The George J. Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security at Northeastern University is a world-class facility dedicated to the advancement of national security research. As an innovative knowledge center, this 65,000 SF lab facility achieves the vision of both the donor as well as the University, creating a unique and special place for knowledge workers to conduct cutting edge research. The architectural expression focuses on the progressive and collaborative nature of the Institute and was successfully delivered through a design / build process, which facilitated a high level of collaboration between the major stakeholders.