HLW Hires Science and Technology Market Sector Leader to Strengthen Firm’s Laboratory Design and Planning Portfolio

Robert J. Thomas Joins the Global Architecture, Design and Planning Firm to Build Innovative Scientific Spaces

New York— HLW is excited to announce that Robert J. Thomas, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP has joined the firm as a Principal and Director of Science and Technology. Thomas brings nearly four decades of experience and a passion for creating spaces for advanced science to the team. His experience with laboratories and research facilities around the United States and across the Middle East will bolster HLW’s storied portfolio in this sector.

“HLW is no stranger to designing spaces for scientific research and discovery,” said Susan Boyle, Managing Partner at HLW, hinting at the firm’s previous work on the Argonne National Laboratory and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. “With Robert on board, we’ll be able to design new labs and research facilities with the most up-to-date methodologies and technologies on hand.”

With a vast knowledge of design, business development, master planning, project management and construction administration, Thomas has been recognized for his wide-ranging portfolio of projects. Throughout his career, Thomas has excelled at planning and designing next-generation research facilities– including BSL2, BSL3, vivarium and specialty lab spaces – with a special emphasis on sustainability.  Thomas has extensive experience navigating the complexities of high-performance buildings and is proficient in integrating technologies aimed at reducing energy costs.

Prior to joining HLW, Thomas worked at Leo A Daly Architects as the firm’s Science and Technology Principal, the Market Sector Leader for Higher Education, and a Senior Project Manager for Complex Science and Technology and Educational Projects. During his tenure there, Thomas successfully procured projects from the initial RFP through the completion of the construction and laboratory build outs. As Thomas believes that one should continuously grow, explore, and learn, joining HLW gives him the opportunity to expand and further establish the firm as a leader in science and technology both nationally and globally.

“I’m impressed by the distinguished list of clients that HLW holds and the deep care and detail they apply to each of their projects. I look forward to contributing to their culture of creating spaces where innovators can thrive,” said Robert Thomas. “Today’s modern laboratory design requires flexibility and adaptability that can be tailored to fit the needs of the science being studied and can be modified as needs change. Laboratories and research facilities are also merging with standard workplaces, in the sense that they need to be places that are welcoming and accommodate individual needs beyond the technical aspects of the work of science.”

For more on HLW and its projects and people, please visit www.hlw.design.