Industrial Real Estate Show

The Warehouse Tenants WILL Walk Away From

The episode of the Industrial Real Estate Show features Vance Lazar of Pioneer Architecture discussing how logistics‑focused warehouse design differs from traditional architecture and why developers must think beyond immediate tenants. Lazar emphasizes that collaboration among civil, structural, MEP and developer teams is essential to set clear specifications—bay spacing, ceiling heights, dock‑door ratios—and to embed future‑proofing measures such as oversized utility corridors. He notes typical projects range from 80,000 sq ft to over a million, with clear heights of 32‑40 ft and power demands from 2,000 amps for mid‑size specs to 10,000 amps for mega‑facilities. A memorable quote—“form follows function”—captures his philosophy that aesthetic restraint and disciplined proportions improve both operational flow and brand perception. He cites a cramped 8‑ft‑high break room as a cautionary example and points to branding cues like IDI’s blue façade or Clarion’s red accents as emerging trends. The discussion signals a shift for developers: warehouses must be built for multiple future tenants, accommodate rising electrification, and consider life‑cycle costs rather than just upfront price. Ignoring these factors could lead to costly retrofits or vacant space as power grids tighten and tenant expectations evolve.