The Living labs is an interdisciplinary architecture and design studio that creates environments that elevate everyday living.
The Living labs is an interdisciplinary architecture and design studio that creates environments that elevate everyday living.
The Living labs is an interdisciplinary architecture and design studio that creates environments that elevate everyday living.
Founded in Virginia, USA, The Living Labs work collaboratively with communities and institutions to create public and commercial spaces and systems that generate social and economic value, cultural relevance, and long-term impact.
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Led by Ben Pennell and Maaz Gardezi, with Khurram Syed and Faraz Syed in collaboration with GOA, the Living Labs team works closely with clients, developers, and city planners to create spaces that shape the future of urban living. Our design philosophy combines research‑driven, human‑centered thinking with context‑responsive craft and sustainable technologies, so every project is culturally grounded, buildable, and enduring.
From concept to completion, The Living Labs balances innovation and sustainability, enhancing cityscapes with thoughtful, functional, and enduring architecture.
About
About
About
Awards
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Awards
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Awards
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Architecture where nature, form, and function converge to cultivate purpose.
Architecture where nature, form, and function converge to cultivate purpose.
Services
The Living Labs designs context‑responsive environments where performance and aesthetics work as one. Our research‑led, client‑centered process is collaborative from day one and custom‑built around your vision.
/ 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.
At Living Labs, timeless design, sustainable practice, and rigorous quality guide every stage of our work. With deep experience and a record of excellence, we’re a trusted partner for clients seeking 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.
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“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was smooth and inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner
“Working with the Living Labs was inspiring. The team took the time to understand our needs and delivered original designs that make our science museum truly exciting.”
— Mary Roberts Baako, Executive Director, Science Museum of Western Virginia
“Nordå transformed our vision into reality. The design is both timeless and practical, perfectly fitting our family’s needs while respecting the environment.”
— Johan Eriksson, Homeowner
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Nordå created a beautiful home that feels like a true retreat, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.”
— Ingrid Dahl, Family Home Owner
“Nordå brought fresh ideas to the table while staying true to our initial goals. The result is a home that feels both innovative and deeply personal.”
— Lars Nyberg, Vacation Property Owner