An Advisor on Lab’s Potential and Pitfalls

Kerrie Julian has enjoyed an up-close perspective on Greater Boston’s powerful life science expansion over the past two decades. Now, as director of life science strategy at Margulies Perruzzi, she’s got a perfect perch to watch a sector in transition.

Hot Property: 20 Overland St.

A renovation project designed by Margulies Perruzzi transformed over 64,000 square feet across two floors at 20 Overland St. in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood into BSL-2 lab and open-plan office space.

Crack the Code for Lab Control Areas

Construction of new lab buildings and renovations to existing structures both require attention to fire and building codes designed to limit risks from chemicals and gases used in life science research.

Returning for a Second Act at Architectural Firm

Jeff Talka’s new role is to expand architect S/L/A/M Collaborative’s work in the science and technology sectors, but he needs some experienced help as the company pursues more design work in Boston and other metros with growing lab clusters.

A Scientific Approach to Architecture

After Natasha Pirman’s employer moved to a new campus in 2017, she began thinking about a career change. The biochemistry Ph.D.’s knack for organizing their new workspaces translated well into the world of architecture, where local firms are looking for new hires with life science backgrounds as they pursue work designing office and labs to satisfy the industry’s relentless expansion.