Project Designer - Life Sciences

STG Design; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

STG Design is seeking an experienced Project Designer to lead programming and planning for complex laboratory environments. The role focuses on steering lab projects, mentoring staff, and growing into client and project management responsibilities.

You will collaborate with clients, consultants, and internal teams through programming to construction administration, delivering high-performance life sciences, R&D, and educational lab spaces.

Qualifications

• 7–12 years of professional experience with at least 5 years in life sciences and laboratory planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited program.
• Licensed architect preferred but not required.
• Proficient in Revit; Grasshopper and Dynamo knowledge a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead laboratory and life science projects from programming and planning through construction.
• Facilitate user group meetings, develop laboratory programs, space adjacencies, and equipment layouts.
• Translate technical requirements into clear architectural and interior design solutions.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, consultants, and vendors for integrated designs.
• Lead and manage project teams of 2-8 staff members.
• Mentor and support younger staff with guidance and development discussions.
• Support project management: budgets, schedules, and deliverables.
• Assist with scope definition, fee alignment, and change management.
• Contribute to project planning and execution strategies with senior leadership.
• Engage clients, participate in presentations, reviews, and decision meetings.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring staff

Client management

Laboratory planning

Team management

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture

Tools

Revit

Grasshopper

Dynamo

Rhino

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

STG Design is a dynamic company with an integrated approach to architecture, interior design, and master planning. Our architecture team is seeking an experienced Project Designer to join our team and help lead the planning and design of complex laboratory environments. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with a high-level of lab planning experience who is ready to take on a leadership position – guiding teams, mentoring staff, and growing into expanded client and project management responsibilities. The successful candidate will be involved in projects from early programming and concept development through construction administration, working closely with clients, consultants, and internal teams to deliver high-performance life sciences, R&D, pharmaceutical, educational laboratory, and technical spaces.

• Lead laboratory and life science projects from programming and planning through construction
• Facilitate user group meetings, develop laboratory programs, space adjacencies, and equipment layouts
• Translate technical requirements into clear, well-coordinated architectural and interior design solutions
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines, consultants, and vendors to ensure fully integrated designs
• Lead and manage project teams of 2-8 staff members
• Assign tasks, provide direction, and maintain quality control across all phases of work
• Actively mentor and support younger staff through guidance, feedback, and career development discussions
• Project Management Support
• Support Project Managers with project budgets, schedules, and deliverables
• Assist with scope definition, fee alignment, and change management
• Contribute to project planning and execution strategies alongside senior leadership
• Client Engagement & Growth
• Serve as a key point of contact for clients
• Demonstrate a desire to grow into Client Management and Project Management roles
• Participate in client presentations, design reviews, and decision-making meetings
• Support long-term client relationships and repeat work
• 7-12 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years directly related to life sciences and laboratory planning
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture from an accredited program/school.
• Demonstrated experience leading laboratory projects (academic, corporate, biotech, pharmaceutical, research, manufacturing, or similar)
• Strong background in lab programming, technical planning, and interdisciplinary coordination
• Experience managing design teams of varying sizes and complexity
• Architectural License is preferred, but not required
• Proficient in Revit
• Working knowledge of parametric modeling (Grasshopper, Dynamo) is a plus
• Working knowledge of Rhino is a plus
• Technology-forward thinking and strong graphics skills
• Strong, comprehensive knowledge of architectural principles/practices
• Advanced knowledge of building codes, standards, and building structures
• Experience and/or curiosity with AI tools is a plus

We value people who want to immerse themselves in creativity, collaboration, being at the forefront of innovation, and approach design inquisitively and thoughtfully. We are looking for people who are:

• Interesting – We want people who can provide unique insight into our clients’ problems and contribute to their solutions in unexpected ways.
• Self-starters – We want people who don’t wait for direction; they find the next task and get started.
• Ready learners – We want people who are excited to add another tool to their repertoire.
• Adaptable – We look for people who find the right context and right solution for the task at hand.

EOE SATEMENT: STG Design hires quality candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by applicable law.