Science & Technology Practice Leader

Guidon Design; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Guidon Design in Indianapolis, IN seeks a Science + Technology Practice Leader to guide the programming and design of state-of-the-art laboratory and high-tech facilities. You will lead project teams and partner with clients to deliver innovative, sustainable spaces across academic, pharma, biotech, and government sectors.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentorship, QA/QC, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field; Architectural Registration and LEED AP preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in programming, planning, and designing laboratory and high-tech facilities.
• Expertise in academic, research, pharmaceutical, biotech, and emerging science building typologies.
• Proficiency in MS Office and AutoCAD; knowledge of Revit or 3D software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead client engagement to develop, validate, and document program requirements for lab facilities.
• Develop comprehensive space programs and physical plans across scales.
• Foster relationships with clients to ensure needs are met throughout project lifecycle.
• Lead planning and documentation of laboratory systems and MEP integration.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on planning grids and fit-out concepts.
• Incorporate Guidon’s sustainable design solutions into planning.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Client management

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field

Architectural Registration and LEED AP preferred

Tools

MS Office

AutoCAD

Revit or 3D software

Job description

Position:Science & Technology Practice Leader

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Job Id:250

# of Openings:1

Company Overview:

Guidon Design is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. We are a leader in sustainable Architecture+Engineering. As multidisciplinary designers, we collaborate to develop creative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that help meet our clients’ goals. Our services include Architecture, Interior Design, Sustainability Consulting & Designing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Plumbing Design. Project types include healthcare, government, housing, federal and education facilities. We elevate our communities through the design and development of our projects. Our reputation for design excellence is created by our ability to solve complex challenges with clear solutions, while being responsive to how the space will impact people and their communities. We exist to improve lives and empower people!

Throughout your time with Guidon, you will be provided with the opportunity for hands-on experience in your area of study. In our dynamic, energetic, and fast-paced office environment, you will work right alongside our company leaders to gain valuable knowledge on complex, meaningful, and impactful projects.

Role Overview:

The Science + Technology Practice Leader is a key player in the design and planning of state-of-the-art laboratory and high-tech facilities. This role requires a deep understanding of the technical requirements for diverse laboratory environments, from pharmaceutical and biotech to academic research and STEM facilities. This role collaborates closely with clients, project teams, and our multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions. Your leadership will guide project teams in the creation of next-generation spaces for scientific discovery and innovation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or a related field; Architectural Registration and LEED AP preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in programming, planning, and designing laboratory and high-tech facilities
• Expertise in academic, research, pharmaceutical, biotech, and emerging science and engineering building typologies
• Proficiency in MS Office, Autodesk AutoCAD, with knowledge of Revit or other 2D and 3D software being a plus
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage clients, project teams, and processes with ease
• Active participation in professional organizations and industry associations is a plus

Key Responsibilities:

Client Engagement & Programming:

• Meet with clients and user groups to develop, validate, and document program requirements for lab and high-tech facilities
• Develop comprehensive space programs and physical plans across various scales
• Foster and maintain trusting relationships with clients, ensuring their needs are met throughout the project lifecycle

Project Planning & Design:

• Lead the planning and documentation of laboratory systems, including lab organization, casework, equipment planning, and MEP systems integration
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary project teams to develop planning grids, service distribution concepts, and fit-out planning
• Incorporate Guidon’s Practical Sustainable Design solutions into all aspects of project planning

Project Management:

• Manage multiple projects, overseeing scope, budget, project teams, and QA/QC
• Perform code research for laboratory portions of projects, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards
• Conduct submittal reviews and assist Guidon’s Marketing Team in responding to RFIs during bidding and construction administration

Technical Leadership & Mentorship:

• Provide advanced technical knowledge and leadership in the planning and programming of laboratory facilities
• Mentor Guidon’s production staff, offering guidance and in "Lessons Learned" sessions, and professional development
• Lead the QA/QC efforts throughout project development, ensuring adherence to document standards
• Participate in and sometimes lead user group meetings to collect and understand program needs for laboratory specifications
• Communicate planning concepts to project teams through verbal, graphic, and written reports, ensuring alignment across all disciplines
• Assist in the development of standard materials and documents that describe the portfolio, systems, processes, and capabilities of the Science + Technology Group

Marketing & Business Development:

• Actively participate in marketing efforts, including assisting with proposal development, interview participation, and presentations
• Develop and maintain excellent relationships with existing and potential clients, contributing to business development
• Engage in industry associations to ensure Guidon’s visibility and actively seek new knowledge in laboratory design and planning

Sustainability & Service:

• Take responsibility for fostering a green workplace that promotes Guidon’s Practical Sustainability
• Foster a culture of internal and external client service, ensuring satisfaction and excellence in delivery

Evaluation Metrics:

Guidon has established four Core Behaviors that all Team Members are expected to uphold. These expectations are clearly define and encompass the following areas:

Wash the Dishes

• Do the small stuff. This mantra has guided our behaviors since our inception when literal dishes were the responsibility of everyone in the office. Helping one another permeates all areas of our culture.

Follow-Up on Commitments

• Do what you say. Keeping our word is not only important externally, but internally as well. Commitments are made to ourselves, each other, and our clients. Whether it be in professional development goals, annual firm updates, or project kick-off meetings, following through is all about maintaining a culture of accountability.

Solve Problems Proactively

• Come with solutions. Identifying a problem is crucial but engaging the problem with potential solutions is even better. We tackle issues head on and take ownership – leading the charge toward a resolution.

Lead Through Listening

• Listen first, talk second. This is a guiding principle in how we interact with each other and our clients. It prioritizes empathy and assumes nothing.

Professional Development, Technical Education & Training:

• Establish annual education and training plans and goals for self.
• Meet or exceed professional standards of work.
• Actively pursue personal continuing education.