Mackenzie Launched Laboratory Design Practice

The Portland-based firm has expanded its capabilities to include specialized laboratory planning and design services.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Life Sciences

Isometric editorial illustration of a sterile lab bench with glassware, representing advanced design for scientific research facilities. — Portland-based firm Mackenzie has launched a dedicated Laboratory Planning and Design practice to support research, education, and public safety facilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mackenzie has officially launched a new Laboratory Planning and Design practice in Portland. This expansion provides comprehensive planning services for research, education, technology, and public safety facilities.

Why it matters

The firm established this practice to address rising organizational investment in technological and scientific advancement. It aims to bridge the gap between facility design and complex operational requirements.

The new practice centers on lab programming and workflow guidance, drawing on nearly 40 years of industry experience held by lead planner Genie Filipowicz.

The players

Mackenzie

An architecture and design firm headquartered in Portland that provides multi-disciplinary services for public and private sector projects.

Genie Filipowicz

A veteran laboratory planner with nearly 40 years of experience who joins the firm to lead the new design practice.

The details

Mackenzie now provides integrated laboratory planning from project inception through final occupancy, collaborating with owners and other design firms. This approach focuses on optimizing user engagement and operational workflows across research and healthcare environments.

October 13, 2026: Mackenzie announced the launch of the new practice and the hiring of Genie Filipowicz.

The Big Picture

This development aligns with the rise in regional infrastructure investment for high-tech research facilities, signaling a strategic move to capture market share in specialized facility design.

Local organizations seeking to develop or renovate research spaces will now have access to specialized operational planning services throughout the construction process. This integration may streamline facility delivery for healthcare and technology stakeholders in the region.

The takeaway

The addition of this service highlights the increasing complexity required for modern research environments. Organizations planning new facilities should prioritize integrated design workflows to ensure space functionality matches scientific operational needs.