Using Data Tools to Catalog, Classify, and Evaluate Facility Risk

John Tobin, AIA has been examining the important ways data analysis can help clients prioritize and make critical facilities decisions for years. Much of the focus on data tools in the A/E/C industry relates to the design and planning process, but there are many other important ways in which data analysis can help us to…

Adapting Medical Office Buildings to Increase Patient Safety and Confidence

One of the less visible, but daunting challenges to healthcare delivery during the Covid-19 pandemic: how to engender confidence and a sense of safety in patients and staff, so that people continue to receive both preventative care and non-Covid related treatments. Some studies have shown that about 1/3 of Americans are delaying healthcare during the…

Flyleaf—A Modular Ode to the Paper Book

In our daily design practice, we balance a multitude of parameters on behalf of our clients. Stringent timelines intersect with tight budgets and even more challenging sites. But what if you were able to design a space free from parameters? How would this affect the creativity and inventiveness of your design? Architecture competitions allow design…

Architects and Engineers Look to Embrace New Technology

Mainebiz interviewed 20 business leaders about their outlook on the coming year. Ellen Belknap, our President, spoke about Maine’s strong position for green technologies, particularly cross laminated timber, as the whole architecture / engineering / construction industry works to reduce carbon emissions.

Designing Secure Environments for Special Populations

The rising incarceration rates of women, the mentally ill, individuals with substance abuse issues and those aging in place demand new solutions for special populations within correctional environments. SMRT’s justice team, nationally recognized for its intelligent and innovative design of secure, functional and efficient facilities, brings the added value of experience and expertise in healthcare…

Building Healthy Workplaces

Jeana Stewart, the leader of our Workplace Studio, was interviewed in Mainebiz about the wellness concepts incorporated in the recently completed global headquarters for WEX. Jeana’s services and the workplace studio provide immense value to employers who understand the role a welcoming, healthy workplace environment plays in employee recruiting and retention. By using a collaborative,…

BIM Data Without Models

Increasingly, owners grasp the value of data embedded in 3-D BIM models for downstream operations tasks like work order management and equipment maintenance. Yet as 3D software evolves long past construction completion, data that’s embedded in a model presents accessibility challenges and potentially compromised integrity. John Tobin, our Building Technology Leader and NY Office Director,…

Virtual Reality in the Design Process

Mainebiz recently featured SMRT’s use of virtual reality to help clients visualize what their space can look like before the first piece of building material even arrives on site. “The use of virtual reality was an invaluable process as it allowed us to experience the building ‘live’ during the early planning process” and make any…

Understanding and Mitigating Cleanroom Risks

Cleanrooms and controlled environments are complex, carrying significant research, production and financial risks when any part of the facility malfunctions. SMRT’s Kate Everett, PE, explains how to identify and mitigate those risks in a recent edition of R&D. Read the article at R&D Magazine online