Communications LAB

Communications LAB was founded in 2013 in Orange, California, with a clear purpose: to help organizations find and amplify their voice in a crowded marketplace. The agency grew out of a strategic partnership between Arianna Barrios, who had run Barrios & Associates for over 20 years, and Brian Lochrie, then president of Faubel Public Affairs. By acquiring the media relations and marketing division of Faubel Public Affairs and forming a collaborative alliance, Communications LAB was created as a full-service boutique firm that combines deep local roots with broad communications expertise. The agency’s name—LAB standing for Lochrie And Barrios—reflects this partnership-driven origin.

Current Focus and Philosophy

Based at 701 E Chapman Ave in Orange, United States, Communications LAB operates as a boutique agency that delivers the strategic depth of a larger firm without the overhead. The team views effective public relations as both an art and a science—a process of cutting through competing messages, points of view, and contrary opinions. This philosophy is embedded in their approach: they don’t just produce press releases or manage media lists; they work to uncover each client’s authentic voice and then build a communications strategy that makes that voice heard. The agency serves a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, tourism, public utilities, and political campaigns, adapting its methods to each industry’s unique landscape.

Core Services and Specialties

Communications LAB provides a comprehensive suite of public relations and communications services tailored to clients who need focused, results-driven support. While specific service offerings are not listed, based on their industry focus and client base, the agency’s capabilities likely include:

• Strategic communications planning and message development
• Crisis communications and reputation management
• Media relations and press outreach
• Community outreach and stakeholder engagement
• Political campaign communications and public affairs
• Content creation for digital and traditional channels

These services are designed to help clients navigate complex communications challenges, from managing public perception during a crisis to building grassroots support for a transportation initiative. Communications LAB emphasizes a collaborative, hands-on approach, drawing on the team’s combined decades of experience in both private and public sectors.

Who Benefits from Communications LAB

The agency is best suited for organizations that need a high level of strategic communications expertise but prefer the personalized attention and cost-effectiveness of a boutique firm. Clients in healthcare, transportation, hospitality, tourism, public utilities, and political campaigns will find particular value in Communications LAB’s industry-specific knowledge and its ability to integrate media relations, community outreach, and crisis management into a cohesive plan. Whether a startup looking to establish its brand presence or a long-standing utility facing a public relations challenge, the agency’s team in Orange, United States, is equipped to help them discover and amplify their message. Communications LAB remains a practical choice for those seeking a dedicated partner that understands the art and science of effective communication.