The Top 5 Trends in Life Science Design & Construction
The life sciences sector is experiencing unprecedented transformation. From breakthrough AI applications to shifting regulatory landscapes, the industry that brings life-saving treatments to market is itself evolving at breakneck speed. For executives leading life science companies, this presents both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges.
Today's life science facilities aren't just laboratories, they're strategic assets that can accelerate R&D timelines, reduce operational costs, and provide the flexibility needed to pivot with emerging technologies. The companies that will thrive in the next decade are those building infrastructure that adapts to change rather than constrains it.
Whether you're a biotech startup preparing for your first commercial facility, a pharmaceutical company expanding your manufacturing footprint, or a research institution modernising aging infrastructure, understanding these five critical trends will shape your facility strategy and competitive positioning.
The stakes have never been higher. With development costs soaring and time-to-market pressures intensifying, the facility decisions you make today will determine whether your organisation can scale efficiently, attract top talent, and maintain regulatory compliance in an increasingly complex environment.
Here are the five trends that forward-thinking life science executives are leveraging to build facilities that don't just meet today's needs, but anticipate tomorrow's opportunities.
1. Digital Operations
Executives are looking for how AI and Machine Learning (ML) can streamline operations and reduce the cost of manufacturing.
Leading to resource optimisation and leaner operating teams.
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Support the development of operational strategy
Use of ECI model engagement
Property portfolio management
Business continuity planning
2. Integrated Risk Management
Leading life science companies are finding ways to look across silos to develop a cross functional understanding of enterprise risk categories, which results in a consolidated risk management strategy.
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Use of ECI model engagement
Building Best-In-Class Teams, allowing to reduce risk during design before construction
3. Scientific Partnerships
Building an asset and partner pool is becoming more valuable as R&D advances. Understanding market shifts towards AI and value-chain solutions drives decision making for portfolio expansion.
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Support facility fit assessments
Connecting best-in-class partners to ensure best client results
Lead workshops to drive funding applications
4. Flexible over Fixed
Many companies are emphasising agile manufacturing and scale out over scale up. This need for flexibility and adaptable spaces is driving lab designs allowing spaces to be repurposed easily to meet multiple client needs.
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Use of the 'Discover' phase to truly understand client needs and their 'why'
Working with best-in-class partners and specialist to design fit for purpose labs of the future
Future-proofing strategies to accommodate evolving technology and regulatory needs
5. Adaptive Re-use
Conversion of existing infrastructure into a lab or cleanroom space is more enticing than ever for many reasons – from time to market, to sustainability, location and accessibility – there are multiple draw cards for life science start-ups to consider adaptive reuse.
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Feasibility assessments for existing building conversion potential
Specialised expertise in retrofitting HVAC, electrical, and containment systems for life science applications
Regulatory compliance guidance for converting non-lab spaces to meet GMP and safety standards
Sustainable design integration to maximise environmental benefits whilst meeting technical requirements