Medical Cannabis – Grow Facilities and Dispensaries
The cannabis industry has grown exponentially over recent years with the first Precis client holding one of the first five licenses issued in the state of New York. From there, we have worked with several different clients with multi-state operations dedicated to helping individuals feel and live better through cannabis. These projects typically involve a retrofit of an existing facility for controlled-environment indoor grow, post-processing, research and development (R&D), and automated packaging.
Grow facilities have ranged from 30,000-100,000 sf of indoor grow area along with indoor drying and curing spaces, agricultural R&D spaces, post-processing extraction facilities, a quality control lab and kitchen, automated packaging line, warehouse and vault space, and dedicated fertigation space.
Renovation design has involved increasing utility capacities and meeting strict HVAC requirements for the incorporation of LED grow lighting, purified water and irrigation, emergency generators, HVAC systems redundancy, carbon dioxide monitoring and safety systems, and automation systems.
Precis has also been involved with a number of dispensary projects that have been part of larger grow facilities or as stand-alone projects. These dispensary projects have ranged from 5,000-6,000 sf and have been designed to meet the specific state licensing requirements for the retail sales area, the secure entrance and processing area, and the secure loading areas. Designs have fostered the clients’ intent to create upscale medical/hospitality environments within the interiors.
Gbuild Construction Managers – Office Fit-Out
When Gbuild Construction Managers acquired a 5,900-square-foot building for use as new corporate offices, the company engaged Precis for renovation design services. Precis provided architecture and interior design, including minor building shell alterations and an interior renovation fit-out program consisting of office, storage, and future expansion areas. The interior layout was developed to promote an open, collaborative environment, centered around a conference room and a break room designed for both gatherings and entertaining. Features of the open work café include lounge seating, a shuffleboard table, and a bar-height counter with an integrated beer tap. Precis collaborated closely with the Gbuild team throughout the process, from finish and furniture selection to final detailing, resulting in a cohesive and seamless design experience.
Synergy Gymnastics Center
After a concept study was done for a new ground-up facility, Synergy Gymnastics decided instead to transform an old warehouse and small office space into a state-of-the-art gymnastics training center. The facility was designed to support the company’s gymnastics classes for students aged 18 months to adult. The renovation scope included upgrading the existing building shell to meet current energy codes and creating new curb appeal for the gymnastic center’s exterior. The new administration area includes staff and coaching offices, a new lobby/lounge, and reception area. A new parents’ lounge with Wi-Fi and A/V setups allows parents to watch the training sessions on closed circuit TVs. New locker rooms, a team room for meetings and film study, and team choreography studios support the interior program. The open gym space has state-of-the-art gymnastics equipment organized around recessed pits with inflatable air bags, which are the first of its kind on the East Coast.
Interior images © Scott Hewitt Photographer; exterior images © Brianna Juliano
Hankin Group – Speculative Lab Building
Precis provided architecture and engineering master planning services to Hankin Group, a family-owned real estate development firm, for a three-story, multi-tenant speculative laboratory building for multiple life science tenants involved in the drug discovery process from laboratory-based research through early stage (pilot scale) manufacturing.
The building will be located on a prominent site at the entrance to Eagleview, a mixed-use development community,
located in the Philadelphia suburb of Exton, Pennsylvania.
Single- and multi-tenant concept layouts were developed for general research, gene and cell therapy, therapeutics, and contract research organizations. The building’s floor plate accommodates requirements for physical segregation, chain of custody, and biosafety level (BSL) segregation of suites, waste streams, and product flows.
The proposed site totals ~17.8 acres. Grading allows for basement level access on the building’s south side. Floor plates, excluding the basement, range from 40,000 to 43,500 sf each.
Traynor Capital Management – Office Renovation
Precis transformed an old automobile repair shop into a Class A corporate office space in the heart of the growing Malvern Borough downtown area. The existing building shell was upgraded to meet current energy codes and to create new curb appeal for the building. A new exterior courtyard was introduced on the west side of the building to add more natural light into the open office interior. The new fenestration and brick façade on the front King Street elevation ties the new office building into the existing town fabric while preserving the original industrial feel of the building.
The new home for Traynor Capital Management expands the company’s existing space and allows room for growth with about 2,000 sf of future expansion area in the rear of the building. The interior combines several private offices and conference rooms with a large, open workspace and open, shared break area with access to the new courtyard. New parking areas in the front and rear of the building were improved along with the additions of new landscaping and lighting.
Images © Scott Hewitt Photographer
WuXi AppTec, Inc. – 4701 Master Plan + Basis of Design + Detailed Design
Precis was retained by WuXi AppTec, Inc. to develop the master plan program and basis of design for a new 150,000-sf manufacturing and laboratory facility in the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
The new building consists primarily of two floors of approximately 75,000 sf each, a single-story office/entry way, a single-story high-bay warehouse, and a single-story mechanical building. The design accommodates a full fit-out with segregated cell therapy and viral vector suites, and logistics and material management to support operation. The design layout incorporated modular construction in order to be flexible and maximize equipment efficiency with room for future expansion.
Precis provided basis of design for cGMP compliance to handle T-cell therapy and clinical-grade to commercial-scale materials to support viral vectors for cell and gene therapy; process development (PD) laboratories; analytical laboratories to support manufacturing and PD; and logistics, support, and office spaces. A preliminary building area diagram was developed and adopted in concept by WuXi AppTec.
Precis was re-engaged to perform the detailed design and provide support during construction for Phases 3 and 4.
Cardinal Health, Inc. – Facility Upgrade
Precis provided engineering services to Cardinal Health, Inc., covering a 250,000-sf pilot plant, laboratory, central plant, and office facility in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Cardinal Health, Inc. specializes in the distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical products.
Upgrades included multiple cGMP spaces, clean laboratories, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) vault and cage, and utility enhancements such as a 9 MVA primary electric service at 13.2 kV, a 4,160 V unit substation for a 4,200-ton chiller plant, four 480 V secondary substations, a 750 kW diesel generator, and a 50 kW uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system with automatic transfer switches.
Image © Jonathan Weiss
Precis Joins the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
In celebration of Earth Day 2025, we are thrilled to announce that Precis has officially joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This commitment marks a significant milestone on our dedicated journey towards achieving our sustainability goals. The Science Based Targets Initiative is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies worldwide to play their part in combating climate change. The organization develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global warming below detrimental levels and reach net-zero by 2050. Participating companies set goals and work toward company-wide net-zero emissions in line with climate science with the SBTi. As of 2025, over 10,000 companies have set or committed to set science-based climate targets validated by the organization. In joining the SBTi, we are fully committed to implementing actionable steps that align with the global standards for reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental stewardship. Our team is energized and ready to contribute to a greener future, ensuring that our practices not only have a positive impact on the planet, but also benefit our many clients who share the same goal. Lead by Precis Director – Process Architecture and Sustainability, Veera Ronalter, RA, LEED AP BD+C and Precis Project Manager, Marc Sano, PE, CEM, this initiative was implemented as part of the 2025 Precis Sustainability Program launched earlier this year. “Selecting a super-efficient, fully electric LEED Platinum building, the Ambler Boiler House, as our main office has put us one step ahead of the game in carbon reduction. Precis Cary office is also fully electric, thus we have eliminated all scope 1 emissions and are ready to tackle reducing scope 2 emissions. Aligning our carbon emission reduction goals with SBTi is a natural next step as we work towards a sustainable future.” said Ronalter. Together, we look forward to making substantial progress in our sustainability efforts, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change.
Precis Hires Kevin J. Hollenbeck, AIA, as Director – Life Sciences in Ambler, PA
We are pleased to announce the addition of Kevin J. Hollenbeck, AIA as Director – Life Sciences based in the Ambler office. An architect with 15+ years of experience, Hollenbeck provides strategic oversight for the design and planning of life sciences buildings. “Kevin is an accomplished architect who works closely with clients to align their goals and needs, and to create architecture that exceeds both,” said Precis Principal – Life Science, Carl E. Holden, AIA, LEED AP. “He lends a new leadership perspective to our continuously evolving life sciences team.” “I am excited to leverage my background in support of the Precis architectural team and clients,” said Hollenbeck. “Life sciences architecture has the potential to impact people’s lives, by supporting new drug discoveries and patient care. Working in the integrated architecture and engineering environment at Precis helps us design more innovative, efficient, and economical facilities.” Hollenbeck holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson University). He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and contributor to the Lean Construction Institute (LCI). With a family that stretches back three generations in the building trades, Hollenbeck prioritizes blending creative design solutions with the principles and methodologies of Lean construction to drive efficient and innovative project solutions. He is a frequent speaker and panelist on topics including successful presentation strategies, Lean execution strategies for designers, and effective composition and organization of construction documents. He resides in Huntingdon Valley, PA.
Process Piping Designer – Ambler, PA
Precis Engineering + Architecture (Precis) is currently seeking a skilled Process Piping Designer to join our Ambler, PA team in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated professional with strong communication skills and the ability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Overview + Purpose Precis offers comprehensive design services to our clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, higher education, industrial, commercial, critical utility, and healthcare markets. Together, we design and create important buildings, facilities, and environments that improve and save lives. Precis is recognized for our design expertise and proficiency in providing strategically sensitive and technically complex engineering and architectural services. The Structural Department is regularly engaged in a broad spectrum of projects that demand innovative solutions to complex structural design challenges. This offers an excellent environment for employees to rapidly expand their knowledge and understanding of the key role engineering plays in the success of building renovations and new construction projects. Responsibilities: Requirements: Precis is a 140+ person consulting engineering firm located in Ambler, Pennsylvania. We offer excellent salary and benefits. Precis Engineering provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
