Ask someone to picture a courthouse, and they'll almost always describe the courtroom. They'll picture a judge on the bench, attorneys presenting their arguments, a witness on the stand, and jurors seated in the jury box. It's understandable. After all, that's where justice is most visible.

Courthouse design begins with a disciplined process of listening, testing assumptions, and aligning stakeholders around how the building must function. This process, commonly referred to as “space programming” or “program of requirements” development, establishes the framework for all subsequent...

Designing and operating a courthouse requires more than courtrooms and chambers—it demands a carefully choreographed security strategy. One of the most critical components of that strategy is the secure movement of detainees. From arrival to courtroom appearance and back again, every step must be...

Over the past decade, the space requirements of probation offices have changed dramatically. Traditionally located within or near courthouses, these offices once included large private offices and expansive waiting areas. Today, however, probation work has shifted toward community-based...

As a court planner, one of my primary responsibilities is guiding stakeholders in making strategic decisions that align with current operational needs and long-term goals—all within budgetary constraints. This requires a deep understanding of court operations, space programming, and building...