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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 22 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 do our partners say about us?

“Always our go-to for lab planning!”
– Eric Zabilka, Principal Architect at Omni Architects

“Strong communication, elevated design sensibilities, collaborative teams.”
– Bill Deegan, Senior Designer at KCBA

“HERA provides reliable expertise in a niche market with a collaborative approach.”
– Mark Levine, Vice President at LS3P

What’s Happening at HERA

Rzyska-Filipek is promoted

We are happy to announce the recent promotion of Leila Rzyska-Filipek to Senior Laboratory Planner. Leila is a rising star in our Philadelphia office and has made considerable contributions to HERA’s success both in project work and internal initiatives. She brings her expertise to projects ranging from higher education, K-12, clinical labs and incubators, and […]

HERA’s commitment to work and life

For 25 years, HERA has built invaluable relationships with our clients and partner firms which have led to the construction of hundreds of laboratory spaces. While we are diligently planning the next state-of-the-art lab, it remains HERA’s culture to maintain a work-life balance. In appreciation of our employees’ hard work, HERA is shifting to a 4½ day work week. […]

Expanding the definition of inclusive laboratory design

In our continued quest to provide our clients cutting-edge thinking and ideas about lab planning, HERA is expanding how we identify inclusive design. Lab Planner Rachel Updegrove, WELL AP, and Senior Lab Planner Jeff Owens, MPH, CSP, SM (NRCM), CBSP, Assoc. AIA are pushing the typical parameters to ask deeper and more meaningful questions of […]