Lab Design
Design of advanced laboratory environments that balance science, technology, safety, and user comfort while supporting efficient workflows, flexible layouts, and long-term performance for research and technical teams.
Hixson delivers integrated laboratory design services in Charlotte, NC for organizations that need high-performance science spaces, efficient workflows, and code-conscious planning. From research environments to support areas and employee amenities, our team creates laboratories built for safety, flexibility, and long-term operational success in a fast-growing regional market.

Integrated planning, architecture, engineering, and compliance support for modern laboratory environments.
Design of advanced laboratory environments that balance science, technology, safety, and user comfort while supporting efficient workflows, flexible layouts, and long-term performance for research and technical teams.
Strategic planning services that help organizations map future laboratory growth, space utilization, operational needs, and phased development before detailed design begins.
Environmental, health, and safety compliance support to help laboratory projects align with permitting requirements, risk controls, and operational standards throughout design development.
Engineering coordination for critical building systems that support laboratory performance, reliability, occupant comfort, and integration across specialized technical spaces.
Integrated architectural and interior design services that connect laboratory functions with offices, collaboration zones, and employee amenities in one cohesive environment.
Strategic facility consulting that helps clients evaluate project goals, operational priorities, and investment decisions for laboratory expansions, renovations, and new developments.

We begin by understanding your scientific workflows, staffing, equipment needs, and business objectives. For Charlotte organizations planning growth in research or technical operations, this early alignment helps shape a laboratory that supports both current demands and future expansion.
See how Hixson supports complex facility projects for respected organizations across science and industry.
Clients choose Hixson for integrated expertise, long-term experience, and disciplined project delivery.
Twenty in-house disciplines streamline coordination for complex laboratory projects from planning through delivery.
More than 75 years of design expertise supports laboratories with practical, high-performance solutions.
We help Charlotte clients plan flexible science spaces suited to a fast-growing business environment.
Proven project management and compliance-focused design help reduce risk and improve project outcomes.
Experienced specialists supporting complex laboratory design projects.

Manager, Plumbing Systems & Fire Protection Engineering
John oversees the department responsible for the design and engineering of plumbing systems and fire protection engineering for a variety of project types, including new construction, building utility upgrades, utility capacity analyses, and process line additions. John and his team work with a range of systems, including domestic water, process water, hot water production, direct contact water heaters, high pressure/rinse water, compressed air, natural gas, sanitary drainage, process drainage, central sanitation systems, fire pumps, and fire sprinkler systems.

Manager, Controls & Automation Engineering
As the Manager of Hixson's Controls & Automation department, Craig guides the team responsible for designing, implementing, and commissioning advanced control systems and automation solutions. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of automation strategies that streamline manufacturing processes, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure seamless integration of new and existing systems.

Manager, Process Engineering
Warren leads the team providing processing design services, process optimization studies, and process commissioning and FAT, SAT, and IQ activities. He advises on waste, energy, and GHG emissions reductions, and conducts safety and dust evaluations, including PSM/HAZOP. His expertise spans all food and beverage sectors including fluid, dried and cultured dairy products, processed meat, flavors, and prepared foods. Warren is also on the IDFA Food Safety Committee and actively participates in the 3A, SSI steering committee, and work groups.

Manager, Civil Engineering
In his role as Manager of Civil Engineering, Steve leads the team responsible for the planning, design, and engineering of roads, stormwater hydraulics and modeling, and onsite utilities. On project work, Steve is responsible for civil site project design, specifications, technical design, and project coordination with the client, government regulatory bodies, outside consultants, and contractors. As a senior staff member with our firm, Steve also serves as a mentor to newer associates.

Vice President & Director, Project Management Services
Chris, a Hixson officer and member of the Board of Directors, oversees Hixson’s Project Management, Cost Estimating, and Construction Administration departments. Chris also serves in a project management role, leading teams consisting of representatives from the client, Hixson, contractors, and vendors to effective project completion. Chris assumes overall responsibility for development of project delivery strategies, coordination of all Hixson disciplines, and facilitating effective communication and management to focus resources on delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.

Manager, Mechanical Engineering
Dave brings more than three decades of experience to his role as the Manager of Hixson’s Mechanical Engineering Department. His work has included the design and project management of new facilities, as well as modification of existing facilities for high technology and food processing industries. At a corporate level, Dave is a member of Hixson’s Dairy and Beverage Industry team, which works to continuously improve the value Hixson offers to the dairy industry through development of our knowledge base, services and capabilities.

Manager, Electrical Engineering
Kyle serves as the Manager of Hixson’s Electrical Engineering department. In this role, he oversees the team responsible for the creation and delivery of electrical designs. This includes the design of high, medium, and low voltage power distribution, lighting, telecommunications, and fire alarm systems. Kyle brings more than 15 years of experience in electrical consulting and design to his role. Areas in which Kyle specializes include electrically hazardous area classification, high- and medium-voltage power distribution, protective relaying, arc flash studies, harmonics analysis, cogeneration design, emergency systems design, and complex laboratory designs.

Senior Vice President, and Director, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Scott, an officer of the firm, leads the teams responsible for mechanical and electrical project tasks and design, specifications, technical content, consultation during equipment selection and installation and systems start-up assistance. In addition, Scott also serves as the Quality Assurance Manager, overseeing the firm’s commitment to quality. Over Scott’s more than three decades of experience, he has worked on greenfield, brownfield, and renovation projects for food & beverage plants in all sectors, labs, pharma & biotech facilities, and workplace projects.

Manager, Manufacturing Engineering
In his role as Manager of Hixson’s Manufacturing Engineering department, Scott leads the team responsible for project consulting and coordination between client, vendor, and internal disciplines within Hixson for overall manufacturing processes, functionality, equipment, and layouts. These team members develop process flow diagrams, equipment lists, and preliminary utility requirements, as well as develop equipment layouts that range from high level master planning to detailed construction documents. In addition to this role, Scott is a member of Hixson’s Meat Industry advisory team, focusing on technologies related to the meat and plant protein industry.

Director of Architecture
Derek is the Director of Hixson’s Architecture department. In this role, Derek leads the teams who design projects for our Food & Beverage, Pharma & Biotech, Laboratory, and Workplace clients. Previously, Derek served as the Manager of Hixson’s Process Layout department, where he directed the team that plays a critical coordination role in the overall development of process models and the 3D equipment model management process. Prior to these management roles, Derek, who began his career with Hixson in 2008, served as a Project Architect.
Laboratory design typically includes programming, space planning, architecture, interior design, building systems engineering, safety coordination, and support for compliance requirements. Hixson also integrates offices, collaboration areas, and employee amenities where needed, creating a complete environment that supports scientific work, operational efficiency, and long-term flexibility rather than treating the lab as an isolated room or department.
Talk with our team about your facility goals and project scope.
Hixson supports laboratory design projects for clients in Charlotte and across broader regional and North American markets.
North America
Service Reach
Charlotte, NC
Local Focus
Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30
Business Hours
Ask if Hixson is the right fit for your facility.
Certified workplace culture and employee trust.
Interior Design magazine industry recognition.
Recognized across core design sectors.
Share your goals, timeline, and facility needs, and our team will follow up to discuss the next steps.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 513-241-1230. You can also send us a quick email at info@hixson-inc.com.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 513-241-1230. You can also send us a quick email at info@hixson-inc.com.