Some of the life sciences requirements will include laboratories, vivariums, pilot plants and manufacturing facilities. The new group expects to provide client services to address risks in the planning, designing, engineering and construction phases of life science spaces.

Avison Young officials say the group's focus will be on “integrating each client's technical and financial requirements into the lease-negotiation process, ensuring that requirements are appropriately incorporated within transaction documents.” They say this process is geared at fostering the development of innovative strategies that enable their clients to make more fully informed decisions.

Keeney adds, “The life-sciences industry is expanding at a rapid pace, accounting for much of the leasing activity in markets such as San Francisco, Boston and San Diego. The launch of our partnership at the global level allows us to formulate solutions for our clients who often have operations in more than one location.”