Boston, MA — As the once red-hot life sciences construction sector cools in Greater Boston, Columbia Construction is steering confidently into new territory.
In a recent Face-to-Face interview with the Boston Real Estate Times, Bill Olson, Vice President of Science + Technology at Columbia, revealed how the firm is capitalizing on emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing, data centers, and battery technologies.
To watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below:
“While traditional lab construction has slowed, innovation hasn’t,” said Olson. “We’re seeing a wave of next-gen tech sectors that are demanding new types of highly specialized spaces—and Boston remains a hub for that growth.”
With over 25 years of experience blending architecture and construction, Olson brings both technical expertise and creative vision to Columbia’s strategic push into new science and tech frontiers. From preconstruction planning to project closeout, he leads a team that thrives on solving the complex challenges inherent in cutting-edge construction.
Olson notes that while venture capital has cooled for biotech, demand for data infrastructure and advanced production facilities is accelerating, driven by AI, electrification, and the reshoring of key industries.
Columbia’s Legacy, Future-Focused
Celebrating 100 years in business, Columbia Construction is one of Massachusetts’ top construction management firms, generating an average $500 million annually. More than 90% of its projects come from repeat clients—a testament to its performance, trust, and proactive problem-solving.
Columbia’s Science + Technology division, under Olson’s leadership, continues to adapt quickly to market shifts while delivering complex projects with precision. Whether it’s building for clean energy research or next-gen manufacturing, Columbia is helping shape the infrastructure for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
Outside of work, Olson brings the same energy and strategy to life as he does to construction. He’s an avid sailor, skier, and pickleball enthusiast, often found racing sailboats off the coast of Marblehead or hiking with family and friends.
Boston’s Tech Construction Scene Evolves
As Boston’s innovation economy diversifies, firms like Columbia are playing a critical role in enabling its growth—by building smarter, faster, and for what’s next.
The lab boom may have slowed, but the future of science and technology construction is anything but idle.
