Designing for research and innovation
Scientific Discovery thrives in Inspiring Environments
We understand that the physical environment is crucial in scientific research, and we are deeply committed to creating research facilities that not only address every functional need for a particular science, but also inspire through the creation of a harmonious place to work.
This commitment to inspiration ensures that our facilities are more than just functional spaces but also places that motivate and engage researchers, instilling confidence in our clients and stakeholders regarding our dedication and expertise.
Our research facilities are environments that are designed to enhance well-being and positively influence researchers’ emotional comfort. By fostering a positive atmosphere, spaces can encourage cooperation, creativity, and a positive attitude towards research and discovery.
From masterplans for Research and Development cientific incubator parks, to new academic science buildings; from conservation laboratories for museums to advanced metallurgical alloy research facilities; and from Containment Laboratories to Cleanrooms, our team have extensive design and delivery experience across the sector both in new build facilities and refurbishment projects.
our approach:
We treat every project—no matter the size—with equal care and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on our experienced and well-rounded team, who consistently bring a consistency of knowledge and judgement throughout the project.
This is demonstrated via our long-standing working relationships with several research institutes, both in the private sector and governmental, who have consistently chosen Pascall+Watson as their design partners.
Tried and trusted partnerships
At the heart of our designs is the ultimate client: the researchers themselves. The scientists at your establishments are the support pillars of our society and leaders, so ensuring that they are in the optimum environment helps nurture their true potential.
Whilst specialist laboratories are the central core of research facilities, they must have the appropriate supportive functions in order to bring about a harmonious work environment. Nearby write-up offices, access to decompression quiet spaces, collaboration hubs, refectories, external landscaping and sensory gardens all can work alongside bright and comfortable laboratories to promote the health and well-being of your scientific community.
In every project, we look to follow the ten concepts of the WELL Building Standards, thus supporting the researchers and support staff in achieving their full potential and fostering a happy and healthy community.
Supporting the Research and Development experience
Firstly, capturing your particular science’s physical/ spatial and environmental needs enables us to prepare relationship/process and flow diagrams that, once agreed, allow us to block plan a layout tailored to the specific needs and process. Site constraints are overlaid to form the spatial considerations.
Once we have determined the physical requirements and constraints of the project, we then flip our approach and look at the ‘negative’ space. The voids are the space that humans occupy. From there, we look at how to enhance these voids by looking at the size, the shape, and the interrelationships of these spaces and then utilise the lexicon of architectural elements: light, colour, texture, temperature so on and so forth to meld a unique environment that enhances and supports the science, without distracting or interfering.
Working with you to understand your unique science/research needs
Work
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Satinder has been a Director at Pascall+Watson Architects since 2020. Since 2000, he has established himself as a strong leader across Higher Education, Commercial, Hospitality, and Science and Research projects throughout the UK.
His approach combines design quality with rigorous technical coordination, ensuring excellence throughout every stage of the design and construction process. Satinder has successfully designed, managed, and delivered both small and large-scale schemes, building enduring relationships with clients through his well-organised, committed, and efficient working style.
Satinder excels in stakeholder management and leading multidisciplinary design teams across new build, remodelling, and refurbishment projects. His technical knowledge and design expertise enable him to deliver unique and innovative solutions that meet complex client requirements.
Throughout his career, Satinder has demonstrated exceptional capability in developing strong client relationships and embedding himself within stakeholder engagement processes. His flexible yet focused approach, combined with his extensive sector knowledge, enables him to navigate complex project requirements whilst maintaining the highest standards across all aspects of architectural practice.
Michael is a Technical Director at Pascall+Watson Architects, bringing expertise across the Science, Defence, and Education sectors. Since beginning his career in 1999, he has developed a strong reputation for designing, coordinating, and delivering complex projects that balance design aspirations with stakeholder operational requirements within project constraints.
As a qualified and experienced Architect Michael’s expertise in technical design, project management, and BIM enable him to navigate the complexities of both fit-out and new build work with confidence and precision. He leads design development and coordination across all project phases, from initial briefing meetings through to on-site build quality monitoring, with responsibilities encompassing client liaison, peer reviews, design coordination, contractor meetings, and contract administration.
Michael brings strong design and problem-solving capabilities that enable him to consistently deliver projects on budget and on schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards. His excellent communication skills and stakeholder engagement approach are central to his success, ensuring seamless collaboration between project design teams and consultant partners throughout the project lifecycle.
Ryan specialises in laboratory and higher education design, bringing a strong focus on both conceptual and technical detail to every project.
Since joining the firm in 2000, he has become known for his lateral thinking and meticulous attention to design detail, with a belief that “the architecture is in the detail.” Ryan also excels in client and contractor management, fostering open, cooperative relationships to ensure successful project outcomes.
