LIFE SCIENCE FACILITIES
DESIGN, ENGINEERING, AND
CONSTRUCTION
Operating from offices across the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom, Austin is just around the corner from your next project.
To learn more about our design and construction services for Life Science, please contact: JOHN RUYF
DIRECTOR OF PROJECT PLANNING
john.ruyf@theaustin.com C: 216.312.0537
UNITED STATES
KALAMAZOO
DETROIT
ATLANTA
MELBOURNE
IRVINE
SAN MATEO
PALMDALE
SAN LUIS POTOSI
EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION A LEGACY OF
The Austin Company specializes in designing and constructing complex life science facilities, including API, primary manufacturing, secondary processing, medical devices, biotechnology, R&D, and labs. while offering comprehensive services spanning consultancy, design, engineering, project management, and construction management tailored to client needs.
Technical excellence and innovation is demonstrated through proven methodologies like The Austin Method ®, which provides single-source accountability, reduced risk, and accelerated project timelines, while maintaining a strong focus on cGMP compliance and sustainability in facility design and execution.
Our approach combining technical expertise, a client-focused mindset, and diverse service offerings delivers innovative, compliant, and cost-effective solutions. Whether through turnkey EPC, collaborative EPCM, or specialized consulting, we are committed to supporting your vision and ensuring your success. Together, we’ll build facilities that meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and innovation.
AUSTIN DELIVERS COMPLEX AND CHALLENGING PROJECTS
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
• Decades of experience in life sciences, delivering complex, mission-critical facilities for global leaders.
CLIENT-CENTRIC FOCUS
• Dedicated to building lasting partnerships, as demonstrated by our 80-year relationship with the world’s largest biopharmaceutical company.
• Strong performance earns repeat business, with over 70% of life science projects coming from long-term client relationships, such as Pfizer and Zoetis, B|Braun, Pharmaron, and Kindeva.
• A commitment to understanding and aligning with client objectives, delivering projects that meet budget, quality, and timeline goals.
• Scaled solutions for projects of all sizes, with a focus on meeting unique client needs and supporting long-term growth.
COLLABORATION AND LEADERSHIP
• A multidisciplinary, integrated team approach, ensuring seamless coordination across all project phases.
• Dedication to fostering long-term client relationships, emphasizing mutual trust and innovation to deliver tailored solutions.
CORE SERVICE OFFERINGS
• Strategy & Operations Consulting. This stage analyzes current production capacity to provide efficiency/OEE improvements, debottleneck processes and feed into capital project planning.
• EPC/EPCM delivery for turnkey project execution.
• Engineering-only services for detailed designs and feasibility studies.
• Construction-only services for precision execution.
• Site location consulting to identify optimal project locations.
COMPREHENSIVE CAPABILITIES
• Expertise in designing and constructing complex life sciences facilities, including API, primary manufacturing, secondary processing, medical devices, biotechnology, R&D, and labs.
• Experience in designing and implementing projects involving the installation of equipment, systems, and technologies vital to the industry including aseptic clean rooms, isolators, sterilization equipment, high-purity water systems, packaging lines, and water treatment.
GLOBAL REACH
• Decades of experience in delivering life sciences facilities worldwide, including partnerships with global leaders like Pfizer, Zoetis, B|Braun, and AstraZeneca.
• Extensive experience in managing diverse, mission-critical projects, including R&D labs, manufacturing facilities, and modular construction.
TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION
• Leveraging technologies like BIM, modular cleanroom design, and single-use technologies.
• Focus on achieving cGMP compliance and regulatory standards in facility design and execution.
SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFICIENCY
• Incorporation of LEED-certified designs and energy-efficient systems.
• Use of modular and prefabricated construction to minimize environmental impact, reduce timelines, and optimize costs.
IMAGINATION AND INNOVATION ARE USED TO OVERCOME ANY AND EVERY PROJECT CHALLENGE
PROJECT DELIVERY OPTIONS FOR LIFE SCIENCE
EPC A FULLY INTEGRATED TURNKEY SOLUTION
• Provides a single point of contact for streamlined communication.
• Ensures fixed timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation through contractor accountability for cGMP-compliant design, procurement, and construction.
• Ideal for clients seeking simplicity and predictable outcomes.
EPCM COLLABORATIVE FLEXIBILITY AND CONTROL
• Offers expert guidance while allowing clients to retain control over their projects.
• Delivers flexibility to adjust designs, optimize costs, and maintain project transparency.
• Recommended for client with an evolving scope and aggressive schedule benefiting from close collaborations and competitive procurement.
ENGINEERING IN-HOUSE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
• Industry knowledge and experience to tackle the most challenging projects.
• Our integrated, multi-discipline design team provides complete, highly technical, and fully coordinated solutions.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL CONTRACTING
• Preconstruction professionals work with clients to develop detailed project execution plans, conduct thorough feasibility studies, and provide accurate cost estimates.
• Efficiencies are identified during preconstruction and construction phases.
SITE LOCATION CONSULTING FOR FACILITY LOCATION DECISIONS
• Guides clients through the entire site selection process from start to finish.
• Services include: due diligence, incentives negotiations, location strategy, site readiness, site selection, and labor market analysis.
cGMP
COMPLIANCE
ADHERENCE TO CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES (cGMP) GUARANTEES QUALITY AND SAFETY.
MATERIALS
SMOOTH, NON-POROUS SURFACES FOR EASY CLEANING AND COMPLIANCE.
WORKFLOW DESIGN
LOGICAL MATERIAL AND PERSONNEL FLOW TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
UTILITIES
HIGH-PURITY SYSTEMS LIKE WATER FOR INJECTION (WFI) AND CLEAN STEAM.
ZONING
DEFINED CLEAN AND NON-CLEAN AREAS WITH BARRIERS AND SEGREGATED HVAC SYSTEMS.
ADHERING TO c GMP STANDARDS ENSURES FACILITIES MEET REGULATORY AND OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE.
SAFETY IN DESIGN
• Good design practices consider the safety risks associated with construction and installation and also the long-term operation and maintenance of the new systems.
• Codes and Standards are a key component to guide design decisions to comply with base safety and compliance requirements.
• Collaboration with operations and maintenance teams enables additional safety risk reduction beyond typical expectations and also reduces safety risk for installing contractors.
SAFETY IN PRECONSTRUCTION AND PROCUREMENT
• Constructability Reviews allow for integrated safety measures to be planned into design and construction.
• Preliminary schedules will be generated early in the project and will incorporate adequate activities and durations for constructability reviews, HAZIDs, HAZOPs, PHAs, and review of contractor safety documents.
• Trade contractors are prequalified with proven safety records proven experience working within operating life science facilities, and have adequately trained and certified crews.
SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION
• Safety personnel are trained to set the safe culture on every project.
• The necessary tools and support are provided to make safety a part of everyone’s job.
• Austin’s onsite safety personnel conduct inspections, training, toolbox talks, incident investigations, emergency preparedness, as well as other activities.
ENERGY-BASED HAZARD ANALYSIS
UNDERSTANDING THE ENERGY WHEEL
The Energy Wheel is a tool designed to help workers recognize and assess various types of energy present on a job site, such as electrical, mechanical, thermal, and gravitational energy. By focusing on different energy sources, workers can identify hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed, improving overall safety.
BENEFITS OF ENERGY-BASED HAZARD ANALYSIS
ENHANCED HAZARD RECOGNITION: Studies show that using the Energy Wheel can help identify up to 30% more hazards.
IMPROVED SAFETY CULTURE: Encourages proactive safety measures and continuous hazard assessment.
COMPREHENSIVE RISK MANAGEMENT: Ensures all potential energy sources are considered, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
IMPLEMENTATION IN PRE-TASK MEETINGS
STRUCTURED APPROACH: Incorporate the Energy Wheel discussion at the end of each pre-task meeting to identify additional hazards.
TRAINING AND AWARENESS: Provide training sessions on how to use the Energy Wheel effectively, ensuring all team members are familiar with the concept.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Regularly review and update hazard assessments based on feedback and new insights.
THE KEY TO A SAFE SITE IS TO RECOGNIZE HAZARDS IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE AND CONTROL THE RISKS.
VIRTUAL DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION
TO ENHANCE LIFE SCIENCE PROJECTS
VDC INTEGRATES ADVANCED DIGITAL TOOLS TO VIRTUALLY PLAN, DESIGN, AND MANAGE FACILITIES BEFORE CONSTRUCTION.
IMPROVED PLANNING AND VISUALIZATION
Incorporates cGMP requirements using BIM.
EFFICIENT COLLABORATION
Enhances communication across disciplines.
CLASH DETECTION
Resolves conflicts early, reducing costly rework.
VALIDATION SUPPORT
Facilitates commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) processes to meet global standards.
LIFE CYCLE DATA MANAGEMENT
Ensures facilities are operationally efficient and future-proof.
