• The last 2 buildings we occupied had a central spine with labs lining that spine and the offices ringing the building.  This made future renovations and adding additional utilities easier.  Labs did not have windows to the outside; offices did.  
• If you have to enter a lab to access an office you'll be fighting food and drink issues forever.
• Avoid a building acid neutralization tank unless required by code.
• Install 42" wide doors for lab access.
• Install swipe card access on all lab doors.
• Make sure loading dock matches the most common use; avoid truck heigh docks if you are unlikely to have truck deliveries.
• Provide (secure) designated storage for personal items (coats, backpacks, etc.).
• Think about building wide vs. individual laboratory vacuum; pumps and protective traps are accessible.
• Keep sight lines clear in the laboratory.  We recently renovated a chemistry lab and installed fumehoods with clear walls allowing a TA to see all the hood activities with one glance.
• If you have electrical "kill switches" i.e. that turn on/off all the power to the lab benches, avoid including the fumehoods.
• Have designated collection points for hazardous and nonRCRA wastes, broken glass, trash, recycling, etc. designed into the layout.
• Consider recessed fire extinguishers.
• Consider installing a separate dedicated recirculating tempered water line for eyewashes/safety showers.
• Avoid "open" shelving for equipment. It is an eyesore and increases unauthorized access.
• If setting up a (micro)biology lab, avoid Class II type B (exhausted) biosafety cabinets unless you know you will need them.
• Some architects/engineers will underestimate the number of electrical circuits and the number of outlets needed.
• If there is going to be dining services or snack area in the building, design it into the plan rather than pigeonholing it in later.
• Design furniture and lounging items into the building so as to avoid impinging on walkway and hallway space.
• Consider a central gathering space that can double as a study space.
• Think through gas cylinder delivery, storage, and returns.  Avoid using the loading dock for storage.  Review your fire code for separating oxidizing gasses from flammable gasses.
• Think through where building recycling will be managed.
• Think through how RCRA hazardous wastes and nonRCRA wastes will be managed.

I'm sure I could come up more if I thought about it...

Jeff

Jeff Lewin