The new Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre of Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) is an ambitious project that combines modern architecture, innovative technologies, and complex engineering systems. By providing construction supervision and audit services, BLV Advisory Group has played a significant role in the successful implementation of this project, helping RSU overcome many challenges and ensuring high construction quality in every detail.
Riga Stradiņš University is continuously developing and expanding its infrastructure. A clear example is the new Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre, located in Riga, at 21 Konsula Street. This building is a significant addition to RSU’s student campus in Pārdaugava and has become the largest and most technically complex building in the university’s 70-year history.
The centre’s creation aims to provide a modern environment for pharmacy students and researchers, promoting the development of innovative medicines and scientific studies. The 7246 square metre building, which can comfortably accommodate up to 600 people at the same time, houses 4 auditoriums, 11 teaching rooms, 10 study laboratories, and 7 research laboratories equipped with the latest technologies and equipment.
The challenging journey of RSU’s Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre Construction
The construction of RSU’s Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre was associated with several significant challenges. The building’s technical complexity, specialised laboratories, and the need to comply with high cleanliness and safety standards required special attention and competence from all involved parties. Furthermore, the project involved a huge number of participants, which created additional communication and coordination obstacles. BLV Advisory Group, applying its experience and professionalism, was able to ensure effective project management and assist RSU in successfully overcoming these challenges. The company provided construction supervision and construction project documentation audit services, ensuring independent and objective control over the project’s implementation.
”We were involved in the design stage, performed technical solution audits, assisted in selecting subcontractors, and acted as external consultants. We also provided technical supervision, fulfilled organisational functions, monitored the implementation of necessary project changes, conducted minute-taking, supervised material usage, and controlled the schedule. We undertook a broad range of responsibilities to ensure that this facility was delivered within the specified budget and on schedule.
Sergejs FrolovsHead of BLV Advisory Group
Meticulous construction supervision and audit – the key to a successful project
BLV Advisory Group’s involvement from the very beginning of the design phase was a crucial cornerstone for an excellent result. Construction supervision and audit, combined into a single service, ensured that construction specialists could provide their expertise and assist the client in making well-founded decisions already during the design stage.
”What was interesting and different from the classical construction approach was that even before the design competition, we as the client, sensing that a complex building was emerging, formulated tasks for the designers, as well as for the auditor and construction supervisor, foreseeing two general contractors for the implementation of construction works. Experience in the creation of cleanrooms is held by a very narrow circle of builders, therefore this division of construction works, in our opinion, provided economic efficiency and the opportunity to attract a broader range of builders for general construction works, such as the construction of a public building or educational institution, and to set specific requirements for the second builder, for the construction of the laboratory on the fourth floor.
Dainis ZemešsDirector of the Infrastructure Department, RSU.
BLV Advisory Group ensured precise and timely information exchange among all involved parties, helping to avoid misunderstandings and delays. This project involved not only the client (RSU) and builders, but also several experts and consultants from various countries and fields – from pharmaceutical technologies to the planning of study laboratories. Effective communication was essential to ensure that everyone was informed about the project’s progress, changes, and decisions made.
BLV Advisory Group used various communication tools and methods to ensure clear and continuous information flow, including regular meetings, detailed minutes, and prompt responses to questions. This approach helped to avoid misunderstandings that could cause delays or additional costs and ensured that the project progressed according to the planned schedule and budget.
Result – the project success story
The completion of RSU’s Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre in December 2023 marked the successful conclusion of a complex and ambitious project. Both RSU and BLV Advisory Group agree on the project’s success and consider it an outstanding example of collaboration.
Dainis Zemešs emphasises that he is extremely satisfied with the achieved result. He pointed out that, looking back on the project, there is nothing significant he would wish to change or do differently. This indicates careful planning, effective execution, and close cooperation among all involved parties. He also noted that the key to successful collaboration is precise communication and the engagement of all parties to achieve the best result. In this regard, BLV Advisory Group has played a significant role by ensuring effective information exchange and coordination among all project participants.
Looking to the future
The successful implementation of RSU’s Pharmaceutical Education and Research Centre is a significant milestone not only for the university but also for the entire construction industry in Latvia. This project demonstrates how important competent project management, effective communication, and close cooperation among all involved parties are. RSU has affirmed its commitment to continue developing and creating a modern, innovative environment for studies and research. Riga Stradiņš University is open to cooperation with construction industry professionals who can offer high-quality services and help implement ambitious projects in the future.
This project is not the first time Riga Stradiņš University has collaborated with BLV Advisory Group – even before the implementation of this project, the construction of a modern student dormitory building was carried out – within that project as well, BLV Advisory Group provided construction supervision services. And the cooperation continues to this day – currently, work is underway on the construction of RSU’s new sports centre – its opening is planned for the summer of 2026.
The BLV Advisory Group team is ready to take on new challenges and, with the company’s extensive experience, continue to contribute to the development of large-scale projects. “I am confident that this experience and knowledge can help implement many more successful construction projects in Latvia and beyond. We believe that every complex project is an opportunity to improve and grow, which is why we always strive for new professional challenges,” concludes Sergejs Frolovs.
