Consider technology needs in designing work space

by Jan K. Allen

SBJ Contributing Writer

sbj@sbj.net

When it comes to designing business space, there's a lot that goes on behind the scenes or make that behind the walls.

As technology continues to increase, architects, builders and interiors designers have to plan for placement of wiring, cabling and power-supply sources for sophisticated phone systems, computer networks and security systems.

"The earlier the designer can get involved, the better it's going to be so outlets can be placed where they need to be to suite the needs of the occupant," said Susan Sivils, director of design for Sifford Contract Interiors. "With all the amount of technology used today, a massive amount of cables are needed for many businesses."

Larry Burns, owner of Burns and Associates, Architects, said when consulting with business owners or builders, he asks a lot of questions to determine their particular needs.

"The arrangement of space is still primary in architecture, but to run cables along with other wiring needed for phones, computers and things like video monitoring for security systems, we recommend a cabling company unless the owner has their own cable specialist company," Burns said.

Burns usually recommends Summa Cabling Company, with which he's dealt on several projects. Larry Welbern, sales manager for Summa Cabling, said he sits down with business owners, architects and builders to go over the specifications of a project from the beginning.

"Each project is different with specialized needs to be met," Welbern said.

Welbern often works as subcontractor under the electrical contractor on a project, but he may work for the general contractor or directly for the business owner, on both new construction and in remodeling.

"It is much easier when cabling can go into the walls before the sheet rock goes up," Welbern said. "To run cables in existing walls can raise the cost four or five times over new construction."

Some projects even require that ceilings be dropped and/or walls to be torn out to accommodate wiring.

Welbern said the cost varies greatly by the type of business. A call center or bank may require more cabling and more installation time to accommodate equipment than an ordinary office complex. Because there are so many variables, it is impossible to estimate the expense until he reviews the specifications.

On a recent job for a call center, the business invested $15,000 to install computer and phone service in a 15,000-square-foot building, he said.

Welbern said the end user has many things to consider, including what type of security system is needed, whether there should be cameras, alarms or panic buttons, or if there will be access control cards for employees. The owner must also determine what type of telephone service is needed and if cable television and broadband service is needed.

But owners also have to think ahead, Welbern said.

"The business owner should think about what technology is going to be doing in 50 years.

New construction should be built in consideration of future obsolescence," Welbern said.

Melissa Higbie, architect with Esterly-Schneider & Associates, said on each job her firm sits down with the cabling company to make sure the junction boxes are properly located.

Higbie said she has seen some companies going to wireless equipment to allow more flexibility.

With a laptop computer, using wireless access, the employee can go from the desk to the conference room to the field.

Sivils said she has observed some use of wireless service, but the technology is used mostly in the sales and health fields, where representatives must be mobile.

"The person who works at a desk all day still must have a telephone and a full-size computer monitor with keyboard," she said.

This requires junction boxes to serve the spaces where these desks are to be placed. Service for fax and copy machines and other office equipment must also be considered in the early planning stages, Sivils said.