CRB’s Maryland Office Celebrates 10 Years
CRB’s Maryland office is celebrating 10 years of shaping one of the top life sciences hubs in the U.S. – Maryland. From supporting emerging biotech startups to partnering with global pharma giants, CRB marks this milestone with an exciting Oktoberfest event, honoring a decade of innovation, growth, and impact in the industry.
By Shreya Jolly | October 16, 2024
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Charles River Bridge Insight’s (CRB) Maryland office is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone—10 years of excellence in transforming the life sciences landscape. Since opening its doors in 2014, CRB has emerged as a leading force in the industry, partnering with major biotech firms and achieving over $600 million in design and construction revenue. This celebration will showcase CRB’s impressive journey and highlight its pivotal role in driving innovation and growth within the local life sciences sector.
As industry leaders, clients, and dedicated employees come together for a celebratory gathering, attendees will have the chance to connect, reflect, and share insights about the future of biotechnology in the region!
A Decade of Growth in the BioHealth Capital Region
CRB has firmly established itself as a leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions for the life sciences and food & beverage industries. Since opening its Maryland office in 2014, CRB has been a driving force in reshaping the local biotech landscape. What started as a dedication to serving a select group of core clients—who remain loyal to this day—rapidly evolved into a thriving operation at 1801 Research Blvd in Rockville, strategically located in the heart of Maryland’s dynamic BioHealth Capital.
Over the past ten years, CRB has forged strong partnerships with major life science companies such as Emergent, Macrogenics, Paragon, Catalent, Acell, GSK, ATCC, Kite, AstraZeneca and Novavax. It is important to note however that its appeal extends beyond these major players. Supporting clients of all shapes and sizes, CRB also partners with emerging biotech startups, thanks to the comprehensive range of services it offers. These services span interior design, architecture, engineering (MEP), process and cGMP consulting, operations improvement, construction management, constructability reviews, estimation, and CQV management.
From lab bench tops to full-scale facility commercialization, the firm supports every phase of facility and product development. CRB also helps execute large capital expansions, manage complex site shutdowns, and conduct essential risk assessments, offering design-build solutions tailored to the unique demands of the biotech industry. The wide range of services, combined with its impressive growth, reflects the dedication and expertise of the entire CRB team.
As Vice President Shannah Falcone reflects, “Before there was even an MD office, I spent quite a few years taking road trips down to Maryland, meeting with potential clients and recruits. Matt Khair and I spent way too much time together, but are bonded for life. It was such an energizing time building a book of business, establishing team culture, and rallying together to grow the business. I am in awe of where the office is today and am so excited to celebrate an amazing 10 years. ”
The journey has been filled with both challenges and successes, but what truly sets CRB apart is its people. With a growing team of over 70 employees, the office has become a hub of innovation and collaboration. Many team members have joined from local universities, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives.
Mark Crutchfield, CRB’s Regional Procurement Manager, shares his gratitude for the journey, “It has been truly a pleasure working for CRB and watching the Rockville office mature over the last 9 years. Matt and Ben, I thank you for the opportunities you have provided.”
Building a Strong Community and Workforce
“Be Local. Be the Best.”
At CRB, this mantra drives the company’s commitment to building a strong community and workforce. This philosophy is reflected in their active participation within the local biotech scene, including leadership roles in organizations like ISPE Chesapeake and guest lectures at nearby universities. By actively engaging with local life sciences organizations, professional engineering associations, and architecture groups, CRB strengthens its community ties while also investing in the industry’s future.
As the office continues to grow, CRB has prioritized hiring talent from local universities and community colleges as well as relocating key individuals to create a diverse and skilled workforce.
Zach Page-Belknap, a sustainability specialist associate at CRB, recalls, “As this was my first job out of college, I didn’t expect to remain at CRB, let alone at the Rockville office for nearly a decade. Though having led our recruiting efforts for a short time and watching the team continue to grow to what it is now, I feel proud to have been a part of the journey thus far and look forward to the next ten!”
The collaborative spirit at CRB is further emphasized by Senior Architect Bruce Werfel, who notes, “Honored to celebrate 10 years at CRB! Collaborating with brilliant minds, pushing design boundaries, and delivering life-changing pharmaceuticals through quality designs.”
Celebrating Success with Oktoberfest
CRB is toasting its massive success with a festive Oktoberfest celebration, blending tradition with innovation in a way that’s sure to be unforgettable. While Oktoberfest traces its roots back to 1810, when the citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, it has since grown into the world’s largest folk festival. What started with a horse race and a grand parade of children in costume has become a global celebration of Bavarian culture, where beer, music, and community take center stage.CRB’s Oktoberfest will honor this rich tradition with a modern twist. This is because this year’s Oktoberfest will also feature Jon Rowley, Founder & Chief Product Officer at RoosterBIO Inc. and Partner at Funktional Brewing Company, one of Maryland’s newest Breweries. As is tradition with Oktoberfest we will be combining the greatness of our local life science industry with the brewing industry. Stop by this year’s Oktoberfest Celebration to try Funktional Brewing Company’s innovative Hazy IPA, and hear Jon talk about incorporating adaptogens and nootropics (i.e. functional ingredients like Ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane mushrooms) into the brewing process and the new experimental brews they are working on!
