About us

Philip Macdonald

Chair | Oberlanders Architects

"I have been delivering spaces and places for science and research for over 25 years. My passion for creating sustainable facilities led me to joining I2SL in 2018, attending my first US conference in the same year. I am now the Chair of the UK Chapter – and a member of the Global board.   As the UK Chair, my vision is for the UK Chapter to be a global leader and go-to resource connecting UK lab stakeholders. Our focus is to provide a network that will facilitate information and knowledge sharing to promote safe, sustainable laboratory design, operation, and use."

Fun fact: Phil is an active member of his local mountain rescue team and when he is not working, he can often be found helping injured mountain bikers or walkers in the beautiful Scottish Borders countryside. 

Elad Levin

Vice Chair | Aryium

Elad is an Owner-Director at Aryium, a specialist design consultancy for highly regulated environments, with over 30 years' experience delivering complex science, technology and research facilities. He has a particular interest in ensuring research environments are driven by operational needs and genuine scientific requirements.

"I believe progress comes from challenging orthodoxies. Established approaches can easily become accepted practice, so we need to keep asking why we do things the way we do, what evidence supports them and whether there is a better way.

Collaboration and evidence-based design go hand in hand. Bringing together scientists, operators, designers and engineers helps challenge assumptions, share experience and make better-informed decisions.

That's what attracted me to I2SL and what I believe the UK Chapter can champion: a community willing to question conventional thinking, share evidence and turn knowledge into practical change. Ultimately, it's about creating research environments that support science, use resources responsibly and deliver genuinely sustainable outcomes."

Fun fact: Elad enjoys recreating dishes inspired by his travels, experimenting with new techniques and exploring unexpected connections between different cuisines.

Galvin Tarling

Treasurer | Gleeds

Galvin is Global Head of Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals at Gleeds, with more than
30 years' experience delivering complex projects for leading organisations across the sector. Based in Cambridge, he has played a significant role in the growth of one of the UK's most established life sciences clusters and is passionate about creating environments that support scientific discovery and innovation.

"Having worked in the life sciences sector for many years, I've seen first-hand the value of collaboration and knowledge sharing. That's what attracted me to the I2SL UK Chapter. As Treasurer, I want to help create a strong and sustainable platform that brings together the many disciplines involved in delivering successful research environments. By connecting expertise from across the industry, we can support innovation, share best practice and help shape the future of the sector."

Fun fact: Outside of work, Galvin enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures, combining a love of adventure with building connections around the world.

Andrew Somerville

Secretary | Cundall

Andrew is a Partner at Cundall and leads the Science and Technology sector, specialising in the design and delivery of complex research facilities, laboratories and scientific infrastructure. With more than three decades of experience, he has worked on some of the UK's most advanced life science, research and high-containment facilities, helping clients create environments for world-leading science while balancing performance, sustainability and operational resilience. He is a founding member of the I2SL UK Chapter and a founding consortium member of Constructing Science.

"I helped establish the I2SL UK Chapter because I believe the science and technology sector benefits enormously when we share knowledge, and challenge conventional thinking. Throughout my career I've been fortunate to work with exceptional researchers, engineers, operators and designers, and I see the chapter as a way of bringing those communities together. My hope is that we continue to build a vibrant network that promotes innovation, sustainability and practical solutions that improve the facilities where science happens. If we can help people make better-informed decisions and create more efficient, resilient and sustainable research environments, then we'll have made a real difference."

Fun fact: Outside of work, Andrew volunteers as a puppy socialiser for assistance dog charities, helping prepare future service dogs for their important roles supporting people in everyday life.

Tom Holbrow

Membership & Communications Officer | Mace Construct

Tom is Business Development Director at Mace Construct working with the Public, Science and Technology team. 

"One of the things I enjoy most about this industry is the variety of people and expertise it brings together, which is what attracted me to the I2SL UK Chapter. As Membership & Communications Officer, I help connect people across the science and technology sectors, bridging the gap between operations, design, engineering and construction. My focus is on growing a community where members can share ideas, build new relationships and learn from one another, while bringing more voices into the conversation and sharing practical ways to create greener, more sustainable facilities. If we can create a chapter that people genuinely value and want to be part of, we'll have built something really worthwhile."

Fun fact: Tom enjoys the social aspect of the industry, but outside of work he loves travelling, keeping fit and occasional DJ streaming!

Nick Jones

Deputy Membership & Communications Officer | Oberlanders Architects

Nick supports membership engagement and communications activity, helping to strengthen connections across the chapter and ensure members remain informed and involved.

Rebecca Finlay

Events & Marketing Officer | Scotch Partners

Rebecca leads the planning and delivery of the chapter's events programme, working to create valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and professional development.

Laura Le Maire

Deputy Events & Marketing Officer | Mace Construct

Laura is a Senior Marketing and Communications Manager at Mace Construct, where she supports the life sciences and public sector markets through strategic marketing, communications and business development initiatives.

"I joined the I2SL UK Chapter because I wanted to help build a community that connects the people shaping the future of science and research facilities. My hope is that the chapter becomes a place where members can share ideas, learn from each other and accelerate progress towards more sustainable, high-performing laboratories and research environments. Through events and communications, I'm passionate about helping those conversations happen."

Fun fact: When she's not organising events or campaigns, you'll usually find her planning a family adventure, working through a home renovation project, or attempting to keep up with her energetic daughter.

Tracy D'Souza

Research & Technical Officer | Hoare Lea

Tracy is Director and Science and Research and Regional Sector Lead at Hoare Lea, where she works with clients and project teams to deliver high-performing, sustainable environments for science, research and innovation.

"I joined the I2SL UK Chapter because I’m passionate about bringing together the diverse expertise needed to create better research and laboratory environments. As Research & Technical Officer, I lead knowledge sharing across our membership, help showcase innovation and connect industry, academia and end users through meaningful technical discussions. My hope is that the chapter becomes a trusted platform for collaboration, where members actively get involved to learn from one another and accelerate the delivery of more sustainable, resilient and future-ready facilities for science and research."

Fun fact: Outside of work, Tracy enjoys trying new things - be it new restaurants, exploring new places, or new hobbies – her latest one is woodwork! 

Philip Kelly

Deputy Research & Technical Officer | Ramboll

Phil is the Head of Department for Buildings Advisory & Consultancy at Ramboll UK, leading six specialist disciplines across the UK. 

"I have a passion for engineering excellence and sustainable design, especially in complex sectors such as Science & Research. My desire to positively influence this sector in the UK led me to support the I2SL UK Chapter. As Deputy Research & Technical Officer, I help bridge the gap between design intent and real-world performance through data-driven thought leadership and policy advocacy. My focus is aligning and evolving I2SL's global toolkits and benchmarking material to the UK market. By sitting alongside UK legislation, policy and industry best practice guidance, I hope they can accelerate the Science & Research sector's move towards a truly sustainable future."

Fun fact: Phil is passionate about sport and the great outdoors, especially triathlon & hiking. If there is a construction industry event that can incorporate any of these activities, you'll likely see him on the registration list!