On behalf of the University and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), Ballinger programmed and designed one of the nation's most unique interdisciplinary research institutes. The 330,000 square foot space supports research in areas such as microbiology, cell biology, and biochemistry. The facility achieved LEED Gold certification, as well as over a dozen design awards in its first year of operations, including the prestigious R+D Magazine 2012 Laboratory of the Year award.