George Mason University's Life Sciences & Engineering Building (LSEB) has been recognized with the prestigious 2026 Excellence in Construction (EIC) Award from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Virginia and ABC Metro Washington. The project received top honors in the Institutional Category for Projects Over $30 Million, recognizing outstanding achievement in design, construction quality, safety, innovation, and collaboration. The award was presented to the project team, including construction partners Skanska and Stantec, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in bringing this transformative facility to life.
Hosted annually by ABC Virginia and ABC Metro Washington, the Excellence in Construction Awards celebrate the region's most exceptional building projects and the professionals who make them possible. The program recognizes projects that exemplify the highest standards of craftsmanship, teamwork, and excellence while advancing the construction industry's commitment to quality and innovation.
Located on George Mason University's SciTech Campus, the recently completed four-story, 132,000-square-foot facility represents a significant investment in the future of education, research, and workforce development. Designed to support experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, the building provides state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and instructional spaces serving a wide range of academic disciplines, including athletic training and kinesiology, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, forensic science, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and other emerging fields.
The facility houses more than 30 advanced laboratories and brings together faculty, researchers, and students from multiple academic units, including the College of Engineering and Computing, the College of Science, and the College of Education and Human Development. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, the LSEB enhances opportunities for innovation, discovery, and hands-on learning while helping prepare students for careers in some of today's fastest-growing industries.
"Teamwork and cooperation between general contractors, specialty contractors, and material suppliers are prerequisites for building excellence in any construction project, as well as good teamwork and cooperation with the Owner and Architect," said Mike Herman, Senior Project Manager.
This recognition reflects the collective efforts of George Mason University, project partners, designers, contractors, and countless stakeholders who worked together to deliver a world-class facility that will serve students and researchers for decades to come. The Excellence in Construction Award stands as a testament to the vision, expertise, and collaborative spirit that made the Life Sciences & Engineering Building a reality and reinforces George Mason's commitment to providing exceptional environments for learning, research, and innovation.