Academic

Our broad experience in STEM buildings and teaching and research laboratories is nearly unparalleled. We create learning environments that foster curiosity, experimentation and exploration.

Learn More >

Clinical

In the every-changing world of healthcare, clinical laboratories play a central role in patient care. HERA understands that quality specimen processing and efficient flow take center stage in your lab operation. We design spaces that adapt to the people, process and technology at the heart of your work.

Learn More >

Forensic

HERA’s forensic arm – Crime Lab Design – is recognized around the world as the industry leader in forensic laboratory programming, architecture and MEP design. Together with Harley Ellis Devereaux, CLD has provided integrated services for more than 20 years.

Learn More >

Government

HERA understands how to navigate procurement rules, annual budgetary cycles and design approval processes for government projects. We have the experience to assist contracting officers in completing successful laboratory facility projects including research, testing, clinical, vivarium and support spaces.

Learn More >

R&D

HERA understands key science issues for corporate clients: Safety first; recruitment and retention of staff through smart design; cost efficiency and flexibility for capital expenditures; and planning for future growth.

Learn More >

About HERA laboratory planners

We love science. At HERA, we enhance scientific discovery and client productivity through the creation of optimal laboratory environments. That’s our mission.

As architects who are also lab planners and designers, we have a deep understanding of trends, issues and best practices that shape laboratory environments. We bring that knowledge and commitment to every project we touch.

What does that mean for our clients and partner firms? Together, we will innovate and explore ideas to ensure all your project needs are met.

With five primary markets – academic, clinical, forensic, government and R&D – our combined experience from hundreds of projects totals more than 25 million square feet in laboratory space alone. Our depth of experience allows us to examine new ideas in laboratory planning and design, while evaluating them against our previous experience for best practices.

Founded in 1996, we are a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB).

What’s Happening at HERA

HERAstory: Natalie Szymanski is a student mentor

Q&A with Senior Laboratory Architect Natalie Szymanski You’ve been a mentor and teacher on so many different levels. Talk about some of the mentoring work you’re currently doing. Through the AIA Toledo, I know several architects that I either grew up with or reconnected with after college. Together we decided that there was a lack […]

HERAstory: Joanne Clausen is a dairy scientist

Q&A with Laboratory Architectural Designer Joanne Clausen You studied food science for your first undergraduate degree. What led you down that path? In high school I was in the FFA and a professor from Kansas State University presented career options in agriculture. Food science was one of the options that he talked about, and I […]

Reedy Creek Laboratory Complex Expansion & Renovation Breaks Ground

The 83,000-sf North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Reedy Creek Laboratory Complex Expansion and Renovation broke ground this week. This project will allow the DEQ to optimize workflow and modernize the laboratories and allow for increased testing within the Chemistry, Air Quality and Water Quality/Bio-Chem divisions. These laboratories provide a wide range of services and […]