Modern, purpose-built lab of the future

Transforming a 1970s laboratory into a modern and purpose-built lab of the future.

Brent McMillan is a Project Manager for our team based in Canterbury. He recently led his team to complete the EST Lab rebuild, transforming the space into a cutting-edge, fully compliant PC2 chemistry laboratory. In 2024, he was nominated for an NZ Building People Award in the Under $10 Million Project category.

The EST Lab is part of ESR (Institute of Environmental Science and Research), which runs the world’s most comprehensive drug consumption monitoring program. They test wastewater from over 60 locations nationwide to detect biomarkers of illicit drug use. The data they gather is crucial for shaping policies and directing resources to addiction services and community support programs.

Brent’s role was pivotal in making this new lab a reality. The project allowed ESR to expand its program to include more sites and samples. Additionally, the new space supports other important work, such as measuring carcinogens in food and aiding university research.

From the beginning, Brent was deeply involved. Within the tender process, he drafted the methodology and programme. As the project was nearing completion, the client stated that they were very impressed with the tender and felt that the values of both teams were well aligned. This alignment was further solidified during the build through the team’s actions and performance.

Kelly Armstrong, the Project Manager for ESR, comments, “It was important to us that our contractors act as partners and work collaboratively with our internal team and end users, as we had very specific requirements to meet our compliance standards. We were not disappointed.”

One of the unique aspects of this project was that it took place in a live environment. This means that Brent and his team had to work around existing operational labs, carefully managing noise, dust, and safety to ensure no disruptions. It was a high-difficulty task because they were dealing with sensitive lab equipment and high-purity gases, which required meticulous planning and specialist knowledge.

“Brent was in constant communication with the client to warn of any likely disruptive work and planned for these to be carried out at night or on the weekend. He dealt with the client team with the utmost diplomacy and worked with the consultants and contractors to mitigate potential delays to meet the completion deadline,” said Angus Macdonald, Principal Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineer from Cosgroves.

Brent played a pivotal role in the delivery team, effectively tracking, mapping, and leading the contracting team to align with the delivery schedule through procurement challenges to ensure critical timelines were met.

“Some of the specialist equipment had to be sourced from overseas and had long lead times. Brent was able to navigate all of this efficiently and effectively. Liaising with suppliers to get them on site sooner than programmed where possible,” said Project Architect Ian Maclean of Co-Studio Architects.

“Brent was a steady hand on what at times would have been a stressful project, particularly towards completion, as it came together very quickly.”

But it wasn’t all work and no play. Alongside the client ESR team and surrounding building occupants, Brent actively planned and helped organise a large BBQ to bring everyone together at the beginning of the project. This helped everyone get to know each other and fostered a sense of camaraderie. When the project was successfully completed, they celebrated with drinks and nibbles, bringing together the users of the new space, the design team, and the clients to toast their success.

Brent’s work on the EST Lab project wasn’t just about construction; it was about building a space where essential, life-changing research can flourish. His dedication to managing this complex project in a live environment, attention to detail, and ability to bring people together were key to its success. Brent’s leadership ensured that the new lab is now a place where cutting-edge science can continue to positively impact our communities.