Meet the Specialists Behind Bulb
Expertise – Built In
At Bulb, our greatest strength is our people. What sets us apart is simple: our expertise is built in. Built into our team, and therefore seamlessly built into our work. Our projects are led by experienced, in-house specialists who bring decades of real-world knowledge to every stage – from early concept and compliance through to technical delivery and project completion.
Our difference has always been clear: we bridge the gap between science and construction.
Guided by a Science First philosophy, our in-house specialists translate complex scientific, technical and regulatory requirements into practical, compliant and future-ready spaces. From early strategy and pre-construction through to technical delivery, our integrated team collaborates to anticipate challenges, minimise risk and deliver right-first-time solutions.
In this edition of Meet the Specialists, we’re introducing three of the leaders who bring this expertise to life every day.
Dr Manisha Kulkarni
Director of Science & Technology
Manisha leads our Science & Technology division and plays a central role in our specialist laboratory and healthcare offering.
With more than 25 years of experience across scientific research, laboratory design and construction, Manisha brings rare interdisciplinary knowledge spanning pharmaceuticals, chemicals and the built environment. Her international background across industry, academia and research institutes gives our clients invaluable insight into how scientific facilities truly operate.
Holding a PhD in Organic Chemistry focused on antibacterial molecule development, Manisha combines deep scientific understanding with practical delivery expertise in:
- Laboratory design and compliance
- Workflow optimisation and safety
- Specialised equipment planning
- Regulatory standards and drug development environments
Her certifications include Guidelines for Laboratory Design: Health and Safety Considerations from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Health Facility Planning & Design Certificate from IHEEM & TAHPI.
Manisha’s leadership strengthens our position as a specialist laboratory consultancy, helping clients in life sciences, pharmaceuticals and advanced research sectors create environments that enable innovation and discovery.
Dion Reid
Director of Technical Services
Dion leads our Technical Services function, ensuring complex engineering designs are translated into safe, compliant, and fully coordinated buildable solutions.
With over 25 years in construction and mechanical and electrical services, Dion’s career began on the tools – an experience that informs his practical, delivery-focused approach to design management and technical assurance.
His experience spans projects of every scale and complexity, including commercial workplaces, secure data centres, specialist R&D facilities, and large mechanical and electrical contracts.
At Bulb, Dion has led the delivery of highly specialised facilities including clinical trial environments, CL3 laboratories, and quantum computing labs – all requiring advanced coordination and stringent environmental controls.
He champions digital adoption and innovation, driving improved communication, coordination, and reduced delivery risk.
His key areas of expertise include:
- Ventilation & LEV strategy
- Laboratory gases distribution
- Specialist requirements — DSEAR & ISO cleanrooms
Working closely with pre-contracts and delivery teams, he ensures buildability, compliance, and technical assurance are embedded from the outset.
Kelly Townsend
Pre-Construction Director
Kelly leads our Pre-Construction team and has been a key part of Bulb since 2007.
With more than 40 years in the construction industry, he brings a uniquely rounded perspective shaped by experience across both project delivery and pre-construction strategy. Kelly has successfully delivered fast-track design and build projects ranging from £100k to £12m, consistently earning exceptional client feedback.
Kelly plays a vital role in turning ambition into achievable plans by working closely with clients, consultants and delivery teams to coordinate every stage of the journey. His focus includes:
- Design Coordination
- Budget and programme planning
- Risk identification and problem solving
- Quality assurance
- Clear communication across stakeholders
His collaborative and proactive approach helps to ensure projects run smoothly and client expectations are met from day one.
The Power of In-House Expertise
Together, Manisha, Dion and Kelly represent some of the key specialist knowledge that defines Bulb.
Through expertise in-house, we offer clients a truly integrated approach – one that combines scientific insight, engineering capability and practical construction experience. This model strengthens collaboration, accelerates decision-making and reduces risk across complex projects.
As demand for high-quality research, laboratory and healthcare environments continues to grow across sectors such as life sciences, advanced technology and healthcare, our team is uniquely positioned to support organisations driving innovation in the UK.
Let’s Start the Conversation
For two decades, Bulb has helped organisations create workplaces, laboratories and healthcare facilities where innovation can thrive.
Our Science First approach, specialist consultancy mindset and turnkey delivery model allow us to transform complex requirements into practical, compliant and future-ready environments.
If you’re planning a new laboratory, workplace or healthcare facility, we’d love to explore how our specialists can support your next project.
Get in touch with the Bulb team to begin the conversation
Dr Manisha Kulkarni: manisha.kulkarni@bulbinteriors.com
Dion Reid: dion.reid@bulbinteriors.com
Kelly Townsend: kelly.townsend@bulbinteriors.com
