Science + Technology Portfolio_TRIA Powered by HFA
Portfolio of Architecture + Engineering Services Science + Technology
Since 2015, TRIA has been at the forefront of designing the human experience toward a better future. our story
Today, as TRIA Powered by HFA, we’re bringing our clients architecture + engineering support and national reach.
Rooted in strong client relationships and a deep commitment to equity, sustainability, and placemaking, TRIA Powered by HFA brings an interdisciplinary approach that unites design excellence with robust technical expertise to deliver impactful, holistic design solutions.
national coverage
Coast to Coast + Licensed in 50 States
We have over 600 professionals working coast to coast, and licensure across all 50 states, so we can collaborate no matter where you’re based. We integrate people and science + technology into one culture, one workplace.
licensed in states STAFF 600+ professionals
7 COUNTRIES
2,000+
2 SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY
15+ million sf spaces
25+ thousand delivering breakthroughs
SCIENTISTS + RESEARCHERS
who we are
Our Vision
Amplify our Solution Suite to clientpartners through securing vital talent and harnessing advancing technologies.
Our Purpose
Leading clients to fulfill their vision while building lasting partnerships.
Our Culture
TRIA Powered by HFA aspires to be a people first culture of empowerment where talent thrives.
Lead with Excellence
Work Together
Exceed Expectations
Build Relationships
Do
single-source studio
Bring your whole design team together.
At TRIA Powered by HFA, we unite the expertise of your multi-disciplined team of architects, lab planners, engineers, permitters, and other industry professionals, so we can:
+ Maximize coordination across disciplines
+ Ensure utility capacity for current and future lab needs
+ Shorten the time needed to create permit-ready documents
fully integrated disciplines
Architecture
Interior Design
Laboratory Planning
Branding + Wayfinding
Visualization
MEPFP Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
Robotics Integration
3D Scanning
Power Systems
FM / Asset Management
Commissioning
our process
Our approach is designed to foster trust, transparency, and momentum:
Visioning 1
During this phase, we delve into understanding your mission, culture, and needs.
Using purpose-built tools, we define your quantitative requirements. Programming + Planning 2
Design 3
We then ideate, create, and coordinate a design for your space.
Execution 4
We don’t stop until we’ve brought your project to life.
The importance and focus we put on visioning and programming + planning directly leads to the success of our design and execution. how we win
Visioning
Our clients’ culture and objectives drive the design and inform the process. We use metrics and input from you to create your space.
Observation Culture
Interviewing
Survey Aesthetic
Programming + Planning
We have developed a robust set of proprietary planning and design tools that identify all project drivers and programmatic requirements.
Equipment Matrices
Process Flow Diagrams
Programming + Planning
Our plan is informed both by the programmatic requirements we have worked to define and the insight gleaned during our visioning process.
Exploring spatial relationships and locations
Blocking Diagrams
Progression of schematic design from graphics towards architectural form
Test Fits
Final stage of the space-planning process addressing the physical and functional aspects of a project
meet the team
Sherwood Butler
vice president / science + technology practice leader
Sherwood Butler is Vice President and Market Sector Lead for Science + Technology at TRIA Powered by HFA. Formerly President + CEO of TRIA, he brings 30 years of experience advancing complex architectural programs within the life sciences industry. Over his career, he has helped grow and lead four firms dedicated to S+T design, combining business development, marketing strategy, client relations, and team leadership to deliver award-winning results. Known for his exceptional client relationships and deep sector knowledge, Sherwood has supported projects that have earned international recognition, including ISPE Facility of the Year (FoYA) Awards.
Edwin Hargrave, aia
principal / science + technology
Edwin has over 30 years of experience planning and designing research/development and educational science facilities with a focus on collaboration, interaction, and an overarching sense of community. He has led numerous multi-million dollar groundup science facilities from programming through construction to successful completion. Well-versed in the rigorous process that technically complex projects require at all levels and phases of design and construction, Edwin’s leadership ensures fulfillment of project goals. He’s an advocate for mentorship both at TRIA Powered by HFA and future graduates at several architecture schools.
Jon Romig
sr lab programmer/planner
Jon has been a leader in managing and planning science and technology facilities projects for over 30 years. In addition, he has been a frequent author and presenter at conferences since 1994. His clients have included Biogen, Sanofi Genzyme, Sanofi Pasteur, MIT, UCLA, Harvard University and agencies of the federal government. Jon brings passion, commitment, understanding, and vision to all his projects.
Prodipta Chatterjee, edac, leed ga
sr designer
Prodipta is a highly skilled designer with extensive experience across diverse sectors, including life sciences, healthcare, and corporate interiors. Known for her creative and efficient solutions, she excels at bringing innovative ideas to life while maintaining a sharp focus on attention to detail. With a strong commitment to project management, Prodipta ensures projects stay on track and meet deadlines without compromising quality. Her passion for design goes hand in hand with her dedication to continuous learning, as she stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends, codes, and regulations. This blend of creativity, precision, and expertise allows her to deliver outstanding results that align with her clients’ needs and goals.
meet the team
associate principal Timothy Nistler, aia, leed ap
Tim Nistler is a licensed architect and Associate Principal at TRIA Powered by HFA, where he leads project delivery operations and oversees firmwide standards related to project management, staffing, and quality assurance. With over two decades of experience across project types and team structures, Tim is known for driving excellence throughout all phases of design and delivery. He builds strong relationships with clients, contractors, and industry partners to ensure every project meets high performance and technical standards.
Chris Graul
sr lab programmer/planner
Chris brings over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to TRIA Powered by HFA’s lab planning and programming team. Formerly at Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and then Invicro, he has worked extensively as an in-vivo pharmacologist with cross therapeutic drug discovery and early non-clinical development experience, including rare disease and fragile animal model knowledge. As a team player, Chris sets an example of collaboration and precision as the cornerstones of execution.
Suela Muco
sr designer
Suela Muco is a Senior Designer at TRIA Powered by HFA with over 20 years of experience in architectural planning and design across multiple sectors, with a recent focus on life sciences. She leads projects of varying types and complexity, translating client goals into innovative, efficient solutions that balance creativity and precision. Her strength lies in bridging design vision with technical execution, ensuring every project moves smoothly from concept through construction. Suela is known for her ability to align project teams and clients around well-crafted design solutions. She guides the design process from early planning through construction administration, offering clear direction on complex technical challenges.
Neli Ialamov, csl
sr interior designer
Neli Ialamov is a Senior Interior Designer with decades of experience delivering impactful design solutions across the commercial, life sciences, and hospitality sectors. Originally from Bulgaria, she discovered her passion for architecture after beginning her career in graphic design, building on a foundation of visual communication and creative thinking. At TRIA Powered by HFA, Neli leads design efforts and mentors junior staff while managing projects from concept to completion with a focus on clarity, collaboration, and client alignment.
project experience
Vertex, Cell + Gene Therapy Facility
location | boston, ma
sq. footage | 268,000
awards + honors | engineering news record, 2021 award of merit; leed platinum certification
This new state-of-the-art facility, a “Workplace of the Future,” features labs and manufacturing operations for two of Vertex’s therapeutic initiatives. Laboratory types include basic biology and chemistry research labs, process development, bioreactor/scale-up space, tissue culture, histology, imaging, PCR, mass spec, QC and product characterization laboratories. Our design also utilizes neighborhood-based office space with quick huddle areas, large and small conference rooms, and amenities.
Because of the need for collaborative, open vertical circulation between the upper floors, the Control Area approach includes nested multi-story control areas, with fire-separated chemical storage spaces including separation of the two large cGMP manufacturing suites on the top floor.
project experience
Moderna Therapeutics, mRNA Facility
location | norwood, ma
sq. footage | 268,000
awards + honors | ispe 2019 facility of the future category award; leed gold
The design for this LEED Gold project was inteded to foster a connection between Cambridge, a hotbed for biotech companies bursting with amenities, and the new suburban Norwood location to maintain employee engagement. Working closely with Moderna, we designed an open office with limited fixed seating and wide, transparent spaces. This highlighted Moderna’s brand: a seamless blend between office and lab, where collaboration and innovation are highlighted throughout.
CRISPR Therapeutics, Tenant Fit-Out
location | framingham, ma sq. footage | 45,000
awards + honors | ispe 2022 facility of the year, innovation award
Our design task was to create an inspiring and cohesive facility that houses GMP manufacturing, but also labs, warehouse and supporting office and amenity spaces. This flexible, digitally-enabled facility is unique in utilizing a compact design with multiple independent production suites, each capable of producing a different product at a different stage of development while maintaining strict product segregation.
Each of the labs has a unique wall covering, inspired by actual CRISPR cells and molecules. We used photos of actual CRISPR cells and molecules, distorting the images while incorporating their colors bringing warmth and unique branding to a typically sterile environment.
project experience
Blueprint Medicines, Lab/Office Fit-Out for Headquarters
location | cambridge, ma
sq. footage | 130,000
awards + honors | iida new england design award, 2018, research lab category
Blueprint Medicine wanted its new design for lab, office and amenities spaces to reflect its core values. We responded with a space that accommodates a day in the life of a “Blueprint-er.” Reconfiguring the flow was key, adding a unique communicating stair to boost collaboration, communication and culture. The lobby, with enhanced security and guest spaces , features natural wood tones, a soft color palette and industrial-style structural accents. Transparent walls remove the separation of lab and office. Amenities include a conferencing center, bike room, workshop for facilities and IT, and café area adjacent to the lobby entrance, styled for scientists whose mission is to improve patients’ lives.
project experience
Generation Bio, Life Science Headquarters
location | cambridge, ma
sq. footage | 30,000
awards + honors | iida new england design award, 2020, research lab category
Our design for Generation Bio’s new headquarters provides an employee-focused and collaborative workspace in an open, light-filled environment without offices. Glass walls allow natural light into every lab space and offer visual continuity and transparency between the office and labs. The office is organized into six distinct neighborhoods, each divided by a central collaboration zone of technology-enabled conference rooms, seating areas, and phone booths. To accelerate the company’s interaction and scientific collaboration, bench seating in each neighborhood is arranged in cross-functional teams by project focus. Warm, hardwood finishes and neutral colors provide the backdrop for pops of color from furniture, and the collaboration spaces have a soft, residential feel. Designed for employee comfort and productivity, the new headquarters also provides flexible space for future headcount growth.
economic impact awards, greater boston gold winner
This global pharmaceutical firm delivers innovative medical solutions that keep them on the forefront of healthcare change. Their unique workflow approach to R+D prioritizes an ability to respond flexibly to rapid advances in science.
Our workplace strategy programmers developed a plan that accommodates over 250 workpoints, with a main lab and office, a small incubator lab and office, and additional office space for global visitors, plus amenities. Collaboration, efficiency and natural light were incorporated throughout the design. The project also included a 6,200 SF vivarium with barrier housing and significant necropsy space.
While adhering to their existing brand identity, they also wanted to incorporate new local elements, showcasing the pride in stationing its US headquarters in the world’s capital of pharma science. We partnered with Columbia Construction for an efficient design build which requires quick coordination with all consultants.
project experience
Elevate Bio, Tenant Fit-Out
location | waltham, ma
sq. footage | 115,000
awards + honors | ispe 2021 facility of the year, operational excellence category award
Our team provided architecture and design services for the interior fit-out of a raw warehouse space into a state-of-the art cGMP development and manufacturing facility for novel therapeutic technologies. Designed to feel like a “basecamp” – a physical foundation point for the incremental climb in the company’s growth, the client’s new facility will feature a collaborative open plan office and amenities that promote interaction, and provide flexible production suites for GMP manufacturing, laboratories, and a range of supporting utility and warehouse areas. The facility was constructed to produce viral vector, cell therapy, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine for clinical purposes.
Actnano, Headquarters Fit-out project experience
location | malden, ma
sq. footage | 22,200
Actnano, a global leader in PFAS-free nanocoatings for automotive and consumer electronics, develops innovative technology that provides advanced protection from water and harsh environmental conditions. To accommodate the company’s increase in staff and customer growth, they needed a new global headquarters and state-of-the-art laboratory.
When repositioning a building previously used as a bank’s operations center for future science and technology tenants, We collaborated with Berkeley Investments and actnano to assess potential options. This involved facilitating preliminary fit planning and program development. Once an option was approved, we continued to provide full architectural and engineering services to this third-floor suite.
This new location expands Actnano’s footprint tenfold and features an extensive array of development and testing equipment.
