DIGroup Sharpens Life Sciences Skillset at Jefferson Institute

Philadelphia, Pa. / New Brunswick, NJ, Feb. 20, 2024 – Six leaders from DIGroup Architecture (DIG) Life Sciences Studio have earned architecture-specific biopharmaceuticals and biologics-focused certification from the Jefferson Institute of Bioprocessing (JIB), which offers world-class industry training and credential programs through Thomas Jefferson University.

 A sought-after MBE/DBE/SBE-certified architecture, interior and graphic design firm, DIG serves the life sciences and education sectors within Philadelphia's prestigious Eds and Meds corridor as well as Central New Jersey's “Medicine Chest of the World” and LifeSci NYC.

 “Because of where we are and what we are doing with the Plymouth Group at Budd Bioworks, as well as a number of other clients across Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, DIG approached JIB to leverage their industry, academia and government-agency partnerships to create a hands-on architecture-specific learning experience for our team,” said Vincent Myers, DIG president. “As the pharmaceutical pipeline becomes increasingly focused on biologics and biosimilars, DIG tapped into its continual-growth mindset to gain the knowledge necessary to provide best-in-class advisory and design services to our clients.”

 A full-service development and training organization, JIB offers a full scope of programs in process development, product and technology development and evaluation, process analytical technology and workforce development.

 DIG's customized training series was hosted at JIB's state-of-the-art single-use facility in Montgomery County, Pa. just outside Philadelphia. At the conclusion of the three day-long training sessions, DIG participants earned AIA continuing education certification.

 “Typically, architects and designers earn continuing ed credits through conference attendance, but our team wanted to up the ante on our learning experience through hands-on training,” added Myers. “We are thrilled that JIB took our architecture and design focus into account, setting our professionals head-and-shoulders above our competitive set in understanding the challenges and opportunities our clients face and  can look to embrace in this exciting, expanding market.”

 DIG is the Architect of Record for Budd Bioworks and recently relocated its Philadelphia office to the Innovation Center at their emerging campus. In addition, the firm is involved in the design of two GMP manufacturing facilities at the Bellwether District where Hilco Redevelopment Partners is constructing a two-phase, 300-acre industrial and innovation campus for e-commerce, logistics and life sciences.

 Within the Greater New York Metro, DIG's life sciences activity includes completion of a laboratory space renovation at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY as well as a 9,200-SF renovation at BioInc. The latter is the only biotechnology incubator sited on a health sciences college campus in the Mid-Hudson Valley offering lab and office space designed to support early-stage companies and high-potential entrepreneurs.

 “At DIG, we are hyper-focused on the form and function requirements that are so very unique to the life sciences industry,” added Myers. “We feel this can only be achieved by immersing ourselves to gain a full understanding of the processes, design protocols and systems that help these industries advance public health for all.”

Photo Caption:

Back row (L-R): Scott Hoffman, Associate & Senior Project Manager; Parviz A. Shamlou, Vice President & Executive Director, Jefferson Institute for Bioprocessing (JIB); Bob Ryan, Principal; Justin Saler, Senior Project Manager; and Asher Schlusselberg of The Plymouth Group.

Front row (L-R): LoriAnne Jones, Senior Project Manager; Jaime Masler-Beach, Associate & Senior Project Manager; and Vincent Myers, President.