Science Square Labs at Georgia Tech: Building Atlanta's Next Innovation Ecosystem

Trammell Crow Company and Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures set out to create something far greater than a commercial development. Their vision for Science Square Labs was to establish a purpose-built ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry leaders could come together to accelerate innovation and transform groundbreaking ideas into real-world impact. Located adjacent to Georgia Tech's campus, the development was designed to strengthen connections between academia and industry while supporting Atlanta's growing life sciences sector. Success would be measured not only by occupancy but by the creation of an environment that attracts top-tier talent, fosters collaboration, and supports long-term economic growth.

To achieve that vision, every aspect of the workplace experience needed to support connection, creativity, and discovery. Delivering a project of this scale and complexity required balancing ambitious design goals with practical business realities. Spanning 364,740 square feet across four levels, the development included lab and R&D environments, office spaces, private meeting rooms, tenant lounges, cafés, and shared amenity areas. Each space needed to contribute to a cohesive tenant experience while supporting a diverse range of users and workstyles.

As the project progressed, several challenges emerged:

• Preserving the integrity of the design vision while maintaining budget objectives

• Navigating long lead times and supply chain constraints

• Sourcing specialty solutions from hard-to-find vendors

• Ensuring exterior furnishings could withstand the environmental demands of covered outdoor spaces

• Coordinating multiple stakeholders across a large-scale, mixed-use development

The project's success depended on finding a partner who could proactively solve problems without compromising the overall vision. Corporate Environments joined the project as a trusted advisor, collaborating closely with Trammell Crow Company, Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, and Perkins&Will from the earliest stages of development. Rather than serving as a transactional vendor, the team became an active participant in the project's journey—helping evaluate options, identify risks early, and develop solutions that balanced aesthetics, performance, and financial goals.

By maintaining open communication and aligning decisions around the client's long-term objectives, Corporate Environments helped preserve design integrity while maximizing value throughout the project lifecycle. The success of Science Square Labs was driven by a highly collaborative partnership among industry leaders.

Trammell Crow Company and Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures provided the vision and leadership necessary to create a landmark innovation district. Perkins&Will developed a design strategy centered on connection, discovery, and tenant experience. Corporate Environments worked alongside both teams to translate that vision into an environment capable of supporting future growth.

Through early planning, continuous coordination, and shared accountability, the project team remained aligned even as challenges evolved. This collaborative approach enabled faster problem-solving, minimized potential delays, and ensured critical project milestones stayed on track. Completed in 2024, Science Square Labs now stands as one of Atlanta's premier life sciences and innovation destinations.

The finished environment supports a diverse community of researchers, entrepreneurs, and organizations through thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation. From private focus areas to vibrant shared amenities, the development provides the infrastructure needed to support both individual achievement and collective discovery.

The project delivered measurable business value by:

• Creating a 364,740-square-foot innovation ecosystem adjacent to Georgia Tech

• Enhancing the tenant experience through strategically planned collaboration and amenity spaces

• Supporting talent attraction and retention in Atlanta's competitive life sciences market

• Providing flexible environments that accommodate a wide range of research, office, and community functions

• Strengthening connections between academia, startups, and industry partners

• Establishing a foundation for continued growth throughout future phases of the Science Square development

Perhaps most importantly, the trust built throughout the project created lasting relationships among the project team. That partnership has already led to continued opportunities supporting future phases and tenant initiatives within the development. Science Square Labs demonstrates what is possible when visionary development, innovative design, and collaborative execution come together around a shared goal.

For Trammell Crow Company and Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, the result is more than a completed project. It is a thriving innovation hub designed to accelerate discovery, attract world-class talent, and strengthen Atlanta's position as a leading center for life sciences and technology.

By helping transform a bold vision into a dynamic reality, Corporate Environments contributed to a destination where the next generation of ideas can take shape and where innovation has the space to grow.