Nature Meets Tech in Life Science R&D Lab Interiors

NeoCon Presentation Description: Life sciences R&D facilities operate on the cutting edge, where precision, technology, and controlled systems dominate. Yet the people working in these spaces need comfort, inspiration, and sensory richness to thrive. This session explores how to design environments that support both science and scientists - celebrating high tech systems while meeting human needs for texture, variation, meaning, and connection. Labs often emphasize equipment and function, while wellness depends on natural light, organic patterns, and moments of novelty. This presentation shares how Stantec's multidisciplinary team bridged science and nature in creating a new Innovation Hub, translating scientific concepts into materials, lighting strategies, and spatial experiences - an approach refined through early collaboration, shared narrative, visualization tools, and full-scale mockups with partners from Bristol Myers Squibb and BN Builders.

Heidi Dunn, CID, IIDA

Principal

Stantec

Heidi Dunn, CID, IIDA, is a Principal and Workplace Lead in Stantec’s Science & Technology sector. With 15+ years in interior design across institutional and commercial projects, she brings an evidence based, human centered approach to complex environments—from life sciences facilities to workplace and hospitality. Heidi excels at guiding multidisciplinary teams, translating strategy into compelling spatial narratives, and integrating systems, wellness, and brand to deliver high performing interiors. Her work leverages storytelling, visualization,to align stakeholders and de risk delivery. Heidi’s passion is creating sensory rich, resilient places where precision and human experience coexist harmoniously for science and workplace clients.

Rebecca Keehner, LEED AP, NCIDQ

Senior Associate, Senior Interior Designer

Stantec

Rebecca Keehner, NCIDQ, LEED AP, is a Senior Interior Designer and Senior Associate at Stantec. With over 25 years in architecture and interior design, she has led projects across retail, restaurant, academic, healthcare, hospitality, residential, and corporate sectors. Rebecca specializes in holistic, human‑centered design that balances sense of place, sustainability, and wellness. She partners closely with clients to articulate vision and guides teams to preserve concept through every phase. With a focus on materiality, light, and user experience, she creates environments that support high‑performing workplaces and science and technology interiors.

Todd Edgington

Director, Global Capital Project Delivery

Bristol Myers Squibb

Todd Edgington has spent decades designing, building, and commissioning life science facilities for leading companies including BMS, Gilead, and Baxter. These facilities have supported the development of life‑saving treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia, and more across sites in the United States and Europe. His work spans cutting‑edge labs and offices that enable next‑generation product development to state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing plants supplying therapies to patients. Each facility is crafted to enhance the experience of patients as well as the scientists, engineers, and employees who work within them.

Travis Tollstrup

Assistant Superintendent- Quality Assurance

BNBuilders

Travis Tollstrup has been with BNBuilders for five years and currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent. In this role, Travis supports day-to-day field operations, working closely with the project superintendent to help maintain schedule, quality, and site safety. He brings a strong understanding of subcontractor coordination, and on-site logistics, and is known for his attention to detail and collaborative approach. Travis’s hands-on experience and commitment to BNBuilders’ standards contribute to the successful delivery of complex projects and a well-organized, efficient jobsite.

This content will not be available until 06/07/2026 at 8:00 AM (EDT)