Insights Category: People

Seong-Il Ahn Joins TRIA as Senior Associate, Technical Director

Date

June 9, 2023

Seong-Il Ahn, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Associate, Technical Director

TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science and technology and corporate clients, announced today that Seong Il- Ahn, AIA. LEED AP, has joined the firm as Senior Associate, Technical Director. Seong brings over 20 years of highly specialized and award-winning design experience to TRIA. His technical background, paired with his wealth of knowledge and leadership will allow TRIA the opportunity for continued growth and success. As the Technical Director for TRIA, Seong, will be responsible for firm-wide technical quality review and quality management, developing and maintaining firm wide technical standards, providing leadership and mentorship to staff and contributing to firm operations as an advisor on design.

“Seong’s extensive technical design experience and passion for finding creative design solutions will facilitate TRIA’s continued ability to deliver the best product to our clients,” said Sherwood Butler, President & CEO of TRIA. “Seong will work together with our principals and design teams to mentor and teach best design practices continuing to establish TRIA as a leader in holistic design.”

About TRIA
TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond.

Lab Design With Scientists in Mind

Date

May 15, 2023

“Because I can understand what the end users are explaining about the day-to-day activities, I know where the pain points are, what works for them, and what they are looking for without repetitively asking. I can pick up functional deficiencies in a current lab that could pose challenges.” Said Senior Lab Planner, Chris Graul

TRIA, a principal-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science, technology and corporate clients, recently completed the design of Abata Therapeutics’ new 24,000-square-foot lab and office located in a new building in Watertown, MA.

The finished space gives Abata’s scientists a functional, flexible place that supports productive work, collaboration and focus. Reflective of its name, which means “tranquil” in one language and “it’s a quiet place” in another, Abata’s lab is graced with floor-to-ceiling windows, so scientists, who are discovering new therapies, can peer out to a tranquil park, with trees and the Charles River.

For this company’s lab manager, the process of getting there, designed during the tumultuous pandemic, was surprisingly smooth and peaceful. Choosing a firm that has dedicated scientists on staff proved to be a good strategy. A lab planner’s primary goal is to ensure efficient workflows that serve the end user. Acting as a communicative, collaborative partner who can provide trusted expertise, and understand and share the values, TRIA’s lab planner was able to nurture the company’s culture of innovation.

Creating a new lab in a new space while also overseeing day-to-day business operations, Abata’s lab manager wanted a firm that could provide a high level of confidence. TRIA’s Senior Lab Planner Chris Graul, a former scientist with 20-plus years in the lab, has a unique perspective developed from years of sitting behind the bench and knows that examining the form and function of their new space would lead to improved execution.

Looking through the lens of a scientist, Chris’s first task is to understand the unique workflow, which is key to the functionality and efficiency of the lab. He often asks, what angles are conducive for moving experimental components throughout the day? Does the path of travel make sense? He makes considerations that are often overlooked, for example, storage, logistics, and where to place biological waste barrels.

Scientists’ experience with space organization and practical features cannot be overlooked. Chris explains it as “living in a lab, you have to constantly adapt to changing personnel, specific work that you are doing, and equipment that might be new or changing – often making the most out of the space that you have.” This is why TRIA provides spaces that can be adaptable. There’s a good idea of how the space would be used, but no one can predict the nuances of how individuals and teams work and interact if the science is changing. Knowing what’s available and having good partnerships with vendors also allow design elements to be scalable to accommodate growth.

After serving as an Associate Director of Lab Operations for over a decade, Chris recognizes that group parity is also important. When Abata’s facility manager realized the list of wants and needs exceeded space and budgets, Chris was able to help make concessions without changing the functionality and efficiency of the lab.

TRIA is confident that Abata’s new space will help them to achieve their long-term goals.

About TRIA
TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond.

TRIA Helping Unite Lab Operations & Facilities Management Specialists at the Lab Facilities Summit

Date

February 6, 2023

Jon Romig, Senior Associate & Senior Lab Planner

TRIA is proud to be partnering with the Lab Facilities Summit on March 23, 2023 in Boston.

Ever changing regulations, aggressive sustainability goals, limited space and budget, complex stakeholder groups, facilities management and digital transformation are just some of the challenges faced by the Life Sciences industry in today’s environment.

These factors are forcing laboratory owners, users, and managers to focus on long term vision and change the way they design, plan, build, and retrofit buildings to ensure lab facilities are future-proof and occupant centric.

However, in such a complex environment, with multiple internal and external stakeholders, all with competing priorities, balancing vision, resources, infrastructure, and technology is critical.

To help these life science and biopharma organizations overcome their challenges, TRIA will be exhibiting their innovative solutions and providing insights to attendees and expert speakers to aid them in creating lab facilities of the future.

Jonathon Romig, Senior Associate, Senior Lab Planner, will be featured as a key expert speaker during his roundtable on ‘Utilizing Technology for Right Sizing, Planning, and Maintaining Operations in Lab Facilities’ alongside heads of lab operations and facilities management at the event.

TRIA’s booth will also provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to see how the organization’s architecture and design solutions can solve their challenges.

Other speakers from leading operators sharing their insights include:

  • Kimberly Dougherty, Sr Director, Facilities & Operations, Atalanta Therapeutics
  • Partha Krishnan, Deputy Director, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Sanofi
  • Demet Aybar, Director of Facilities, Lab Ops and EHS, Strand Therapeutics
  • Jake Haworth, Associate Director of Operations, Moderna
  • Krisha Panchalingam, Senior Manager Lab Operations, Abata Therapeutics
  • Anthony Navarro, Head of Facilities & Lab Operations, Evelo Biosciences
  • Divya Krishnamurthy, Director, R&D Ops and Risk Management, Lyndra Therapeutics

Join TRIA at the Lab Facilities Summit to hear best practice strategies to plan, design, and manage future-proofed, occupant-centric, agile and sustainable lab facilities.

Find out more and register using our 15% discount code PARTNER15  click here.

TRIA Promotes Timothy Nistler to Associate Principal & Director of Project Management

Date

January 17, 2023

Timothy Nistler, Associate Principal & Director of Project Management

BOSTON – TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science, technology, and corporate clients, announced today that Timothy Nistler has been promoted to Associate Principal and Director of Project Management. Overseeing a team of project managers, Timothy will work closely with the leadership team to manage the design process, incorporating creative solutions for efficiency, quality, and a premiere client experience.

“Timothy’s innate ability to connect teams and facilitate a consistent and streamlined design process will be fundamental for several new initiatives we are employing,” said Sherwood Butler. President & CEO of TRIA. “He brings a depth of experience and a proven track record of exceptional client service and organization. Timothy has developed strategies that engage and empower teams to work cohesively to design truly exceptional workplaces.”

A trained architect, Timothy brings over 15 years of architectural project management experience to his new role. Serving a variety of high-profile clients in the life science, healthcare, tech and corporate workplace markets, Timothy’s attention to detail makes him a sought-after resource. He prides himself on actively being a part of the day-to-day project activities, understanding the goals and requirements, and bringing people together for the collective success of the project. When working on a project with Tim, clients, consultants and co-workers all experience his enthusiasm and ability to effortlessly connect and organize a consistent and effective approach.

“We are excited to promote Timothy to this new role. His organizational skills and big picture approach will enable us to be even more innovative and efficient in designing bespoke spaces for our clients. Like all of us at TRIA, Tim is inspired by our clients’ missions and the drive to get lifesaving treatments to patients.” said Marilyn Shen, NCIDQ, LEED Green Associate, Managing Principal.

Timothy  received a Bachelor of Architecture from Boston Architectural College. He is a licensed architect and a LEED green associate. Timothy served as an adjunct professor for environmental systems for 10 years at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and he is committed to sustainable design and environmental conservation.

About TRIA
TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance new discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond. Visit us on the web at https://tria.design

Aline Trindade Named Senior Associate, Director of Interiors

Date

September 29, 2022

Aline Trindade

Aline Trindade

TRIA, a principal-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science, technology, and corporate clients, is pleased to announce that Aline Trindade, IIDA, ASID, NCIDQ, has been promoted to Senior Associate, Director of Interiors. An award-winning interior designer, Aline has demonstrated excellence in implementing client brand, strategic planning, design, and construction. Aline’s leadership style inspires the entire company with confidence and insight that drives distinction.

As Director of Interiors, Aline will oversee TRIA’s overall interior design strategy, implementing our clients’ visions and goals in their spaces. She will partner with leadership to further develop and refine TRIA’s holistic design process, keeping TRIA aligned with the demands of the market. Aline will leverage her overall design approach and attention to detail to ensure that each of TRIA’s bespoke designs is of the highest quality. She will continue to work closely with TRIA’s designers to further develop their skills, being a mentor in best design practices.

“We are fortunate to have Aline leading TRIA’s interior design. She is genuine in her approach and listens to our clients in order to create spaces that align with their mission and goals. We recognize her ability to leverage the skills of other designers–translating our clients’ visions into inspiring and thought-provoking research-based workplaces. She is an absolute delight to partner with and I look forward to continuing to work with Aline to deliver a great experience and design to our clients,” said Marilyn Shen, Managing Principal, IIDA, LEED, NCIDQ.

Aline brings over 20 years of versatile design experience, including life sciences, hospitality, retail, and luxury residential projects. She has creatively master-minded innovative design solutions for both new and centuries old construction across the globe.

Aline earned her Master of Interior of Design from ULBRA Lutheran University, Brazil, and her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Urbanism from UniRitter, Brazil.

About TRIA

TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance new discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond.

TRIA Names Marilyn Shen Managing Principal

Founding partners Sherwood Butler and Jeannie Thacker move into strategic roles

Date

September 22, 2022

Staff Bio

Marilyn, Sherwood & Jeannie at the 2022 ISPE Product Show.

BOSTON – September 22, 2022 – TRIA, a principal-led architecture firm with a focus on designing bespoke research-based workplaces for life sciences and technology clients, announced today that Marilyn Shen has been promoted to Managing Principal. Moving forward, founding partner Sherwood Butler will serve as CEO & President and founding partner Jeannie Thacker will become the firm’s Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer.

“We founded TRIA seven years ago to practice the science of architecture. By combining a deep understanding of the unique needs of science-based organizations with decades of experience constructing spaces and places that enable those organizations to meet their goals, we disrupted the industry,” said Sherwood. “With our new roles, we are setting ourselves up to continue to be leaders in the industry, delivering innovative and high-quality designs to the Boston market and beyond.”

TRIA’s principal-driven approach puts its leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, enabling direct, honest, and open dialogue throughout every stage of the design process. Since its foundation, in 2015, TRIA has designed over 12 million square feet of holistic lab and office spaces for some of the leading names in biotech, including Moderna, Vertex, ElevateBio, and CRISPR.

Marilyn has over 20 years of experience focusing on building better workplace environments. She has partnered closely with key stakeholders to understand organizations’ goals and requirements by developing solutions that advance workplace initiatives, driving positive culture change and outcomes.  She joined TRIA in 2021 as Principal and Director of Integrated Design, with a focus on workplace. She was hired to focus on organizational culture, change management, workplace strategy, and diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI). In her new role as Managing Principal, Marilyn will be responsible for the overall management of the firm, supervising staff and overseeing the development of TRIA’s architectural designs. Additionally, she will work with staff to foster an inclusive workplace built on TRIA’s core values: authenticity, empathy, innovation, rigor, and trust.

“Our new organizational structure will allow us to continue to grow the firm – both through developing talent to provide best-in-class service and design, as well as forging new client relationships,” said Marilyn. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the company and look forward to working with Sherwood and Jeannie and all of our employees to take TRIA to the next level.”

In his new role as CEO & President, Sherwood will provide leadership for all aspects of the company’s operations with an emphasis on long-term goals and growth. Sherwood will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the leadership team. As CEO & President, he will promote the overall mission and goals of TRIA while encouraging the continued development of a high performing managerial team. Sherwood has gained the loyalty and trust from TRIA’s clients, with over 90% repeat business. In his new role, he will continue to nurture existing client relationships while looking at strategic opportunities to develop new ones.

Having held senior research positions with Harvard Medical School and The Takeda Pharmaceutical Company before becoming an architect, Jeannie provides high-level leadership for TRIA’s science and technology projects, bringing equal parts scientific rigor and client service that result in innovative design solutions. Over the past seven years, she has developed tools and techniques for planning and designing state-of-the-art facilities that have now become industry standards in the Boston market. In her new role, she will focus on innovation, continuing to refine TRIA’s holistic evidence-based design approach that sets TRIA apart from other architecture firms. She will focus on the rigor of the data collecting process as well as the quality of designs to provide the best user experience for clients who are making life changing discoveries.

About TRIA
TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts TRIA’s leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. TRIA’s lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. TRIA designs spaces that enable business success and advance new discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond.

TRIA Welcomes Emma Pina as Director of Operations

Date

March 10, 2022

Staff Bio

Emma Pina, Director of Operations

TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science and technology and corporate clients, welcomes Emma Pina as Director of Operations. Her wealth of knowledge and leadership in project management will allow TRIA the opportunity for continued growth and success in the life sciences sector.

“As our firm continues to support the demand for work and lab spaces for organizations and their scientific discoveries, it became evident that we needed a leader who is charismatic and effective. She shares our values of authenticity, empathy, innovation, rigor, and trust, and I am convinced that with Emma at the helm of our operation overseeing efficient processes, TRIA will continue to focus on enabling our clients’ growth with unique design solutions,” said Principal and Co-founder Jeannie Thacker, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C.

Emma brings over 10 years of global management experience in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. She has a proven track record of achievements with project planning and management that extends to real estate site selection, brokerage, market research, and operational strategies and growth.

As co-chair for the Mentorship program at Professional Women in Construction (PWC), she champions employee support and development with creative workplace strategies.

Emma received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

About TRIA

TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance new discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond.

TRIA Launches an Associates Program

Founded in 2015, TRIA has designed more than 10,000,000 square feet of lab and office space, striving to integrate people, science and technology into one workplace and one culture. In TRIA’s sixth year of business we are thrilled to launch our Associates Program. TRIA has selected a group of individuals who have each shown a drive and desire to continually push their own knowledge and development as well as the development and growth of the firm. Together these Associates and Senior Associates will help TRIA to perfect their craft while continuing to be an industry leader, designing holistic lab and office workspaces. Please join us in congratulating them on their accomplishments.

Senior Associates
Associates Program

TRIA is Growing!

TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science and technology and corporate clients, is excited to announce the expansion of their team with the recent hiring of seven new architectural professionals.

As the life science market continues to grow, so does the TRIA team. The recent additions will allow TRIA to meet market demands while continuing to design award winning state of the art facilities for both existing and new clients.

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TRIA welcomes the following new hires:

Reaz Haque, Senior Project Architect
A graduate of MIT, Reaz comes to TRIA with over 35 years of experience specializing in both healthcare and life science industries. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of projects, including laboratories, medical facilities, mixed-use, and transportation. At TRIA, he leverages his breadth of experience to develop innovative and creative solutions to complex challenges, leading the project design process.

Rob Winters, Senior Project Manager
Rob comes to TRIA with extensive experience managing project teams through all phases of the design process. His experience spans several different industries, including life sciences, healthcare, academic and civic projects. At TRIA, Rob is responsible for leading client management, project coordination and internal staffing, while infusing his expertise into ongoing projects. Rob is passionate about collaboration and creating an environment that is both empowering and encouraging for clients and team members alike.

Aline Trindade, Senior Interior Designer
Aline is an accomplished interior designer with over 20 years of experience.  She has delivered innovative and award-winning design solutions on high-profile projects across the globe successfully leading them from concept to completion. At TRIA, Aline is focused on corporate interiors, working closely with the lab planning team to holistically design each client’s unique workspace.

David Bernier, Project Designer
David brings to TRIA over 25 years of commercial design experience spanning several industries, including life sciences, commercial retail, mixed-used redevelopment, and residential design. Having served roles as both a designer and previously a project manager, he has a unique insight on the design process across all project phases. At TRIA, David brings a deep understanding on the importance of collaboration and project coordination to develop innovative design solutions.

Prodipta Chatterjee, Designer II
Prodipta joins TRIA with 5 years of experience spanning several sectors including life sciences, healthcare and corporate interiors. Her design is shaped by her passion for creating efficient and creative solutions. At TRIA, she strives to deliver exceptional quality work specifically suited for each client’s satisfaction.

Fabiane Soares, Designer II
Fabiane has extensive experience in the design and development of corporate interiors as well as core and shell buildings, specializing in lighting and interior design. Fabiane is inspired by her Brazilian roots where she brings her love for urban design to TRIA.

Yuliya Mursuli, Designer I
A recent graduate of Florida International University where she received her Master of Architecture Yuliya brings her passion for technology to her work at TRIA. She is firm believer in building a better future through innovative technologies and that small incremental changes can have a sizable impact.

ABOUT TRIA

TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance new discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond.

TRIA Welcomes Marilyn Shen as Principal and Director of Integrated Design, Workplace

Date

March 22, 2021

Marilyn Shen

Marilyn Shen

Experienced strategic workplace designer joins leadership team

BOSTON – 3/22/2021 – TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on designing unique spaces for science and technology and corporate clients, announced today that Marilyn Shen has joined the firm as a Principal and Director of Integrated Design, Workplace. Overseeing a team of interior designers, Marilyn will work closely with the leadership team to expand the company and client base. Marilyn and Edwin Hargrave, AIA, Associate Principal and Director of Integrated Design, Science & Technology will work together to coordinate holistic design across lab and office.

“Marilyn brings a depth of experience and a proven track record of exceptional client service and attention to detail. She has developed strategies that engage, educate, and empower organizations and employees to design compelling workplace environments,” said Sherwood Butler, co-founder and managing principal of TRIA. “Working together, Marilyn and Edwin will lead our integrated design process which ensures a sense of community throughout design and guarantees culture-centric, functional spaces that promote interactive discovery.”

With over 15 years of experience focusing on building a better workplace environment for organizations and employees, Marilyn brings a unique perspective to TRIA’s lab planning, programming, and design approach. She has partnered closely with leadership teams and key stakeholders to understand goals and requirements, and to develop solutions that advance workplace initiatives and drive positive culture change and outcomes. Marilyn will leverage this experience both within TRIA and with the firm’s clients.

“We are excited to welcome Marilyn to the TRIA family. Her background not only complements our unique integrated approach, but her vision and analytical thinking will enable us to be even more innovative in designing bespoke spaces for our clients.  Like all of us at TRIA, Marilyn is also truly inspired by our clients’ missions and the drive to get lifesaving treatments to patients,” said Jeannie Thacker, AIA, NCARB, and LEED AP BD+C, co-founder and principal at TRIA.

For the past 15 years, Marilyn served in increasingly strategic roles at Visnick & Caufield Associates. Most recently, she was a Principal and Workplace Experience & Strategy Lead where she focused on organizational culture, change management, workplace strategy, and diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI).

Marilyn received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Organizational Psychology with a minor in Art from Wellesley College and a Master of Arts in Interior Architecture from the New England School of Art and Design (NESAD) at Suffolk University. She is a LEED Green Associate, a Certified Professional Culture Facilitator, and NCIDQ certified.

About TRIA

TRIA is a full-service architecture firm that values client relationships above all. The firm’s principal-driven approach puts our leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, working together to envision success, solve problems and deliver exceptional results. Our lab design and corporate interiors teams strive to learn every client’s unique DNA, and by doing so, we create efficient and energizing spaces that reflect a company’s culture and foster innovation. At TRIA, we design spaces that enable business success and advance new discoveries – in the lab, around the office, and beyond. Visit us on the web at https://tria.design and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.