What are design-build services for life sciences facilities?
Design-build services coordinate planning, architecture, engineering, construction documentation, and delivery support under an integrated project approach. For life sciences facilities, this includes cGMP zoning, laboratory planning, clean utilities, HVAC and pressurization, process integration, environmental controls, and documentation that supports validation. The goal is to reduce handoff gaps and improve speed, quality, and compliance alignment.
What types of life sciences facilities does Hixson design?
Hixson supports laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing spaces, aseptic processing facilities, biologics facilities, cell and gene therapy facilities, modular cGMP environments, QA/QC labs, pilot plants, and controlled environments. Capabilities include cleanrooms, clean utilities such as WFI and clean steam, process layouts, BSL-rated containment, HVAC systems, and validation-support documentation.
How early should Hixson be involved in a life sciences project?
Early involvement is valuable during feasibility, master planning, site selection, or user requirement definition. At that point, the team can evaluate capacity, cleanroom classifications, utility infrastructure, equipment needs, regulatory drivers, and future expansion. Early coordination helps avoid costly redesign later and gives clients stronger information for capital planning, schedules, and stakeholder approvals.
Can Hixson support cGMP and regulatory compliance needs?
Yes. Hixson designs cGMP environments with attention to cleanroom classifications, material and personnel flows, finishes, HVAC and pressure relationships, clean utilities, environmental monitoring, and documentation that supports validation activities. Depending on the project, designs may align with FDA expectations, EU GMP Annex 1, PIC/S guidance, and applicable environmental or safety requirements.
Does Hixson provide laboratory master planning?
Yes. Hixson provides laboratory master planning for R&D and testing environments, including bench-to-bay ratios, wet and dry lab typologies, instrument spaces, BSL-rated areas, shared support spaces, fume hood density, casework planning, and future equipment growth. The process helps organizations phase capital investments while maintaining flexibility for changing research programs.
What makes Hixson’s integrated delivery approach different?
Hixson brings 20 in-house technical disciplines together, including architecture, engineering, process, controls, cost estimating, project management, and construction administration. This structure supports daily coordination across technical decisions that affect compliance, constructability, utilities, and operations. Clients benefit from a single-source team that can anticipate conflicts before they affect cost or schedule.
Can Hixson help with modular cGMP facility design?
Yes. Hixson designs modular cGMP facilities, pre-engineered cleanroom modules, skid-mounted process units, and modular fit-outs for tenant spaces. Modular approaches can support faster speed-to-market, more predictable regulatory planning, and flexible capacity. The team coordinates modules with utilities, HVAC, process equipment, material flows, and validation requirements.
Does Hixson work on projects across North America?
Yes. Hixson serves clients throughout North America and has grown from its Greater Cincinnati origins into a full-service architecture and engineering firm with national reach. The firm supports complex facility programs for Science & Technology, Pharma & Biotech, Food & Beverage, Laboratory, and Workplace clients through integrated design and engineering expertise.