Stiefel Research Institute is a subsidiary of Stiefel Laboratories, the world's largest privately held dermatological company. Stiefel had outgrown its analytical laboratory space and commissioned Hyman Hayes Associates to program and design a nearly 22,000-sf addition. The $2.55-million addition was the third-phase of a four-phase master plan.

The analytical laboratory design provides an efficient layout for use of shared equipment and fume hoods and easy access to technician writing areas. To maximize lab and support spaces, all mechanical systems were placed in a 4,000-sf basement area.

In addition to the 3,400-sf main laboratory, the new space also houses two specialized Class A labs that are used for experiments involving highly toxic and light sensitive substances. Approximately 5,700 sf of the addition was left as shell space for future fit-out. A processing area, 21 administrative offices, and an expanded cafeteria were also included within the addition.

Some of the challenges faced by Hyman Hayes Associates included adjacent wetlands, fast tracking the construction, and breaking the project into interior and exterior packages.