Courthouse planning & security
Courts are evolving. We help you adapt.
Courts are moving away from traditional models, embracing flexible spaces, self-service kiosks, and service centers. Emerging issues facing the justice system today range from heightened security concerns and threats from natural disasters and weather events to aging facilities and infrastructures, and a growing need to make court services more convenient and accessible.
We're your partner for trusted and well-informed planning, design and security resources and services. We can work with your team as an independent consultant, jointly with an architectural firm, or as a facilitator between the architect and the court.
Reimagining spaces for safe, efficient justice
Understanding the relationship between current and future space planning, service delivery, and security is essential for fair and efficient justice.
Traditional v. hybrid construction costs
In 2020, the national average for courthouse construction was $383 per square foot. Discover how hybrid courtroom designs can significantly reduce your project's expenses compared to traditional layouts.
Traditional 2-Courtroom Set (6,200 SF, 2020 National Average)
Hybrid 2-Courtroom Set (3,300 SF, 2020 National Average)
Shaping new approaches to courthouse design through innovation
We challenged courts to create new approaches to planning and design that in many cases, transformed temporary, pandemic-era solutions into permanent practices. See how courts are embracing technology and innovative service models to streamline adjudication and court services while reimagining physical spaces to support modern, efficient, and accessible service methods.
- Court of appeals satellite courtrooms (West Virginia - West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals)
- District court space reallocation (Alaska - Fourth Judicial District Rabinowitz Courthouse)
- Justice court resource center & courtroom design (Utah - Salt Lake City Justice Court)
- New justice center with drive-thru window (Washington - Olympia Municipal Court)
- Courtroom remodel for hybrid hearings (Florida - 17th Judicial Circuit Court)
- Community justice campus (Indiana - Marion County Superior & Circuit Courts Community Justice Campus)
- District court streamlining services, spaces (Utah - Second Judicial District Davis County Second District Courthouse)
- Historic courthouse update (Arkansas - Mississippi County Courthouse)
Creating safe, secure spaces
Increasing threats to public institutions, along with the growing frequency of natural disasters and extreme weather events, heighten the need to remain vigilant in matters of security and emergency preparedness.
Strengthening personal safety for judges & staff
Tragic events have highlighted the vulnerability of judges and court staff - not only at work, but also at home. Our tips are useful reminders for personal safety and the need to stay vigilant about taking appropriate safety and security precautions.
Our planning, design & security servicesÂ
Our team can help you design short or long-term projects that provide comprehensive strategic planning integrating architecture, technology, security, and court operations. Contact us for additional information.