A look into AECOM’s Science and Technology market with Kristy Venrick
With over 27 years of experience, Kristy Venrick has dedicated her career to designing science environments, including private R&D, prominent healthcare systems, federal and state institutions, and higher education clients. Kristy’s depth of expertise is in operational and laboratory planning across many types of research and testing facilities, helping clients improve process flows and provide adaptable spaces. Her most recent expertise includes biomedical and cancer research, translational medicine, biological labs, specialty cleanroom spaces, clinical labs and pharmacies.
What does your role at AECOM entail?
My focus is to help grow our science and technology (S+T) capabilities for not just our U.S. market, but also help with pursuits and clients across the globe. With the opportunities in these areas, it is important we have the collateral to win and execute these specific types of projects. One of my first initiatives was working with teams to develop more robust collateral by working with marketing to create an S+T ePublication, S+T BIM standards for lab projects and a S+T staff matrix using a live Power BI database.
Most recently, I’ve been focused on project work that we’ve won. Due to the technical nature of these types of projects and specialty requirements, the role of a client lead and lab planner can include leading the programming, concepts, schematic design, and design development efforts, considering code and control areas, tracking equipment, coordinating utilities and much more.
I am also passionate about knowledge sharing. I think it’s vital in our industry to pass on knowledge and help those interested to grow. With S+T being an ever changing and fast paced industry, it is important to keep up with science. Most especially, how we can plan better spaces and streamline workflows to give our clients the best services possible.
What’s a project you are currently working on?
I am currently working on a complex lab renovation project at Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine for three different groups dealing with Prion and Ophthalmology research and testing. They are moving from several older, outdated buildings into one consolidated space. Their National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center is the only center of its kind in the U.S. and the Visual Sciences Research Center (VSRC) is one of the top-funded National Eye Institute research facilities.
One of the most important aspects of any project is working with our clients to align needs and expectations. We have to be patient and walk them through the process, making sure we listen and capture all their needs. We are also fortunate to work on unique projects with clients who are pioneers in their fields, like this one.
What are you most passionate about in your work?
First and foremost, helping clients achieve their goals. It’s important to me that we are good stewards of our client’s time, money and space. Ultimately, I enjoy working closely with clients to assist them to create efficient, adaptable and functional spaces.
What excites you the most about the future of the science and tech industry?
Just in the past 10 years, the world of science has changed drastically. We’ve seen the impact of the pandemic on just the speed of medicine. For example, we’re witnessing people with life-altering cancers receive a second chance. I think science will continue to grow at the speed of light and we need more people to support the field on the design side. But it’s exciting to see how things are changing in the years to come.
“Having worked with AECOM previously for over a decade, it felt like I’ve returned home to a dynamic, growing family that is laser-focused on driving the kind of innovation our clients need and deserve.”