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
Energy Matters – Let there be Light
The Labs21 Energy Benchmarking database estimates that lighting accounts for between 8 percent and 25 percent of total electricity usage in most labs. Proper lighting impacts laboratory research space – affecting occupant comfort, productivity, efficiency and health. SMRT’s Mike Chonko, PE, CEM writes about key lighting considerations for today’s laboratory, published in Laboratory Design. Read…
Striking Back When Disaster Strikes
Disasters happen – and they’re never opportune despite the age-old saying that, “every cloud has a silver lining.” Read some key principles about how to “Strike Back When Disaster Strikes” in this Controlled Environments Magazine article, written by SMRT’s Katherine Everett, PE, LEED AP, also known as “the facilities gal.” Read the article at R&D…
Planning for a More Resilient Future
How do you communicate the results after analyzing 2 million s.f. of buildings for failure and disruption risk, code compliance and design requirements, located across three urban sites in a way that is both understandable and actionable, and can be prioritized effectively? Michael Chonko, PE, CEM walks us through resiliency planning in this month’s The…
Prototyping & Standardization Bring Value, Efficiency, & Savings
SMRT Architects and Engineers, Martin’s Point Health Care and PC Construction collaborated to develop a new prototype medical office building. This team developed an innovative design for the primary care environment incorporating Lean concepts, flexibility, consistent branding, and standardized design and construction. Three medical office buildings later, the team continues to improve the design and…