Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Laboratory Design & Consulting Services
Research Facilities Design (RFD) has been a leader in laboratory design consulting since 1984. Our firm specializes in programming and designing laboratory buildings for industries, healthcare institutions, research organizations, and educational facilities. With offices in San Diego, California, and Raleigh, North Carolina, our team of architects, engineers, and laboratory planners collaborates to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions tailored to each project's unique requirements. Our collaborative approach involves stakeholders at every stage, ensuring designs meet functional, safety, and sustainability standards. We prioritize consensus-building, particularly in academic settings, to address diverse needs while maintaining project efficiency.Our process is structured yet adaptable, emphasizing early resolution of critical design issues to streamline development. RFD remains at the forefront of laboratory design trends through continuous learning and interaction with global researchers and professionals. Our leadership team, including award-winning experts like W. Malcolm Barksdale, brings decades of experience to guide complex projects from concept to completion. We are committed to responsible design practices that align with client budgets, environmental goals, and long-term usability. Our thorough documentation process ensures every detail is client-reviewed, and our technological expertise keeps us current with evolving laboratory equipment and safety protocols.
Services
Pre-Design Services
Laboratory Design
Engineering Solutions
Benchmarking Innovations
Strategic Planning
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized laboratory design expertise
- Our collaborative approach ensures stakeholder alignment across complex projects
- Award-winning team with industry-recognized leadership
- Tailored solutions for academic, healthcare, and research institutions
- Comprehensive process covering pre-design through construction documentation
What people say
Incredible job
Cohesive principles
Impressed with progress
Groundbreaking contributions
Exceptional facility design
Services
Pre-Design Services
Our pre-design phase establishes project foundations through needs assessments, space programming, and feasibility studies. We analyze regulatory requirements, budget constraints, and future growth needs while collaborating with stakeholders to define clear objectives. This phase ensures alignment between facility design and organizational goals.
Laboratory Design
We create functional, code-compliant laboratory environments tailored to specific research needs. Our designs balance safety, efficiency, and adaptability while integrating advanced technology infrastructure. Each solution considers workflow optimization, equipment requirements, and environmental sustainability standards.
Engineering Solutions
Our engineering services address mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems critical to laboratory operations. We design energy-efficient HVAC systems, specialized containment solutions, and infrastructure supporting sensitive equipment. All systems comply with safety regulations while maintaining flexibility for future modifications.
Benchmarking Innovations
We apply industry benchmarking data to optimize space utilization, cost efficiency, and operational performance. This approach compares project metrics against proven standards while incorporating customized solutions for unique research requirements and institutional contexts.
Strategic Planning
Our strategic planning aligns facility design with organizational missions and long-term goals. We develop phased implementation plans, assess institutional needs, and create master plans that accommodate future expansion while maintaining operational continuity during construction.
People
W. Malcolm Barksdale
Principal
AIA-registered architect with over 40 years of laboratory design experience, Malcolm Barksdale pioneered specialized design approaches for research facilities and received the SEFA Lifetime Achievement Award for his industry contributions.
Lloyd E.L. Fisk
Principal
LEED-certified architect with expertise in sustainable laboratory design, Lloyd Fisk leads complex academic projects and ensures integration of energy-efficient systems while maintaining strict safety and functionality standards.
Jorge Garcia
Principal
Registered architect specializing in technical laboratory systems, Jorge Garcia oversees engineering coordination and ensures designs accommodate evolving research technologies and compliance requirements across diverse project types.
Questions
What types of laboratory projects do you specialize in?
We design facilities for academic institutions, healthcare providers, research organizations, and industrial clients across STEM, engineering, and medical fields.
How does your collaborative design process work?
We engage stakeholders through workshops and small-group meetings to ensure all perspectives shape the final design while maintaining project efficiency.
What makes your firm different from other architects?
Our exclusive focus on laboratory spaces, 40+ years of experience, and hands-on principal involvement from concept to construction set us apart.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we've completed projects across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa with culturally and environmentally responsive designs.
How do you handle evolving laboratory technology needs?
Our designs incorporate flexible infrastructure and we maintain current knowledge of emerging equipment and safety protocols through ongoing research partnerships.
