TheLab.ms Wiki

Back in 2013, three friends gathered to discuss the local hacker and maker scene—specifically, what they loved about existing meetups and what was missing. These initial conversations between Shawn, Roxy, and Richard led to the formation of TheLab.ms, a new non-profit organization with a mission to foster collaboration between science, art, culture, and technology.

The vision was simple: bring distinct groups together into a single space where their interests could intersect, spawning new ideas to the benefit of everyone involved.

What is the best way to determine the initial leadership structure for a non-profit created by friends? A few rounds of Rock, Paper, Scissors, of course.

That is exactly how the initial officer positions were decided, and it worked out surprisingly well. Throughout 2013, this core group fleshed out the initial bylaws and business plan, filing for non-profit status with the IRS (which was approved in 2014).

For more than a year, TheLab.ms was a nomadic entity, holding meetings at various locations across Plano without a home base. During this time, fundraising events and our initial paying members allowed us to raise enough capital to open our own space in mid-2015.

Without the community's support—and the willingness of our “plankholders” to pay for membership in a space that didn’t yet exist—TheLab.ms never would have formed or grown.

In the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many organizations, TheLab.ms faced the harsh possibility of closing. The lease at the Plano location was expiring, and there was no consensus on the next best move.

Then, serendipity struck. The City of Richardson extended an open hand, inviting TheLab.ms to join the newly formed Richardson IQ District. With encouragement and financial incentives from the City, TheLab moved from its tucked-away location in Plano to a prominent spot on East Arapaho Road in Richardson, Texas.

With the help of volunteers who organized the momentous migration, and the loyalty of members who continued paying dues even while the doors were closed, TheLab settled into its new 3,000 sq. ft. facility.

As the organization continued to flourish, it became clear that our ambitions were outgrowing the Arapaho Rd. location. To better serve our members and accommodate a wider range of projects, TheLab.ms took its next giant leap by relocating to the Richardson Tech Center.

This move represents a major upgrade in capabilities. With a better facility suited for heavier machinery, dedicated project zones, and expanded community areas, the new space allows us to more fully realize the mission we started in 2013.