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SKYLINE CONSTRUCTION

LIFE SCIENCE CONSTRUCTION

Skyline Construction is an experienced life science contractor. Our teams have the expertise to ensure successful tenant improvement and capital improvement projects, including a wide range of facility amenities.

Wet Lab
Electronics Lab
Air Handler
Clean Room

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TOP RATED

LIFE SCIENCE GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Life sciences is one of the most challenging segments in commercial real estate. Companies in top national markets are facing high rents and low vacancy rates for life science facilities - making commercial renovation projects a superior choice.

 

Skyline Construction is an industry authority on the complexities of build-out projects and commercial interior conversions. Trust your project to a life science contractor with the expertise to transform your space into one that propels you forward.

 

Life Science Construction Cost GUIDE

This guide provides a clear breakdown of costs for life science tenant types, from low to high-end builds. Learn how building repositioning and tenant amenities can impact your bottom line, along with key cost drivers that may influence your project timeline. Contact us using the button below for access to the full cost guide and custom insights tailored to your specific project.

What You'll Learn:

Cost Ranges: Learn the cost ranges for life science projects, from basic warm shells to adaptive reuse and high-end builds.

Capital Upgrades: Understand the add on costs of repositioning buildings for life sciences

Amenity Costs: See how tenant amenities affect overall costs and budgeting.

Cost Drivers: Identify the key factors driving costs, including labor, materials, and location.

CONTACT US
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LIFE SCIENCE BUILDERS

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3.8M

SQUARE FEET OF
Groundbreaking Life Science Projects Built

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344

LIFE SCIENCE PROJECTS
Successfully Managed and Delivered

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AWARD-WINNER

Quidel Rutherford Build-Out Named Life Science Construction Project of the Year by SD Business Journal

AN EXPERIENCED PARTNER

LIFE SCIENCE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Skyline Construction takes pride in providing an exceptional experience to all of our commercial renovation partners. Cost transparency, clear communication, efficient management, and a people-first approach are the foundation of every Skyline project.

WET LABS

A wet lab is a controlled environment where drugs, chemicals, and biological matter are tested using liquids and gases. It enables safe testing of new technologies and products without compromising user safety or infrastructure integrity.

  • Means to safely store, treat, or dispose of hazardous materials
  • Chemically resistant workbenches, surfaces, and non-slip flooring
  • Specialized plumbing capabilities
  • Increased HVAC for ventilation
  • Easy access sinks
  • Eye wash stations

DRY LABS

Used to perform any kind of computational or applied mathematics to solve complex problems through the use of specialized digital equipment.

  • Enhanced power supply to meet expansive electrical requirements
  • Commonly requires Static Dissipative Tile in major electronics labs for safety
  • Increased HVAC demand for adequate cooling
  • Humidity control
  • Vibration isolation capabilities
  • Fire suppression systems

BIOSAFETY LABS

Used to study potentially contagious organisms, these labs are designed to handle materials ranging from relatively non-transmissible organisms to highly contagious viruses.

  • BSL-1: Typical wet lab bench/sink space with standard PPE requirements
  • BSL-2: Moderate risk work involving agents associated with infections or human disease
  • BSL-3: Moderate to high risk work involving highly infectious agents and requiring sealed entry and filtered ventilation
  • BSL-4: Dangerous and life-threatening work involving agents that require stringent design and usage requirements to avoid transmission

CLEANROOMS

Used to control variables like temperature, airflow, humidity, filtration, and pressure, cleanrooms are controlled spaces where the number, concentration, and size of airborne particles are tightly maintained.

  • Classified by the number of particles allowed in the air per cubic meter
  • Scale runs from ISO 1 (very clean) to ISO 9 (less clean)
  • Cleanrooms for electronic manufacturing typically require ISO 1 to 6
  • Cleanrooms in the life science/biotech field typically require an ISO Class of 6 to 8 with an ISO Class rating of 7-8 being the most common.
  • Cleanrooms for food manufacturing must meet ISO 6

GMP FACILITIES

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure the safety and integrity of drugs. Any lab involved in commercializing a product or doing clinical trials must be GMP compliant. GMP standards address cleanroom issues like:

  • Record keeping and documentation
  • Personnel qualification
  • Equipment verification
  • Process validation
  • Sanitation and cleanliness

FEATURED PROJECT

ARROWHEAD PHARMACEUTICALS

Explore the transformation of Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, a captivating first-generation 144,000 square foot life science development that brought research offices and cutting-edge lab space to life within a cold-shell office space. Project highlights included:

Mechanical Equipment Yard

Expansive 15,000 Sq. Ft. Vivarium

Biology & Chemistry Labs

Cold Room

Hazmat Storage

Generator Enclosure

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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

PROJECTS

ALL PROJECTS

RECENT

LIFE SCIENCE PROJECTS

Dumbarton Campus

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Quidel Rutherford

Sorrento Highlands

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$150K

Saved through material optimization and reduced trenching

19,745

Sq. ft. warehouse transformed into a cutting-edge life science facility

Dumbarton Life Science Facility

Skyline transformed a storage warehouse into a state-of-the-art life science facility with multiple lab support zones. The project included lab casework, clean air, vacuum service, resilient flooring, open ceilings, and full MEP systems. Structural upgrades, such as steel beams and column footings, were made to support equipment. Early involvement enabled cost-saving solutions, reducing trenching and saving $150K. The facility also features modern offices, a conference room, and a Lutron lighting system.

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5

Individual Labs

100%

Outside air provided in all labs with new HVAC system

University of Washington Dept of Medicine: Covid Testing Facility

We partnered with UW Medicine to complete a 24,030 sq. ft. lab and testing facility, including 5 labs, office space, and freezer storage. The project involved upgrading mechanical and electrical systems, adding new air handlers, and making roof structural modifications. Despite a tight, phased schedule, the labs were completed ahead of the building's full construction to ensure continuous, uninterrupted COVID testing.

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171k

Square foot campus

5k

Square feet of lab space

Quidel Rutherford

This transformation of the former Callaway Golf building into a cGMP manufacturing facility for Quidel included a 48,000 sq. ft. mechanical platform and a 50,000 sq. ft. controlled manufacturing space. The project featured office spaces, an energy-efficient central plant, two Megawatt generators, and advanced RODI, gas, and air systems. Despite pandemic challenges, the project was completed in just 10 months, coordinating over 200 subcontractors daily.

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5K

Sq. ft. of lab space

2

Office buildings converted with new mechanical and specialty systems

Sorrento Highlands

This conversion of two office buildings into lab-office spaces for Healthpeak Properties involved adding 5,000 sq. ft. of lab space and 11,000 sq. ft. of office space, including a conference room. The project involved new mechanical systems, specialty power, water feeds, lab casework, and sinks. Additional features included a new building entry, upgraded lobby, service elevator, outdoor amenities, a fitness area, and a landscaped courtyard with seating, shade structures, and a custom trellis. The new aluminum canopy and open staircase provide a modern focal point for the space.

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LIFE SCIENCE BUILDERS

MEET THE EXPERTS

We are a 100% employee-owned general contractor specializing in interior commercial renovation projects. Our Life Sciences team is made up of the best in the industry.

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LIFE SCIENCE CONSTRUCTION

JAMIE PREVOST

Jamie leads our life sciences practice area with over 30 years of industry expertise. With a portfolio that includes more than 60 successful lab build-outs and delivery of over 3 million sq. ft. of life science projects, Jamie has the experience and understanding to take on the complexities involved in adaptive reuse and traditional life science tenant improvements. Clients rely on Jamie and his team for comprehensive feasibility studies, meticulous pre-construction planning, and valuable insights into supply chain management.

CONTACT JAMIE

Mike Soth, Director of Preconstruction Learn More

Director of Preconstruction

Mike Soth

Director of Preconstruction

Mike Soth

Mike brings over 20 years of experience and a deep understanding of field operations and project management to his role as Director of Preconstruction. Starting as an HVAC Installer Foreman, he advanced through roles as a Superintendent and leader in life sciences construction. Drawing on his intimate knowledge of building life science projects, Mike now provides expert guidance and technical direction for our preconstruction services, ensuring successful outcomes in this specialized field.

Dominic Tate, Project Executive Learn More

Project Executive

Dominic Tate

Project Executive

Dominic Tate

Dominic has over 10 years of dedicated expertise in San Diego life science projects. From R&D and lab facilities to GMP manufacturing , he has handled diverse projects, including utility upgrades and specialty equipment installations to 195K sq. ft TI buildouts and Campus renovation projects. Dominic's passion lies in forming project teams, and collaborating with clients and design teams to establish programs and construction plans. Dominic values early understanding of end-user needs to align budgets and avoid surprises during construction. He believes in transparency, risk identification, and proactive mitigation throughout the project lifecycle. Dominic recognizes the distinct requirements of developer R&D versus Pharma Manufacturing end-user needs, effectively balancing both aspects. As a proponent of Lean construction, he advocates for the first principle of Lean, respect for people, and leads by example, fostering respectful interactions with clients, design teams and trade partners.

Ankur Yadav, Sr. Project Manager Learn More

Sr. Project Manager

Ankur Yadav

Sr. Project Manager

Ankur Yadav

Ankur has been in the construction industry for 13 years with a focus on life science projects. His experience working inside occupied labs and vivariums provides the required knowledge and skill to keep business operations functional through construction. Ankur is known for identifying solutions through collaborative, Lean approaches, and creating efficiencies through the procurement process. Under Ankur’s leadership, the construction of your facility will meet today’s needs and be adaptable for future technology and expansion needs.

Frequently asked questions

What types of life science facilities does Skyline build?

Skyline delivers construction projects across a range of life science environments including wet labs, dry labs, cleanrooms, biosafety laboratories, and GMP-compliant production spaces. For clients developing drugs and biologics, we stay closely aligned through each stage of drug development, ensuring their space is scaled appropriately and equipped with the systems needed to support evolving research, testing, and production requirements.

Can Skyline convert existing buildings into laboratory environments?

Many life science projects involve converting office or industrial buildings into laboratory environments. Skyline evaluates structural capacity, mechanical infrastructure, and utility requirements when repositioning buildings for laboratory use.

What specialized systems are required in life science construction projects?

Laboratory environments often require advanced ventilation systems, cleanroom controls, specialized plumbing, laboratory gases, and robust electrical infrastructure to support research and production activities.

When should a contractor be involved in a life science construction project?

Life science projects benefit from early contractor involvement to evaluate infrastructure needs, coordinate mechanical systems, and identify potential construction constraints before design and permitting begin.

What makes life science construction different from other commercial projects?

Life science construction projects require specialized planning, systems, and coordination to support research, testing, and production environments. These spaces must meet strict requirements for ventilation, pressurization, cleanroom standards, and equipment infrastructure. Skyline works closely with clients, designers, and engineers to coordinate these complex systems, while ensuring the space is built to support evolving needs throughout the drug development process.

What types of organizations does Skyline support within the life science industry?

Skyline works with biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical organizations, research institutions, and technology firms that require specialized laboratory and research environments.