Insights Category: People

Skilled life sciences planner brings extensive experience to the firm’s design leadership team

BOSTON – May 21, 2020 – TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on science and technology organizations bringing new discoveries to the market, is pleased to announce that Edwin Hargrave, AIA, has been promoted to Associate Principal, Director of Integrated Design, Science and Technology. Edwin holds more than 30 years of experience in programming, lab planning, and design of complex research and teaching science facilities focused on discovery and collaboration, from programming through construction to completion.

TRIA leverages its own research practitioner experience and first-hand knowledge of scientific organizations to bring equal parts scientific rigor and focused client service that result in innovative design solutions. Edwin will join Lucianna Lucarelli Scordo, who has been named Associate Principal, Director of Integrated Design, Interior Design, in further establishing TRIA as a leader in the design of life sciences facilities focused on discovery. Edwin and Lucianna will holistically lead TRIA’s design team, ensuring the delivery of integrated research spaces and interior design, transforming spaces into beautiful, functional research communities that help companies thrive.

“Edwin’s extensive experience in managing the design process for complex science facilities has been pivotal in TRIA’s continued ability to deliver the best product to our clients,” said Sherwood Butler, Managing Principal of TRIA. “His attention to detail and successful execution has resulted in functional and culture-centric designs for our clients. Edwin will work hand-in-hand with Lucianna, continuing to establish TRIA as a leader in the holistic design of life sciences facilities. We are thrilled to see our colleagues grow with our company and look forward to Edwin’s continued contributions.”

Edwin’s portfolio includes Ivy League institutions such as Yale and Dartmouth College, and other notable academic research facilities such as the University of Virginia and Tufts University. Edwin received a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and has received multiple awards for his designs, including the AIA New England Merit Awards for Design Excellence, and Lab of the Year in recognition of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

About TRIA

TRIA practices the science of architecture. We combine 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. Using a principal-driven approach, we partner closely with clients to enable business success and advance new discoveries, in the lab and across the organization. Visit us on the web at http://tria.design/ and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

What is the best advice you received?

The best advice I received from one of my coworkers was that I should say my opinions out loud – and not to be afraid to think. It might sound like a cliché but in the beginning of the internship everything is a bit intimidating. The higher-ups seem like unreachable authorities and you often find yourself blindly following orders, not understanding what is going on. If no one asks, it can be nerve-wracking to share your opinion as an intern – but as I became friends with my coworkers, that dissipated. It is good to double check things, speak up, ask for clarification and contribute to the discussions. You might be surprised how much people appreciate hearing your opinion. It helps you learn and grow to participate in design decision making.

What is your favorite part of the job?

In the beginning I was often jumping around between projects, not knowing what they were about and only helping with small parts. After couple of weeks I was assigned to a project that I continued working on for the rest of my internship. I think it is worth mentioning that by working with one team consistently in pursuit of a common design made me feel very included. I am very glad to have contributed to the project and seeing it progress as we worked together – it was one of my favorite feelings.

What is a notable challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

There were multiple challenges I faced with this internship, such as living in a new environment and getting to experience a different way of life across the “pond” (where imperial system rules all.) However, I must admit, the welcoming atmosphere at TRIA made the process of settling down much easier. I had never worked in such a large office, and I appreciated that there was always something to do, whether it was the lunch and learns, or the various events TRIA hosted. I think the biggest challenge for me was to level up my Revit skills, in addition to understanding the professional architectural terminology. Even though I don’t have any problem on a communications level, some terminology regarding our profession can be tricky if you’ve never used it before. But what I liked about TRIA is that an answer is only one question away and everyone is willing to help.

Has working at TRIA changed your opinion of your field of study? How?

I’ve never worked in a company that specialized in a specific type of project. But from this experience it became clear that architects hold a lot more responsibility than just the initial sketch of a design. In school, they talk about the profession almost philosophically, as though the design is paramount and a direct path to a Pritzker prize – but in reality you have to go through the steps and work to actualize your idea. There are a lot of different components and I learned that opportunities with this profession are endless. There isn’t only one way to go.

What do you wish you had more exposure to during your time here?

From the beginning of my internship I really wanted to go out to a site visit and see the progress of a project. That only happened once during my stay here and that was probably the only thing I wish I had a chance to experience more often. That one time I went to the project site I learned so much and I really believe that if I had a chance to visit the site I was working on for two months, it would have helped me understand the project more. It helps illustrate our design when you see it in person versus just on a piece of paper.

What is your fondest TRIA-related memory?

One of my fondest memories of TRIA would be the night out at the IIDA Fashion Show. I loved seeing the team enjoying each other’s company outside of the office and work on something that unites them even more. Because the fashion show wasn’t only one night, it followed many evenings of hard work on costumes and time spent together. But TRIA offered events and opportunities throughout the whole year that made getting to know your coworkers much easier. I loved spending time with my colleagues at Lunch and Learns, the Thanksgiving lunch, volunteering for Christmas decorating the Italian Home for Children, and the TRIA holiday party.

What is the best advice you received?

Working in the “real world” is totally different from my experience in school and this internship allowed me to see how architects really work. It’s not only about designing aesthetic spaces – the work must match the client’s needs. By assisting with multiple projects, I realized how extensive the process behind each project is; even though all the moving parts were a bit much at first, it challenged me to learn and expand outside of areas I had previously worked in. The TRIA team was always very helpful and kindly gave me advice on matters my education didn’t cover. It wasn’t necessarily any one piece of advice in particular, but over my time here everyone has imparted a little bit of their experience to me.

What is your favorite part of the job?

On Friday mornings, everyone has breakfast together and shares stories, which helped me to meet everyone when I first started. Comparing it to experience in Thailand, the office is much more close-knit – like a small family. The culture here is very friendly and fun but still manages to maintain a good balance of professionalism. At first, I was worried to ask questions because I was so inexperienced and didn’t want to bother anyone with stupid questions, however, everyone was very supportive and encouraging when I was exploring new topics and didn’t understand something. By surrounding myself with the years of experience here and witnessing the design process, I‘ve been able to delve into many new topics I would not have otherwise been exposed to. The Lunch and Learn especially has been super helpful: I learned a lot about lab designing, code plans, equipment matrixes, etc., which I couldn’t learn from school.

What is a notable challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Working on multiple projects at once without proper organizational strategies was confusing at first. I had to learn how to assess each project in terms of how much work it required and the urgency of the deadline to efficiently plan my weeks and days. At first, working with the design team, I was scared to share my opinion but after a week of working at TRIA I became more confident, because people would listen and continue to develop my thought process. I realized that even though I have less experience than others my opinion is important, because I gain more experience discussing it, and this will make me a better architect in the future. Gaining this confidence also helped when it came to my workload: as small as it sounds, I learned not to just say yes to anyone with a new job, but rather, to tell them that I would get to them as soon as I had completed the task at hand.

Has working at TRIA changed your opinion of your field of study? How?

I thought that being an architect meant designing spaces based on your personal preferences but after working here, I realize that most of the design depends on what clients prefer. Sometimes, I feel frustrated that we need to keep changing the drawings, but I remind myself to be patient, and that the iterations offer further design experience and will make me a better architect. When I return to school, I think this experience will continue to influence me, because I am more likely to create multiple options for an assignment and compare them, rather than complete a single design I like.

What do you wish you had more exposure to during your time here?

I wish I could have focused on one project, rather than jumping around so much, because I would have liked to deepen my understanding of how the schematic design process plays out. However, I also learned a lot from balancing multiple projects, since I got to see many different designs and solve new problems for each project. Moreover, I had the opportunity to work with everyone in the firm, which will make my work with other teams in the future easier.

What is your fondest TRIA-related memory?

The TRIA team made me feel welcomed and comfortable from day one, and I feel super thankful for everyone that kindly helped me develop my architectural and professional skills. I really like how people treat each other in this firm and take the time to sit down and get to know each other more. It’s been a huge opportunity for me to work overseas in the architectural field, and I’ve enjoyed it a lot.

What is a skill you learned or honed while working at TRIA?

Revit – though Google helped a lot with the small questions on the way. I definitely got better at presenting projects and the process behind them, as well as the details behind construction. I was a part of client meetings, and actively participated in TRIA meetings, which made me feel like I was part of the team, not just an intern.

What is the best advice you received?

The best advice I received was to not undersell myself as an intern and offer my voice if I have any input on a project, as it never hurts to make a suggestion. When I started as an intern at TRIA, I felt I was only here to complete menial tasks that needed to get done. I was surprised when designers asked for my opinion on projects or to pick out materials myself but grew more confident as I became more familiar with the design process. I’m grateful to those who reminded me that everyone starts somewhere, often as an intern themselves, and that its okay to still be learning the ins and outs of the field.

What is your favorite part of the job?

I really enjoyed watching the designers work, as well as being a part of the collaborative design process that takes place here at TRIA. Hearing and seeing all the different parts that go into a completed project was incredibly informative and getting to participate in these conversations was a truly valuable experience. The people who work here have such a passion for their field and produce amazing work; I was able to learn so much from working with the teams. Everything is always subject to change, and often I would see designers relying on their instincts to stay flexible and keep the project moving forward, regardless of any unforeseen events.

What is a notable challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Coming into TRIA, I had little experience with the design software used throughout the firm, which limited my ability to assist with specific tasks. I was surprised to learn that much of the staff here had been able to learn the program themselves through experience as an intern and they always made the time to offer insight and assistance as I worked through the learning curve.

Has working at TRIA changed your opinion of your field of study? How?

As an art student, I’ve mostly studied architecture in the context of movements and periods that were defined by the external appearance of a structure. Seeing how art and design can be applied to the interiors has given me a more holistic understanding of the field. So many tiny details go into creating a cohesive space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, many of which I have only just begun to understand. Both the architecture and the design of a space influence each other: a good space has a closely linked process where neither is left to the wayside, and I have found it fascinating to witness that process. Additionally, I’ve caught myself noticing architectural and design details in my day to day life and relating it back to what I have learned here, and how I might have done it differently.

What do you wish you had more exposure to during your time here?

As my time here was relatively short, most of the projects I worked on were underway when I arrived and will still be in progress when I leave. I would’ve loved to see what the very beginning stages of a project looked like, and how the overall direction of the design was decided on. It would’ve also been great to be able to see any of the projects to completion and see how everyone’s hard work manifests itself in the final product. Hopefully, as a Boston native, I’ll get the chance to see one of the spaces sometime in the future.

What is your fondest TRIA-related memory?

I’ve really enjoyed the experience of working with the team in the satellite office on the 7^th floor and have many good memories of that space. The creative energy in that environment is very strong and listening to music and chatting while we work has been a generally enjoyable experience. I also really enjoyed the screening of Jurassic Park for the fashion show project.

What is a skill you learned or honed while working at TRIA?

Besides learning Revit, I’ve been able to hone my own design skills and narrow in on an aesthetic that suits my personal style. I was always amazed when people would approach me while working on a project and could tell who had designed the space just by the look of it. It’s forced me to think about how different design factors interact, especially considering how heavily we prioritize the client’s wishes and needs, and yet a designer’s aesthetic still manages to shine through. I’ve seen the value of individualizing your work to showcase your strengths as a designer, which I believe will be crucial going forward into my career.

What is the best advice you received?

TRIA is a fast-paced environment where the work demands can change quite drastically from day to day, especially as an intern. I was told not to be afraid to ask others at TRIA for help, as it’s best to confirm when you are in doubt. Everyone always made sure to take a moment to answer my questions, and it was important to them that I not only understood the how, but also the why.

What is your favorite part of the job?

The flexibility that comes along with it. For example, you could change locations to sit on the 7^th floor, an open office setting with music, or you could stay downstairs in a normal office setting. You have the freedom to move around instead of sitting all day, which helps break up routine. It also helps encourage work across teams and disciplines and fosters conversations that I might not have otherwise had.

Another favorite aspect of my work here is the variation I experienced depending on my role on the team. I got the chance to be part of lab design, interior finishes selection, equipment selection, and I even assisted in drafting contracts. As a result, I am more aware of the responsibilities of an architecture firm, and how different skills are applied.

What is a notable challenge you faced, and how did you overcome it?

Jumping from project to project was difficult at first, as I wasn’t certain how to prioritize the work I was given. However, developing better communication skills with teams and continuously filling my team in about where I stood allowed me to overcome that. It certainly became a team effort to be more organized and cohesive as well, which helped develop my own management skills in turn.

Has working at TRIA changed your opinion of your field of study? How?

I’ve seen how the TRIA team constantly accommodates the clients’ needs, especially the interiors’ team. It puts things in perspective, the difference between a final product and the continuous iterations that still look professional and end-game. Working with and seeing how our Senior Interior Designers handle presentations and their mind process regarding it really sets an example on how you’re expected to deliver in the real world. You need to put your personal bias and preferences about a space to the side, and really try to see the space as the client does. It opens up a whole new perspective, and often leads to fascinating results.

What do you wish you had more exposure to during your time here?

To see the end results of the projects I’ve worked on would have been nice. Due to the time limitations of my internship, however, none of the projects I worked on are completed yet. I would have liked to see how everything came together and how my work contributed to the space as a whole.

What is your fondest TRIA-related memory?

Coming to work to see Betty the dog.

What is a skill you learned or honed while working at TRIA?

I can now develop my own Revit families. I also have a better understanding of lab planning and lab equipment and the emergency standards required for them. I am more familiar with room types such as freezer farms and cold rooms. During my time here, I’ve been exposed to so many new projects and ways of thinking that I am now coming away with bits and pieces of new information across the board.

What is the best advice you received?

Probably the best advice I received was to be patient with the design programs, etc. that are used in the office and not to be deflated when you hit a standstill after having great success. It is easy to get comfortable and overestimate your abilities, and then when something doesn’t work, it’s frustrating. If you just take a moment though, you realize people have run into the same problem before – TRIA has a good atmosphere where no one is unapproachable. Nothing is insurmountable, and help is always available; you just have to be willing to ask.

What is your favorite part of the job?

I am pleased that the scope of work available to me has been wide. My time here wasn’t spent making copies or getting coffee; I was included when we were talking to project managers, or the Director of Operations about drawings, deliverables, and how the project was to move forward. I was given authority and responsibility over my tasks and trusted to get the job done without having someone hover over me. I participated in an onsite survey to measure equipment and spaces, but TRIA also organized an educational outing, where we went to the site of a refurbished lab space. It helped put projects into perspective and made the theoretical practical.

What is a notable challenge you faced?

Revit. TRIA has far surpassed any class, module, or lecture series I have ever had with regards to Revit/BIM – to be honest, I was not particularly fond of the program initially. Not long after I arrived at TRIA, however, my least favorite design software actually became my preferred. I learned to be more methodical in my application, and to see the program as a 3D spreadsheet. Using Revit everyday and constantly learning more about it will be invaluable to my architectural career going forward.

Has working at TRIA changed your opinion of your field of study? How?

In college, architecture was theoretical, almost poetical. We learned about famous architects, people who changed the game. You had the timeline from primitive architectural form to now; it all seemed a bit abstract at times. You were free to do what you wanted with a design – if the professor liked it, you were golden. But working here, the client becomes the priority: you can create something you think is great, but if the client doesn’t like it, then it doesn’t matter. While in college, you could easily work as an individual, but working here has prioritized group cohesion. We work with all the different groups of people who contribute to a building, and TRIA has taught me that there are many facets of architecture that can be extremely specialized. It has opened a whole new avenue regarding lab design and the biotech industry for me. TRIA reinforces that lab design isn’t generic, one type does not suit all.

What do you wish you had more exposure to during your time here?

I would have liked to sit in on a design team meeting for a larger project had my time here been longer. Often, I would receive documents that had already been revised, and just needed to be built. I would have liked to sit in on conversations to understand the design decisions in more depth: how do you get the end product, what is prioritized, etc. Nevertheless, I’ve gotten more exposure than I had initially anticipated, so I am delighted with that.

What is your fondest TRIA related memory?

Some of the fondest memories were the TRIA outings. I really admire their focus on maintaining a good work-life balance. The Commodore Dodgeball Competition is one I will not be forgetting anytime soon. It happened 3 days after I joined TRIA, and everyone was incredibly welcoming. It made me feel involved, and like I was part of the team. The event allowed me to see a bunch of other construction, architectural. and engineering offices in Boston; and I saw a lot of interns my age, who shared my field of study. I didn’t realize there were so many of us – it is comforting to know I wasn’t the only one facing the questions and challenges I have since come across.

Article originally appeared in Laboratory Design on September 28, 2016.

Laboratory Design spoke with Jeannie Pierce Thacker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, principal and co-founder of Boston-based architectural practice TRIA. Her ability to speak “scientist” helps to establish initial trust and early project consensus that affords additional opportunities for improved function, design and goal alignment on even the most technical projects.

How did you get into your field?

I used to be an end user in the lab! I have an undergraduate degree in Biology and landed my first job as a researcher in Cambridge, the biggest biotech hotbed in the world. Over the better part of a decade, I moved from a small research manufacturing company, to Harvard Medical School, to Takeda (then Millennium Pharmaceuticals). From these positions, I gained an amazing amount of firsthand experience about everything from R&D, to manufacturing, academia and drug pipelines. I knew I needed to get an advanced degree in order to further my career. But I was also feeling disconnected from patients while working at the bench. I had been the point person for several lab moves and liaised between the user group and A/E/C teams, and thought, “if I could start over again, I’d be an architect.” And then I found a way to do exactly that! And I’ve been specializing in lab design ever since. I love creating spaces that are scientist centric and help to keep the researchers motivated and connected to their core mission.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned in your career?

The most surprising thing that I’ve learned from my experience is how much I did not know about how labs function as an end user. During one of our lab moves, I remember going on the walkthrough of our new space a few days before our move. I pointed to a fume hood and said, we have been talking and decided it would be best if this was over there instead, can you move that?” The contractor’s reply was a hearty laugh. I didn’t know that the fume hood was a monument and all the intricacies of exhaust, gasses, and electrical grounding that were involved. I only knew it as the proper place to conduct a specific assay or use noxious chemicals. As an end user, the functionality of the lab is all about work flow-supply, prep, and equipment locations. While on the design side, the functionality is hidden in ceilings, walls, penthouses etc., all unseen and unknown to the end users.

What do you consider the highlight of your career?

Co-founding TRIA! My career has been on a great trajectory, albeit a unique one. That success has been mostly due to a core philosophy of focusing on the client and building a strong partnership. When that connection is made, there is a responsibility to do meaningful work, and therefore great design. At the end of the project, there is no break-up, but rather a solid foundation to support a long-term relationship. At TRIA, we have built the firm on this innate mission: to value client relationships above all. It’s who we are, what we do, and what sets us apart. What’s amazing too is that this tenet has drawn together such a talented group of people. The dynamic and energy in our office is so motivating and I feel so fortunate to be part of this incredible team. Also the encouragement and support that we have had from our clients and partners is better than I ever could have imagined.

If you could give just one piece of advice to others in your field, what would it be?

The end user sitting across from you is brilliant, and they have an area of expertise…but it’s not building design and construction. That’s your area of expertise, so embrace it and put it to work. The end user’s area of expertise most likely has something to do with ridding the world of rare diseases, so don’t ask them what cfms they want or if their VCT needs to be low VOC. (They have their own acronyms, and you need to learn them!) The correct questions to ask are those that clarify the processes and functional needs of the space. Be proactive about gathering the information you need with the least burden on the client. That’s how to add value to the design process.

What advice do you have for people just starting their career, or for students who are thinking of majoring in architecture/engineering/etc.?

For most people graduating from architecture school, there is quite a shock. In school, you study iconic structures and the works of masters, all while creating studio projects only limited by your own imagination. The contrast in that training to what a typical day looks like for a recent graduate causes most people to become quickly disenchanted. My advice would be to not lose the love for design and ingenuity and find opportunities to be creative in all your tasks. Learn how to thrive in a cooperative setting, always put the client first, and capitalize on your strengths. And start taking your registration exams right away. The longer you wait, it becomes exponentially harder to prioritize this goal.