“Chris is making an immediate impact on the firm. His vast industry knowledge is opening doors to new opportunities and raising the bar of the firm’s science and technology service offerings to our clients,” said DLR Group Senior Principal Stu Rothenberger, AIA, who leads the firm’s Global Higher Education Studio.

A champion of environmentally responsible design, Ertl creates lab spaces that maximize energy efficiency. He also ensures his designs are adaptable for future users/programs and are safe and healthy environments for occupants. Ertl is especially focused on creating workflow centric facilities that improve outcomes, such as reducing turn-around times, increasing accuracy of testing labs, and enhancing learning in teaching labs. His portfolio spans engineering and science buildings on higher education campuses; medical research and education facilities; governmental research and development laboratories; clean rooms; and corporate laboratories.

An active member of the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories, Ertl is a board member and lecturer, offering programs and educational opportunities across the country to build awareness of the intricacies of sustainable lab design. He also is involved in a range of organizations that promote forward-thinking advancements in the development of laboratories and higher education learning and research facilities including the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Project Kaleidoscope, Tradeline, Society for College and University Planning, and Sustainable Labs Canada.