Project Designer – Life Sciences | Architecture

About the Role

STG Design is seeking an experienced Project Designer to join our architecture 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.

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, 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
• Foster a collaborative, knowledge-sharing studio culture
• 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
• 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

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

Skills & Attributes

• People who want to immerse themselves in creativity, collaboration, being at the forefront of innovation, and approach design inquisitively and thoughtfully
• People Who Are Interesting – people who can provide unique insight into our clients' problems and contribute to their solutions in unexpected ways
• Great communicators – ability to spread your message and deliver results
• Self-starters – people who don't wait for direction; they find the next task and get started
• Ready learners – people who are excited to add another tool to their repertoire
• Adaptable – people who find the right context and right solution for the task at hand