Here at Cornerstone, we know the future lies in innovation. We develop solutions that tackle the industry’s challenges while aiming to meet the needs of the people who work with these materials every day. None of which would be possible without our incredible team of lab technicians.
With a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience, these guys are just as comfortable behind a microscope as they are with a trowel. From research and development to analysing materials and designing custom products, they roll up their sleeves to make the Cornerstone vision come to life.
And so, in honour of World STEM Day, we've decided to shine a spotlight on the role that forms the foundation of our technical team, putting our lab techs in the hot seat to better understand what it takes to maintain the highest quality standards whilst also remaining at the forefront of industry innovation.
What does a typical day look like?
"Come in at 8. Check my e-mail. Check the priority list. Go from there," says our newest lab tech, Joe. Sounds simple, right? However, in reality, that priority list comprises various intricate tests, essential processes, and detailed reports.
All of our products are tested to the requirements of EN998, to the test methods specified under the various parts of EN1015, a comprehensive set of European standards that provide a framework for the methods of testing of mortar for masonry. Plus an extensive set of our own in-house tests. And as if this wasn't enough to keep our lab team on their toes, they also work closely together to support our range of services, including mortar analysis, mortar matching, and custom product development.
Willow expanded, providing some details on what an average week can look like for her and the team. She explained that some days in the lab are spent "carrying out quality assurance procedures to ensure the consistency and quality of our products or conducting material testing. This includes physical and chemical analysis, to assess the properties and performance of raw materials and finished products."
Other days in the lab are spent deep in research and development, focused on testing the suitability and compatibility of new materials or iterating existing products. And, in addition to busy days in the lab, there's also plenty that takes place behind the desk, including recording data, updating documentation, and preparing detailed reports.
What drew the team to the role?
Our lab team brings together people from diverse backgrounds, and that diversity is part of what gives us our edge. Take Willow, for example. She says, "I’ve always been passionate about science and wanted to work in a lab-based role. My previous experience working with a plasterer sparked my curiosity about the chemistry behind the materials."
Meanwhile, Holly has always been a scientist at heart, exploring a range of disciplines that took her from studying algae at the Roman Baths to conducting environmental research abroad before joining the team. It was perfect timing, too, as she had just started her own home renovation journey. She says, "In 2022, I bought my first home with my partner, a 400-year-old slate stone house. It needs a lot of work."
Our longest-standing lab technician, Luke, previously managed the dry mix manufacturing plant. After several years learning our products and processes, he now brings that deep understanding of the manufacturing process to the role. Luke says, "I wanted to challenge myself further by moving into this more demanding role."
Finally, our newest team member, Joe, joined after spotting the role and thinking, "That looks interesting." After years working as a lab analyst, a few months in, he’s confirmed it is interesting and that he's “enjoying it."
What are the best bits about being a lab tech?
We asked our lab techs what they enjoy most about their role, and there were three common themes across the board:
The variety - For those opposed to life on the monotonous side, you’ll fit right in here. It's a fast-paced environment where you’ll experience "something new almost every day".
The team - It's all about teamwork and support. The team spoke about how much they value their colleagues and the importance of camaraderie, which is essential when faced with busy days or unexpected challenges.
The mental and physical mix - Everyone agrees the role keeps them thinking and moving. Holly explained, "I really love that it is both mentally and physically demanding. There is so much to learn in this field, it keeps me engaged, and carrying bags of mortar, buckets of sand and using a paddle mixer helps keep me fit!" Followed up by Joe who added "I like that I'm on my feet and that there's always plenty to keep me busy".
What surprised our lab techs most about their role?
Luke told us the thing that surprised him most about the role was "the level of detail needed to ensure products are adequately fit for sale." Adding, "to create a modern, conservation-friendly product is much harder than expected." Also, "you can never have enough scales."
For Willow, "I was surprised by how much I enjoy working on mortar matching, getting the colour and texture just right, so satisfying."
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH SCALES - LUKE
Holly added, "You need to have an analytical mind and a skilled hand."
Elaborating, "In addition to the industry-standard laboratory tests, we also conduct supplementary tests that involve applying renders and plasters to a wall. These tests provide a better understanding of workability, or the 'feel' of the product and are more of an art than a science," summing it up with "they require plenty of practice!"
One thing that is definitely no surprise - if you take a trip down to the lab, you'll come back a bit dusty!
How does the team problem-solve?
Whether developing new products to solve specific problems, determining why results don't match expectations, or understanding why a material isn't performing as it should, problem-solving plays a significant role in the work of our lab technicians.
Willow told us that she approaches problem-solving "With patience and an open mind." Adding, "Some problems are straightforward, but sometimes you have to really think outside the box to discover a way around it or how the problem started."
What skills are most important to the role?
We asked our lab techs what skills they considered most important to their role. Here's what they had to say:
Organisation & time management:
Lab operations involve many processes running in parallel, each with strict deadlines and reporting timelines. Effective organisation ensures that tests are carried out correctly and resources are used efficiently, while strong time management helps to prioritise tasks and keep everything on track.
Patience & a sharp eye:
Accuracy & precision are critical in laboratory work. Minor errors can compromise results or delay entire projects that may take weeks or even months to complete. Patience, along with a meticulous approach, helps maintain the integrity of every test, result & report.
Teamwork & communication:
Many longer-term projects require seamless handovers between team members. Clear communication ensures continuity and prevents information gaps, while strong teamwork supports shared problem-solving and keeps the lab running smoothly.
Curiosity & proactivity:
Laboratory work is rooted in discovery. Our lab techs must be eager to explore, ask questions and take initiative. Curiosity drives innovation, while proactivity helps the team to spot potential problems and reinforce systems before issues arise.
Problem-solving & persistence:
Unexpected challenges are part of everyday lab work. Our lab techs must be comfortable analysing results, identifying issues and persisting in the face of challenges to continue working toward solutions, even when things don't go to plan.
Why is the work our lab techs do important for the wider construction industry?
Addressing fundamental issues - A one-size-fits-all approach is a fundamental issue in our industry. While traditional lime products have been used for centuries, they don't always meet the evolving needs of modern-day construction. That's why we're redefining lime-based products to meet the real-world complexities of the industry.
Striving for continuous improvement - Our vision is a future where buildings are healthier, more sustainable, and built to last. We believe our work is never done, as Holly aptly puts it, "we are constantly aiming to improve the performance of our products and their environmental footprint." Adding, "we are also looking to source our ingredients more locally where possible." And, "in the future, we hope to integrate waste or by-products from other industries."
Commitment to collaboration - Maybe most important, is our team's commitment to collaboration. We work closely with those who share our goals, supporting everyone from architects, specifiers, suppliers, and stockists to contractors and clients, ensuring the right expertise and guidance are shared where they matter most. This partnership-driven approach helps to maximise performance, reduce complexity, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for buildings and the people who rely on them.
WE ARE CONSTANTLY AIMING TO IMPROVE - HOLLY
What has been most rewarding in the role so far?
The role of a lab tech is a challenging one, yet it can also be incredibly rewarding. We asked our lab techs what had been most rewarding for them in their role to date.
Willow's most rewarding moment was joining our Technical Director, Edd, on a trip to Bath University and gaining an understanding of our products at a whole new level using their Scanning Electron Microscope. Holly said, "Knowing that our work can help save a building (and the people living in it) is rewarding in a sense!" For Luke, the biggest reward has been "gaining confidence" in his ability to push both himself and our products further.
What advice would you give someone interested in a similar role?
The consensus from all of our lab techs was "go for it!" It's an interesting and rewarding role with endless opportunities for growth and learning. As best put by our longest-standing lab technician, Luke, "Be open-minded and willing to learn and you will enjoy the variety the job has to offer."
The takeaway
Our lab technicians are at the heart of everything we do, combining diverse skills, curiosity, and expertise that make Cornerstone, well, Cornerstone. With each day bringing new challenges and discoveries, they play a key role in delivering solutions that bring real value.
Have something in the pipeline? Explore our full range of services and how our team can help you tackle the next project.
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