Lentigen New GMP Manufacturing Suite, Offices & Interiors
LOCATION:
Gathersburg, MD
OWNER:
Lentigen Corporation
SERVICES:
Programming, site selection, architectural and interior design, code analysis, construction documents and specifications, permitting, construction administration, interior design and contract furnishings
Arch Tech worked with the owner and engineering team to evaluate existing facilities along the I-270 technology corridor in Montgomery County, Maryland for the new headquarters of Lentigen Corp., a young and rapidly growing biotech company. After an extensive search, an existing space was identified that included six existing labs and about 14,000 SF of shell space. Arch Tech designed the resulting renovation and fit-out in two phases: the first phase renovated the existing labs in order to move scientists in and begin the validation process as quickly as possible, while the second phase involved the fit-out of the remaining space to accommodate offices for 60 (cubicles and hard-walled), a break room, a board room, conference rooms with moveable walls, research laboratories, equipment rooms, a packaging room, freezer and cold storage rooms and two Class 10,000 clean room GMP manufacturing suites. As an added service to the original contract, Arch Tech provided interior design services including the selection and specification of interior finishes, furnishings and signage and the turnkey procurement and installation of furnishings and signage.
Arch Tech’s attention to detail and dedication to providing highly responsive service exceeded the client’s expectations with a contemporary, high tech look throughout that reinforced the company’s brand. The new facility incorporates sustainable design principles, including the reuse of demolition materials, new finishes made from recycled content and the strategic maximization of natural light in office interiors.
The original design program called for space to accommodate 25-30 people with 25% additional capacity for future growth, but by the time design was completed, all the available space was utilized to accommodate a rapidly growing staff of 55. In order to support the tight project schedule, Arch Tech made it a point to respond to all field-generated requests for information and shop drawing reviews on average in two days or less, as opposed to the industry-standard five to 10 business days.
