Behind every safe meal is a network of people working diligently to protect public health. For the USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service (FSIS), that work requires not only precision and expertise, but the right environment to support it.

When plans began for a new laboratory in Normandy, Missouri, the vision was clear: create a space that empowers scientists, inspectors, and support teams to do their best work every day.

SPACESINC partnered with Hoefer Welker to help bring that vision to life.

From the start, the focus was on the people inside the space. Every decision was guided by how the environment could better support the individuals responsible for safeguarding the nation’s food supply. The result is a thoughtfully designed, 83,000-square-foot facility that balances highly technical requirements with a sense of connection, comfort, and flow.

Throughout the building, spaces were carefully curated to reflect the diverse nature of the work. Open office areas encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing, while communal hubs create moments for connection across teams. At the same time, specialized lab environments are designed with precision—supporting the focused, detail-oriented work critical to scientific testing and inspection.

The finished space is more than a state-of-the-art laboratory, it’s a dynamic workplace that helps people perform at their highest level.

Today, the FSIS facility serves as a vital regional hub for food safety research and inspection, supporting the USDA’s mission to protect public health through rigorous analysis and innovation. And behind that mission is a workplace designed not just for the work, but for the people who make it possible.