When building life sciences labs in the Southeast, choosing the right construction manager is critical. These projects are complex, requiring expertise in high-cost systems like HVAC and plumbing (40%-60% of total budgets) and adherence to strict regulatory standards (e.g., CDC/NIH, FDA cGMP). The Southeast adds challenges like urban logistics and unexpected site conditions, making experienced managers essential.
Four firms stand out:
| Firm | Best Fit | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| DPR Construction | cGMP manufacturing, BSL-2/3 labs | In-house prefabrication, top-ranked |
| Jacobs | Large-scale, multi-phase facilities | EPCM model, modular fabrication |
| Skyline Construction | GMP manufacturing, cleanrooms | Strong cost management, 344 projects |
| Team CRM Construction | Regional Southeast projects | Experience needs direct confirmation |
Each firm brings unique strengths - choose based on your project’s size, complexity, and regulatory needs.
Top Construction Managers for Life Sciences Labs in the Southeast
DPR Construction has firmly established itself as a top player in U.S. life sciences construction. With over 3,000 projects completed - totaling approximately $21 billion - the company has consistently ranked as #1 in pharmaceutical construction by ENR magazine every year since 2017. This track record is particularly impressive for Southeast clients, where the complexities of lab construction demand a high level of expertise.
DPR has a strong presence in key biotech hubs across the Southeast, including Research Triangle Park (NC), Atlanta (GA), and several cities in Florida. Their client list in the region features prominent names like RTI International, United Therapeutics, Polykon Manufacturing, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Among their standout projects is the Biogen 2019 RTP DS LSM Upgrade in Research Triangle Park, NC, which achieved a 3X capacity increase and earned the prestigious Bentley Systems Year in Infrastructure Award. Another notable achievement is the BSL-3 laboratory renovation at the Georgia State University Petit Science Center in Atlanta, which met the stringent standards required for infectious disease research.
What sets DPR apart is its ability to handle complex projects while maintaining control over schedules and budgets. The company self-performs critical tasks - like drywall, doors, and specialty services - using its in-house teams. Additionally, DPR operates a 70,000-square-foot prefabrication facility in Research Triangle Park. This facility allows for off-site fabrication, reducing on-site labor hours and ensuring projects stay on schedule. For projects in active research environments, DPR’s Methods of Procedure (MOP) protocols carefully plan every utility tie-in and shutdown in advance, ensuring lab operations continue without disruption.
DPR’s technical expertise covers cGMP manufacturing suites, BSL-2/3 laboratories, and modular cleanrooms. Their designs focus on adaptability, featuring open "ballroom" floor plans, plug-and-play utility drops, and demountable partitions for easy reconfiguration.
"Safety, quality, schedule execution and budget control are key measures that I rate contractors on and DPR is one of the finest firms. They balance all to a very high level." - Jay Comire, Charles River Laboratories
"Project costs are established with certainty, which allows the clients to get as much lab as their budget allows. The team is attentive to our needs as an owner, and we work together to integrate labs into the buildings with minimal impact on existing clients." - Allison Madden, MBA, Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, University of South Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
DPR’s exceptional technical skills and project management capabilities make it a standout in Southeast lab construction. The following sections will examine how it measures up against other leading firms in the industry.
Jacobs stands as one of the largest engineering and construction management firms globally, boasting $16 billion in annual revenue and a workforce of over 60,000 employees. In the Southeast, their operations are heavily focused in North Carolina's Research Triangle region, where they’ve cultivated strong, long-term partnerships with major biologics and pharmaceutical companies.
The firm employs the EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) model, which allows clients to hold separate contracts while benefiting from unified project coordination. This approach is especially valuable for managing the complexity of large-scale, multi-phase life sciences facilities. For teams weighing construction project delivery methods, understanding how EPCM differs from other models is key for projects of this magnitude.
One standout project in the Southeast is the $1.2 billion expansion of Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies' cell culture manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, NC. Jacobs first became involved when the site broke ground in 2021. By June 2024, the company was selected to oversee the full expansion, which includes adding 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 8 x 20,000-liter cell culture bioreactors, with another 8 reactors planned for a second phase. The first phase is set to be completed in 2025, and the entire facility is expected to be operational by 2028. Once finished, it will be one of the largest end-to-end cell culture contract manufacturing facilities in North America.
Jacobs incorporates advanced methods like Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), modular off-site fabrication, early CQV (Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation) integration, and 3D BIM modeling to streamline complex projects. These techniques were also utilized in projects such as Pfizer's SVP facility in Rocky Mount, NC.
"This expansion of the project at Holly Springs is testament to the relationship of trust and accountability Jacobs and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies have built. Together we'll continue to leverage digital innovation and modular design so that medicines and therapies are delivered with quality, flexibility, speed and consistency - now at an even larger scale." - Koti Vadlamudi, Senior Vice President, Jacobs
Next, we’ll take a closer look at how Skyline Construction addresses the Southeast's lab construction needs.
Skyline Construction is a 100% employee-owned contractor specializing in life sciences construction. With an impressive track record of 344 life science projects spanning 3.8 million square feet, the company has tackled everything from wet and dry labs to high-level biosafety facilities (BSL-1 through BSL-4) and ISO-rated cleanrooms. For biotech and life science needs, Skyline focuses on ISO Class 6 to 8 cleanrooms, which are critical for controlling temperature, airflow, and particle levels in research and manufacturing environments. These qualifications highlight Skyline’s technical expertise and execution capabilities.
The firm’s technical range is extensive. Skyline manages HVAC systems (using 100% outside air), high-power electrical setups, laboratory gas systems, and structural upgrades. For GMP-compliant manufacturing spaces, they adhere to FDA standards, ensuring equipment verification, process validation, and sanitation meet the rigorous demands of clinical trials or commercial drug production. For those interested in how these requirements fit into broader project planning, iRecruit offers a helpful guide on construction project delivery.
Skyline’s capabilities shine through in its completed projects. Take the Quidel Rutherford project in San Diego, for example. This project transformed a former golf facility into a 171,000-square-foot cGMP manufacturing campus. Despite pandemic-related challenges and the need to coordinate over 200 subcontractors, the project was delivered on a 10-month fast-track schedule. The San Diego Business Journal later recognized it as Life Science Construction Project of the Year.
"Our team thought outside-the-box to generate solutions for supply chain and labor shortages to execute an amazing space for our client." - General Superintendent, Skyline Construction
Skyline also takes a proactive approach to cost management. For the Dumbarton Life Science Facility conversion, early contractor involvement helped save $150,000. Project Executive Dominic Tate explains the company’s focus on understanding client needs early in the process:
"Dominic values early understanding of end-user needs to align budgets and avoid surprises during construction. He recognizes the distinct requirements of developer R&D versus Pharma Manufacturing end-user needs." - Dominic Tate, Project Executive, Skyline Construction
While Skyline's portfolio is largely concentrated in the Western U.S., its expertise in GMP compliance and cleanroom construction makes it well-positioned to expand into the Southeast lab market.
Team CRM Construction operates in the Southeast region but stands out for its limited public information on life sciences lab projects. This makes it essential for potential clients to reach out directly to confirm the firm’s experience and track record in this specialized area. Without readily available documentation, a thorough evaluation becomes crucial.
To assess their suitability, clients should request a detailed project portfolio. This should include information on the types of labs they've handled, the scale of their projects, adherence to schedules, and references from past clients. Such due diligence is key, especially for life sciences projects where precise timelines and technical accuracy are critical. Engaging directly with the firm can also shed light on how they approach the unique challenges of lab construction.
When choosing a construction manager for a life sciences lab, it's important to weigh both the advantages and challenges tied to your specific project needs.
The decision goes beyond just picking a firm with a good reputation. For instance, construction managers with strong expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are better equipped to handle key cost drivers. At the same time, having a team with regional experience and proven scheduling skills can be just as crucial for keeping the project on track.
The type of project delivery model you choose also plays a big role in the outcome. Some managers excel in handling the technical demands of complex facilities, while others bring a more flexible approach that works well for smaller projects or lab conversions. Aligning a manager’s skills with what your project demands - whether that’s navigating strict regulatory standards or ensuring a tight schedule - is key to achieving success.
Choosing the right firm for your lab project means aligning their strengths with your specific needs. The companies reviewed here bring different specialties to the table, catering to various project scales and technical demands.
For large-scale, fast-paced projects, firms with a strong regional presence and proven delivery systems stand out. Understanding the nuances of project delivery models can be a game-changer when making your decision.
On the other hand, for high-containment or cGMP projects - where costs for BSL-3 construction can exceed $1,200 per square foot - technical know-how becomes the priority. Look for managers with expertise in in-house MEP engineering and FDA validation processes like IQ, OQ, and PQ.
Here’s a quick comparison of the four firms discussed:
| Firm | Best Fit | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| DPR Construction | cGMP manufacturing and BSL-2/3 labs | In-house prefabrication; ranked #1 in pharma construction since 2017 |
| Jacobs | Large-scale bioprocessing and multi-phase facilities | EPCM model; Advanced Work Packaging and modular off-site fabrication |
| Skyline Construction | GMP-compliant manufacturing and cleanroom builds | 344 life science projects; employee-owned with strong cost management focus |
| Team CRM Construction | Southeast regional projects | Direct engagement required to confirm life sciences track record |
This table highlights the importance of matching a firm's expertise to your lab's primary challenges - whether it’s managing tight schedules, ensuring regulatory compliance, or controlling costs. A firm excelling in rapid delivery in urban Southeast areas might not be the best fit for a high-containment facility, and vice versa. Carefully assess how their strengths align with your project’s unique risks and priorities.
When deciding between DPR, Jacobs, Skyline, and Team CRM for your lab project, it's important to evaluate their expertise, past performance, and approach to life sciences facilities. DPR is particularly notable for its extensive experience with complex laboratory projects. They focus heavily on schedule reliability, safety, and flexibility, which could be critical for your project.
Key factors to consider include:
By weighing these aspects, you can determine which firm best aligns with your project's unique requirements.
When discussing cGMP and BSL, focus on their familiarity with key areas like regulatory standards, validation processes, and specific requirements. For example, ask about their experience with IQ (Installation Qualification), OQ (Operational Qualification), and PQ (Performance Qualification). Additionally, inquire about their understanding of environmental monitoring protocols and equipment qualification procedures.
To gauge their hands-on expertise, request details about any past projects they've worked on involving cGMP bioprocessing suites or BSL-rated facilities. This will help confirm their knowledge and ability to meet the rigorous standards required in these environments.
Early-stage planning is key to cutting MEP costs and minimizing schedule risks. By involving preconstruction teams early on, you can pinpoint potential site challenges - like tricky subsurface conditions or limited utility access - that might otherwise lead to expensive delays.
Using a design-build approach can also make a big difference. This model brings together architectural, MEP, and construction teams, making decision-making more efficient and reducing miscommunication. Additionally, opting for flexible or modular facility designs can keep things on track. These designs allow for phased construction and make it easier to adapt to changes in project scope or market demands.
