Architectural Lab Planner - Chicago - Sky Mavis

Description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to join our team and serve as a key technical resource within the Life Sciences market sector. The Lab Planner will support the planning, programming, and design of complex laboratory and research facilities, working closely with clients, scientists, and multidisciplinary design teams to deliver high-performance, flexible, and compliant environments. This role requires strong laboratory planning expertise, knowledge of technical and regulatory requirements, and the ability to translate operational workflows into thoughtful planning solutions. The Lab Planner will collaborate across LJC offices and disciplines, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the continued growth of LJC's Life Sciences practice.

The Specifics of the Role

• Lead or support the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across a range of life sciences project types.
• Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and spatial requirements that optimize functionality, flexibility, safety, and long-term adaptability.
• Integrate technical, operational, regulatory, and sustainability considerations into laboratory planning and design solutions.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop innovative, efficient, and buildable laboratory designs.
• Support compliance with applicable health, safety, and regulatory standards, including NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, and LEED requirements.
• Plan and coordinate laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements in alignment with user needs and design intent.
• Work closely with scientists, researchers, and facility stakeholders to understand workflows and translate them into clear planning and design solutions.
• Facilitate or support user group meetings, workshops, and presentations to communicate planning concepts and gather feedback.
• Support or manage multiple lab planning efforts from concept through design development, coordinating scope, budget, and schedule expectations.
• Mentor junior lab planners, architects, and designers, supporting professional development and technical growth.
• Support business development efforts through proposal contributions, planning concepts, and participation in client interviews and presentations.
• Promote a culture of one-team collaboration across disciplines and offices.
• Travel, as required, to support client engagement, project pursuits, and planning efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
• 6-15+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or higher education environments.
• Professional licensure (RA) preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of laboratory typologies, equipment, operational needs, and planning strategies.
• Knowledge of building codes, laboratory safety guidelines, and industry regulations.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other relevant planning and design tools.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, including client‑facing presentations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
• LEED accreditation or demonstrated knowledge of sustainable laboratory design preferred.
• Experience with biosafety level (BSL) laboratories and/or cleanroom environments preferred.
• Understanding of emerging trends in laboratory design, flexibility, and technology integration.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design‑build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award‑winning, high‑profile jobs.
• The pace is fast.

Why Clayco and LJC?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design‑Build Firms – Design‑Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders – Data Center Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $115,000 - $155,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).