People

Lee VanDeKerchove
PRINCIPAL

Lee VanDeKerchove launched VDK Architects in 1988. Under his leadership, VDK has grown and become a leader in the design of biotechnology and advanced technology facilities. Lee has broad experience in programming, planning, and designing research and development laboratories and biopharmaceutical production facilities. As senior principal, he oversees the design of many of the firm’s projects, ensuring a high level of quality and the attention to detail necessary in technology-driven projects. He also provides mentoring to younger staff members joining the firm. As project principal, he has directed the design of facilities for the following clients:

• Novartis
• Genentech, Inc.
• Amgen
• University of California
• Carnegie Institution of Washington,
• Tularik, Inc.,
• Santa Clara University.

Lee is licensed in the state of California. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, and has served on the Town of Moraga Planning Commission. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Lawrence Technical University.

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Susan Briggs
PRINCIPAL

Susan Briggs has led the design efforts on a number of VDK’s most important projects. Her skills in programming and conceptualization are critical to the success of her projects. She works closely with clients and users from the start, understanding their processes, defining their needs, and developing creative design solutions. These strengths, coupled with her management and communications skills, have led to early delivery of complex research and manufacturing projects. As project principal, Susan has directed the following recent projects:

• University of California, Berkeley, Hildebrand Hall Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory
• Gilead Sciences, Research Core Expansion Planning
• Gilead Sciences, Building 357, Pilot Plant/Process Development Laboratory
• Gilead Sciences, Buildings 344, 342, & 346 Research Laboratory Buildings
• Avigen, Clinical Manufacturing Facility
• Genentech, NMR Laboratory

Susan is licensed in the state of California and certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from MIT and her Master of Architecture degree from UC Berkeley.