George Kemper used to spend childhood Saturdays in the lab with his dad, an analytical chemist. He remembers the methodology and precautions he took in setting up reactions in the hood and the kid friendly experiments they would do together after his work was done. This early experience has informed George’s  views of lab design over 30 years—from the old “monastic” module, where every researcher had a lab—to today’s big, open, collegial lab spaces that have resulted in private industry growth and discovery. He thrives on developing a deep understanding of his research clients to understand their work and then designing a space that will help them do what they do more efficiently, and in an environment that inspires them. With each opportunity, he is always evaluating: How do we organize the lab to facilitate the flow of materials and people that is safe and efficient? How do we open up the lab to "see" science and celebrate it? What equipment and processes can we consolidate and share into core facilities to reduce duplication, save on lab footprint and provide energy savings? How do we reduce the volume of air in fume hoods, which has a direct relationship on reducing energy? George, while leading his team of lab planners, is a national resource on lab space planning as well as a prolific speaker and published author.

• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Kentucky

“I like to solve problems. Drawing is a minor part of what we do. Listening, helping clients define their issues and then providing creative solutions to solve those problems is what brings me joy.”