FORENSICS
From yesterday’s dusted fingerprints to today’s rapid DNA and digital databases and single plate x-rays to advanced forensic imaging there are major disruptors in the field of forensic science. Developing a successful forensics facility demands flexibility at many levels—a facility that can adapt not only to advancements in technology, but also to unforeseen yet inevitable changes in procedures, management and funding. The successful facility of tomorrow must effectively balance open laboratory environments, more humane and inspiring workplaces, functional zoning, consolidated spaces and sustainable energy conservation.
We have partnered with numerous public agencies and institutions on more than 100 forensics facilities. Projects include centralized crime labs that serve multiple public safety agencies and alleviate critical backlogs in evidence processing; the Hamilton County Coroner's Office and Crime Lab in Blue Ash, Ohio, which propels the County to the forefront of forensic medicine; and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s Forensic Identification Laboratory, the world’s largest forensic anthropology lab with a mission to aid in the investigation, recovery and accounting of Americans lost in service to their country.
PROJECTS
Hamilton County Coroner's Office and Crime Lab
Truly one of the top facilities of its kind in the world, this multi-functional forensics building is notable for its smart and efficient workflow, elevated work environment and modern and flexible laboratories.
OUR TEAM
SmithGroup’s forensics center of excellence—comprising architects, engineers, lab planners and interior designers—has the planning and design prowess to meet our client’s challenges. To each new project we bring a thorough and contemporary understanding of the issues that influence forensic practices. We augment that applied knowledge with in-house research, analyzing the trends and disruptors of forensic science and the implications they have for planning and design. Our goal is to become true partners with our clients, seeking to advance the field of forensics by creating safe, pleasing and highly productive environments that enable efficient and quality investigation and analysis.
LEADERSHIP
OUR EXPERTS
We loved working with SmithGroup. I believe the team easily understood our vision and made it a reality. They were great partners in the design of this building. It was truly a pleasure working with this firm.
Lakshmi Kode Sammarco, M.D.
Hamilton County Coroner
NEWS & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Chico State Breaks Ground on a Next-Generation Forensic Anthropology Laboratory | Lab Design News
California State University, Chico (Chico State) recently broke ground on a facility that redefines the future of forensic anthropology on the West Coast. The new Human Identification Laboratory (HIL)—a 28,600-sf, purpose-built facility designed by SmithGroup—will triple the lab’s operational capacity, expand its research and training programs, and strengthen its long-standing partnerships with law enforcement agencies across California.
Chris Knorr
Senior Principal, Forensic Market Leader
(602) 824-5299
chris.knorr [at] smithgroup.com




















