#USA #Boston #HFA Architecture #TRIA #Sherwood Butler

Sherwood Butler Takes the Helm at HFA Architecture + Engineering

HFA Architecture + Engineering recently announced the appointment of Sherwood Butler as Vice President. This pivotal role comes in the wake of HFA's acquisition of the innovative Boston-based firm, TRIA, and marks an exciting new chapter for the company’s evolving Science + Technology practice.

Butler, known for his expertise in the life sciences sector, is not just an addition to the team; he co-founded TRIA in 2015 and transformed it into a highly regarded design firm. Under his leadership, TRIA has collaborated with prominent clients such as Moderna Therapeutics and Novartis, gaining recognition for cutting-edge laboratory designs. With 31 years dedicated to building strong client relations, Butler brings invaluable knowledge in laboratory research and drug manufacturing facility design to HFA.

Dave Wilgus, CEO of HFA, expressed enthusiasm about Butler’s arrival, emphasizing his proven leadership and commitment to impactful design. He remarked, “Sherwood’s experience in human-centric design resonates deeply with HFA’s approach, especially given the life-changing technologies our clients develop for conditions ranging from Alzheimer’s to cystic fibrosis.”

Butler’s base will be in Boston, where he and his team will integrate HFA’s comprehensive architecture and engineering capabilities with TRIA’s design expertise to support the life sciences sector. The merger enables them to create top-tier research labs and biomanufacturing facilities that prioritize both technical functionality and user experience.

“The integration of engineering with design is crucial for our projects,” Butler explained. He emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, stating that ensuring proper utilities for lab equipment and effective infrastructure is paramount to client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The current landscape of the Greater Boston life sciences sector presents both opportunities and challenges, with a significant amount of lab space currently available. According to reports from Colliers, the area has experienced more vacancies compared to new leases in six out of the last seven quarters, uncovering nearly 15 million square feet of laboratory space available for direct leases.

“Building owners need to enhance their offerings to attract tenants,” noted Butler. He advocates for well-designed spaces and suggests they may need adjustments or even speculative fit-outs—like turning a vacant shell into a functional lab—to help potential tenants visualize possibilities.

As life sciences architects, Butler and his team at TRIA Powered by HFA focus on understanding the intricacies of their clients’ operations to optimize existing spaces. “We delve into how research is conducted and how every square foot is utilized effectively,” he stated, highlighting the importance of thoughtful design in spaces where diagnostics and research take place.

Employing techniques from process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma, the TRIA team has successfully collaborated with major clients including Biogen and Pfizer. This strategic orientation leads not only to effective space utilization but also encourages efficient collaboration among various scientific teams.

Ultimately, the merger of TRIA with HFA equips Butler’s team with a national platform while maintaining existing client relationships. Together, they are committed to providing innovative, technically robust design solutions that resonate with modern science and technology engagements.

About HFA Architecture + Engineering

HFA is a fully employee-owned firm specializing in a diverse range of architecture and engineering services with over three decades of experience. With offices scattered across Bentonville, Arkansas, and various locations nationwide, HFA has a large workforce dedicated to delivering tailored design solutions across numerous sectors, including healthcare, retail, and now, life sciences.

About TRIA Powered by HFA

Established in 2015, TRIA has carved a niche in designing spaces that enhance human experiences. Now, as a division of HFA, it offers clients additional resources and a broader national reach, while continuing its mission to foster design excellence that marries technical precision with impactful architecture.