Business Details
Expert Laboratory Design & Architecture Services in Houston
Scientia Architects enhances scientific advancements through specialized laboratory design and architecture. Our collaborative approach prioritizes client needs, combining over 3 million square feet of experience in academic, clinical, life science, and R&D environments. We deliver durable, resource-efficient solutions that align with budgets and long-term goals while adhering to strict safety standards. Our team partners with stakeholders to create innovative spaces that maximize functionality for researchers, educators, and institutions. With expertise in high-containment labs, vivariums, and adaptive reuse projects, we challenge conventional design norms to address evolving scientific requirements.Our services span feasibility studies, programming, concept design, and construction administration, supported by LEED-certified professionals and industry-recognized awards. We maintain active involvement in professional organizations and educational initiatives, including teaching laboratory design principles and participating in lab of the year juries. Client satisfaction is achieved through transparent communication, technical precision, and a commitment to advancing science through architecture.
Services
Lab Planning
Design Consultation
Feasibility Studies
Construction Documentation
Post-Occupancy Evaluations
Vivarium Design
Adaptive Reuse
3D Visualization
Space Programming
Research Facility Design
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized laboratory design experience across four primary markets.
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects with expertise in high-containment facilities.
- We provide full-service solutions from feasibility studies to construction administration.
- Our designs prioritize safety compliance and resource-efficient, future-ready spaces.
- We maintain active industry leadership through teaching and lab award jury participation.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- Women-Owned Business
- Historically Underutilized Business
Services
Lab Planning and Design
We create customized laboratory environments that balance functionality with safety requirements. Our process involves detailed programming, space planning, and 3D visualization to ensure optimal workflow and compliance with industry standards. Specializing in academic, clinical, and research facilities, we design spaces that accommodate current needs while allowing for future modifications.
Feasibility Studies
Our feasibility assessments analyze potential laboratory locations through structural analysis, mechanical system evaluation, and space requirement projections. We examine floor-to-floor heights, column spacing, and existing infrastructure to determine suitability for scientific operations, providing data-driven recommendations for new or renovated facilities.
Construction Documentation
We produce comprehensive construction documents that include detailed architectural plans, MEP coordination, and material specifications. These documents ensure accurate cost estimation and smooth project execution while maintaining compliance with safety regulations for scientific environments and specialized equipment requirements.
Vivarium Design
Our vivarium design services address specialized needs for animal research facilities, including climate control, biosecurity measures, and waste management systems. We create efficient layouts for holding areas, cagewash facilities, and research spaces while maintaining strict compliance with animal welfare regulations and research protocols.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform existing buildings into functional laboratory environments through strategic space planning and structural modifications. Our approach maximizes existing infrastructure while implementing necessary upgrades for mechanical systems, safety features, and specialized laboratory requirements in repurposed commercial spaces.
People
Cynthia Walston
Founder / FAIA, LEED AP
Cynthia Walston, FAIA, LEED AP, specializes in laboratory environments with expertise spanning academic, medical, and biotech facilities. She leads projects from definition through completion and teaches laboratory design principles as an active industry educator.
Ardis Clinton
Founding Partner / AIA, LEED BD+C
Ardis Clinton brings 20 years of architectural experience managing science and research projects for higher education institutions. She has overseen $200M+ in laboratory construction projects and specializes in complex facility programming.
Alex Clinton
Laboratory Planner / AIA, LEED BD+C
Alex Clinton focuses on efficient laboratory solutions with expertise in high-containment facilities and animal research environments. He develops customized designs for biomedical and process-driven research spaces while maintaining occupant experience priorities.
Lauren Honeycutt
Project Architectural Designer
Lauren Honeycutt manages complex design projects across medical and educational sectors. With 20+ years of experience, she specializes in construction documentation and 3D visualization while maintaining a collaborative approach to client-focused solutions.
Christian Garcia
Architectural Associate
Christian Garcia produces contract documents and collaborates with project teams through all phases of design. He combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving while contributing photography skills to project documentation.
Questions
What types of laboratory facilities do you specialize in?
We specialize in academic research labs, clinical facilities, life science environments, and R&D spaces including vivariums and high-containment laboratories.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we manage new facilities and adaptive reuse projects, including repurposing existing structures like shopping malls for biotech laboratories.
Are your designs environmentally sustainable?
Our team includes LEED-certified professionals who prioritize resource-efficient solutions and sustainable building practices in all projects.
Can you assist with international projects?
We've completed projects in Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and across the United States, working with global partners as needed.
What professional certifications do your architects hold?
Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and members of the American Institute of Architects, with specialized laboratory design expertise.
How do you ensure laboratory safety compliance?
We strictly adhere to safety regulations for scientific hazards, including specialized design for vivariums and high-containment facilities.
