Senior Laboratory Planner

DLR Group; Nashville (TN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DLR Group is seeking a Senior Architect in Nashville, TN, specializing in lab planning for Science + Technology projects. This role requires over 10 years of experience in laboratory planning, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills. You will collaborate with project teams while overseeing projects and mentoring junior staff.

The position offers a hybrid work model, blending office time with remote work. The ideal candidate should also be proficient in design software and willing to travel up to 25%. A Bachelor’s degree in an architecture-related field is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Laboratory Planning.
• Proficient in being a technical leader in laboratory building design.
• Ability to develop trusting relationships with clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop trusting relationships with clients.
• Provide technical leadership on larger laboratory and science building design commissions.
• Lead documentation of laboratory systems.

Skills

Laboratory Planning experience

Strong leadership skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Proficiency in design software (Revit, Bluebeam, Enscape, SketchUp)

Technical competence in programming and design

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or related field

Job description

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet.

We have an opening for a Senior Architect specializing in lab planning and supporting Science + Technology projects. This role operates within a hybrid work model, supporting flexibility between office time and work from home.

Location

• Overland Park, KS
• Nashville, TN
• Durham, NC
• Orlando, FL

Position Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual with 10+ years of Laboratory Planning experience to join our growing Science + Technology group. The position requires excellent communication and people skills as you will work closely with the firm’s Principals, Project Managers, and Laboratory Planners while assuming senior level leadership for architectural laboratory programming, planning, and design projects for a wide variety of clients and project types, including but not limited to R&D facilities, teaching/learning environments, and analytical laboratories.

You will be responsible for helping grow the Science + Technology team by leading the laboratory planning efforts toward the successful completion of complex technology facilities. In addition, you will spend time performing business development activities, and planning and preparing capture plans, proposals, presentations, and sharing your thought leadership at conferences.

Responsibilities

• Develop trusting relationships with clients.
• Provide technical leadership on larger laboratory and science building design commissions, while concurrently overseeing and providing guidance on multiple small to medium-scale projects.
• Prepare and lead design presentations and project meetings.
• Develop space programs and physical plans for laboratory and high‑tech facilities.
• Collaborate with the project team in planning the facility by developing planning grids, laboratory organization, and service distribution concepts.
• Lead documentation of laboratory systems such as casework, lab equipment, and development of laboratory spaces to create innovative settings for discovery.
• Work closely with design architects, lab planners, and owners in documentation development and construction administration follow‑through.
• Participate in marketing and business development efforts through pre‑positioning, proposal development, interview participation and presentations.
• Mentor junior staff and participate in performance coaching.
• Participate in the recruitment and interviewing process as requested.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Planning, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience, leading and working on a range of project types, complexity, and scale.
• Experience with academic, research and STEM facilities for college & university clients.
• Strong leadership, written and verbal communication and organizational skills, facilitating the development of trusted relationships with clients and staff.
• Strong technical competence and proven experience in programming, design, and construction of laboratory facilities.
• Demonstrated understanding of code implementation, jurisdiction review, and construction practices.
• The ability to manage clients, project teams, and project processes with ease.
• Proficiency with and experience using current design software including Revit, Bluebeam, Enscape, and SketchUp.
• The ability to travel locally, nationally & internationally up to 25%.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without need for work visa or residency sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Architect
• Advanced knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines
• TO BE CONSIDERED, PLEASE SUBMIT CURRENT PORTFOLIO/WORK SAMPLES IN PDF FORMAT*

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/M/F/Veteran/Disabled employer.