony.

The center plays a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge and improving both human and animal health. It is one of eight centers that make up the National Primate Research Center Program, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and is vital for the scientific infrastructure supporting basic and applied research at the center.

This advanced surgical center provides the Tulane National Primate Research Center with world-class facilities that support their mission of advancing scientific knowledge and improving health outcomes. The new addition enhances the surgical capabilities for studying infectious diseases, supporting cutting-edge clinical research in primates. The addition of modern, flexible spaces, paired with advanced technology and a design that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and compliance, sets the TNPRC apart as a leader in primate-based biomedical research.

Project Spotlight: Smithers Avanza Bioanalytical Services, a company that develops assays for clinical trials in human and animal studies, faced space constraints as their existing laboratory facilities neared capacity. To address this, LSY was commissioned to upgrade and expand the laboratory facilities to meet the growing needs of the company’s staff and research requirements.

The project began with a feasibility study to explore alternatives for expanding laboratory space within the same building. The study focused on the cost and viability of expanding the existing labs by incorporating contiguous leased space on the ground floor, which had recently become vacant. The study also identified engineering and life safety deficiencies within the current leased space and proposed updates to improve these conditions.

The renovation successfully provided Smithers Avanza Bioanalytical Services with expanded laboratory facilities to accommodate increased research staff and equipment. By relocating and reconfiguring existing spaces, LSY was able to deliver a flexible, efficient, and safe working environment that met both the current and future needs of the company. The project also addressed engineering and life safety deficiencies, improving the overall functionality of the laboratory space and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Smithers Avanza now has an updated, expanded laboratory that supports the ongoing growth of their business, with flexible, modernized spaces that promote collaboration and efficiency. The newly configured space will allow the company to continue providing high-quality bioanalytical services in support of clinical trials for human and animal studies.

Project Spotlight: LSY was awarded the opportunity to design and fit-out a 43,141 SF tenant space on the second floor of a two-story building in Germantown, MD, for two biotechnology companies: Sirnaomics, Inc. and RNA Immune. Each company had its own private entrance with reception areas, private and open office spaces, and individual laboratories. While maintaining these independent spaces, the two companies shared several communal facilities, including conference rooms, break rooms, autoclaves, glass wash spaces, freezers, storage, and a vivarium.

The tenant fit-out for Sirnaomics, Inc. and RNA Immune was successfully completed, providing two biotechnology companies with state-of-the-art laboratory and office spaces that support their specialized research and foster collaboration. The thoughtful design incorporated natural light, efficient space planning, and shared resources, offering both companies the flexibility to conduct their work in a modern, functional environment.

Project Spotlight: RAPA Therapeutics designed and built a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice), FDA-validated facility for Phase 3 human cell therapy clinical trials. The facility supports the development of treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The project required compliance with strict regulatory standards, including clean rooms, specialized equipment, and reliable utility systems.

This advanced research and clinical support facility was built to meet high standards for safety, cleanliness, and efficient operations. Our team successfully delivered a modern and flexible facility that supports Phase 3 clinical trials and advanced cell therapy research. While the project faced challenges such as design changes, HVAC issues, and validation delays, the final result was a fully functional facility capable of supporting critical medical research and treatment development.