The Living Labs, LLC is a global interdisciplinary design and research studio that not only imagines innovative spaces but also develops them, closing the gap between community driven design and real estate execution. Our model combines design, development, and participatory methods into a single, end to end product, so clients get one coordinated team from first workshop to delivery.
Founded in Virginia, we work with communities and institutions to create public and commercial spaces and systems that generate social and economic value, cultural relevance, and long term impact. Our work focuses on civic and cultural projects, science and exhibition environments, and context responsive urban places across the United States and the Middle East.
Our design philosophy unites research driven and human centered thinking with context responsive craft and sustainable technologies. We use a structured, participatory framework to translate community insight into buildable solutions, and we integrate delivery planning early so every project is culturally grounded, technically sound, and ready to execute.
The Living Labs, LLC is a global interdisciplinary design and research studio that not only imagines innovative spaces but also develops them, closing the gap between community driven design and real estate execution. Our model combines design, development, and participatory methods into a single, end to end product, so clients get one coordinated team from first workshop to delivery.
Founded in Virginia, we work with communities and institutions to create public and commercial spaces and systems that generate social and economic value, cultural relevance, and long term impact. Our work focuses on civic and cultural projects, science and exhibition environments, and context responsive urban places across the United States and the Middle East.
Our design philosophy unites research driven and human centered thinking with context responsive craft and sustainable technologies. We use a structured, participatory framework to translate community insight into buildable solutions, and we integrate delivery planning early so every project is culturally grounded, technically sound, and ready to execute.
0
0
Years
0
0
Years
0
0
Projects
0
0
Projects
0
0
Awards
0
0
Awards
0
0
Clients
0
0
Clients
We operate through a joint venture with GOA, one of Pakistan’s pioneering architecture practices. Led by Ben Pennell and Maaz Gardezi, together with Khurram Ghayyor Syed and Faraz Ghayyoor Syed at GOA, our combined team brings GOA’s climate responsive craft and spatial clarity to an international stage while advancing the shared vision.
About
Awards
/ 2
Awards
/ 2
Architecture where nature, form, and function converge to cultivate purpose.
Architecture where nature, form, and function converge to cultivate purpose.
Services
From concept to completion, we align creativity with feasibility and sustainability. Acting as both designer and developer, we streamline approvals, budgets, and schedules, often in partnership frameworks or joint ventures that match the scale and ambition of the brief
/ 01
Discover & Foresight
Discover & Foresight
At The Living Labs, we begin by immersing ourselves in your vision, the project goals, and the unique character of your site. Through focused conversations and co‑creation, we establish a clear brief and a shared direction for the work.
Co‑creation workshops to align on needs, users, and priorities
Site, context, and feasibility studies—including zoning, code, and technical constraints
Vision boards and early sketch studies to translate intent into tangible design directions
/ 02
Design Development
Design Development
In this phase, your vision moves from concept to a coordinated, buildable design. We refine ideas, test alternatives, and balance creativity with constructability to form a cohesive solution.
Refined drawings & 3D visualization — coordinated plans/sections/elevations and high‑quality renderings to test light, massing, and user experience.
Materials & finishes — curated palettes and preliminary specifications focused on performance, durability, and sourcing.
/ 03
Planning & Coordination
Planning & Coordination
We translate design intent into a build‑ready plan, managing approvals, detailing, and team alignment so construction starts smoothly and stays on track.
Technical documentation & permits — complete drawings, specifications, code checks, and authority submissions.
Integrated consultant coordination — collaboration with structural, MEP, civil, landscape, and specialist partners to resolve interfaces early.
Schedule & budget alignment — baseline program, phasing, and cost checks to keep delivery efficient and predictable.
/ 04
Build & Execute
Build & Execute
We steward the build from groundbreaking to handover—protecting design intent, resolving field conditions in real time, and ensuring every detail is executed with care.
Contractor & supplier coordination — RFI and submittal reviews, shop‑drawing checks, and procurement tracking to keep scope, schedule, and quality aligned.
Site observation & quality assurance — regular site visits, mock‑up reviews, and punch‑lists to verify workmanship and materials meet the specification.
/ 05
Close out & Handover
Close out & Handover
We bring your project to a refined finish—verifying performance, fine‑tuning details, and preparing you to occupy with confidence.
Final inspections & adjustments — commissioning, punch‑lists, and corrective actions until every detail aligns with intent.
Styling & furnishing guidance — curated FF&E recommendations, placement plans, and finishing touches to elevate the experience.
Comprehensive handover — as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, training, and a coordinated move‑in plan for a seamless transition.
/ 01
Discover & Foresight
Discover & Foresight
At The Living Labs, we begin by immersing ourselves in your vision, the project goals, and the unique character of your site. Through focused conversations and co‑creation, we establish a clear brief and a shared direction for the work.
Co‑creation workshops to align on needs, users, and priorities
Site, context, and feasibility studies—including zoning, code, and technical constraints
Vision boards and early sketch studies to translate intent into tangible design directions
/ 02
Design Development
Design Development
In this phase, your vision moves from concept to a coordinated, buildable design. We refine ideas, test alternatives, and balance creativity with constructability to form a cohesive solution.
Refined drawings & 3D visualization — coordinated plans/sections/elevations and high‑quality renderings to test light, massing, and user experience.
Materials & finishes — curated palettes and preliminary specifications focused on performance, durability, and sourcing.
/ 03
Planning & Coordination
Planning & Coordination
We translate design intent into a build‑ready plan, managing approvals, detailing, and team alignment so construction starts smoothly and stays on track.
Technical documentation & permits — complete drawings, specifications, code checks, and authority submissions.
Integrated consultant coordination — collaboration with structural, MEP, civil, landscape, and specialist partners to resolve interfaces early.
Schedule & budget alignment — baseline program, phasing, and cost checks to keep delivery efficient and predictable.
/ 04
Build & Execute
Build & Execute
We steward the build from groundbreaking to handover—protecting design intent, resolving field conditions in real time, and ensuring every detail is executed with care.
Contractor & supplier coordination — RFI and submittal reviews, shop‑drawing checks, and procurement tracking to keep scope, schedule, and quality aligned.
Site observation & quality assurance — regular site visits, mock‑up reviews, and punch‑lists to verify workmanship and materials meet the specification.
/ 05
Close out & Handover
Close out & Handover
We bring your project to a refined finish—verifying performance, fine‑tuning details, and preparing you to occupy with confidence.
Final inspections & adjustments — commissioning, punch‑lists, and corrective actions until every detail aligns with intent.
Styling & furnishing guidance — curated FF&E recommendations, placement plans, and finishing touches to elevate the experience.
Comprehensive handover — as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, training, and a coordinated move‑in plan for a seamless transition.
Discover & Foresight
Discover & Foresight
At The Living Labs, we begin by immersing ourselves in your vision, the project goals, and the unique character of your site. Through focused conversations and co‑creation, we establish a clear brief and a shared direction for the work.
Co‑creation workshops to align on needs, users, and priorities
Site, context, and feasibility studies—including zoning, code, and technical constraints
Vision boards and early sketch studies to translate intent into tangible design directions
Design Development
Design Development
In this phase, your vision moves from concept to a coordinated, buildable design. We refine ideas, test alternatives, and balance creativity with constructability to form a cohesive solution.
Refined drawings & 3D visualization — coordinated plans/sections/elevations and high‑quality renderings to test light, massing, and user experience.
Materials & finishes — curated palettes and preliminary specifications focused on performance, durability, and sourcing.
Planning & Coordination
Planning & Coordination
We translate design intent into a build‑ready plan, managing approvals, detailing, and team alignment so construction starts smoothly and stays on track.
Technical documentation & permits — complete drawings, specifications, code checks, and authority submissions.
Integrated consultant coordination — collaboration with structural, MEP, civil, landscape, and specialist partners to resolve interfaces early.
Schedule & budget alignment — baseline program, phasing, and cost checks to keep delivery efficient and predictable.
Build & Execute
Build & Execute
We steward the build from groundbreaking to handover—protecting design intent, resolving field conditions in real time, and ensuring every detail is executed with care.
Contractor & supplier coordination — RFI and submittal reviews, shop‑drawing checks, and procurement tracking to keep scope, schedule, and quality aligned.
Site observation & quality assurance — regular site visits, mock‑up reviews, and punch‑lists to verify workmanship and materials meet the specification.
Close out & Handover
Close out & Handover
We bring your project to a refined finish—verifying performance, fine‑tuning details, and preparing you to occupy with confidence.
Final inspections & adjustments — commissioning, punch‑lists, and corrective actions until every detail aligns with intent.
Styling & furnishing guidance — curated FF&E recommendations, placement plans, and finishing touches to elevate the experience.
Comprehensive handover — as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, training, and a coordinated move‑in plan for a seamless transition.
Our process is research led and client centered from day one. We prototype ideas with stakeholders, coordinate engineering and construction partners, and manage implementation as a single point of accountability, turning complex, multi party efforts into clear, coordinated delivery.
We stand by timeless design, sustainable practice, and rigorous quality at every stage. With deep experience and a record of delivering measurable value, Living Labs is a trusted partner for meaningful, lasting architectural solutions.
Merkez: A High‑Tech, Low‑Carbon School Rooted in Earth
The Tipu Sultan Merkez Earthen School reimagines how rural educational buildings can be made—safe, climate‑wise, and deeply local. Supported by the German Embassy and delivered in collaboration with Ziegert Roswag Seiler Architekten Ingenieure (Berlin) with GOA serving as executive architect, Merkez blends vernacular craft and advanced structural thinking to create a dignified learning environment for girls in Jar Maulwi, Pakistan.