Aberration-corrected TEMs offer enormous scientific potential, but at the same time present significant challenges in terms of laboratory design and institutional support. The technical challenges presented by this class of instrument, and the considerations for the design of these labs has been reported elsewhere (1, 2, 3). This paper considers more the management processes, timeframes and budget required for success of the project. It draws upon the case study of developing a high-specification laboratory for a double aberration-corrected TEM within an existing building on the QUT Gardens Point campus in the Brisbane CBD.