Introduction

Public entities have to do more with less, and the design and construction of emergency response facilities is no exception. Tight budgets, complicated schedules, and public relations can present a wide range of challenges. On top of this, successful facility improvements must be far-sighted, and meet the demands of today while maintaining the flexibility to effectively support future operations. With all this in mind, seeing an emergency response project from conception to operation can be daunting. An experienced design team, with the requisite expertise, will help maximize a community and department’s investment and set the stage for long-term efficiency.

Successful law enforcement and fire station projects address both functional requirements and aesthetic considerations, and serve as community cornerstones. Achieving these goals requires significant buy-in and support from the community—an element of the project process Mackenzie’s team is passionate about. Keeping the public informed and engaged through outreach sessions is integral in gaining community support, particularly if siting a new station or seeking voter approval of a bond.

In the following pages, we illustrate themes and strategies in Mackenzie’s approach to emergency response facility design, including: