As a court planner, I always pause when beginning a project with a new architectural firm. One of the first questions is whether we’ll be able to conduct stakeholder interviews in our usual way—or whether the firm plans to rely on questionnaires.

Not long ago, I was presenting to a Board of Commissioners about the need for a new courthouse. After the presentation, one of the commissioners asked a question:

“Given all the new courthouse projects you’ve worked on, what are some of the lessons learned—things that the courts later regret about...

Courthouses are evolving to meet the demands of modern justice systems, community needs, and technological advancements. No longer defined by rigid layouts or single-purpose spaces, today’s courthouses must balance flexibility, efficiency, and innovation to remain functional and future-ready. 

Several years ago, I participated in a courthouse planning session with another firm. The project lead was highly skilled—thorough in her research, adept at gathering data, and polished in presenting to large groups. These qualities are all essential to courthouse planning.

Courtroom utilization studies are becoming an essential tool in planning courthouse facilities. These studies assess how courtrooms are used, generating data that influences decisions about the number and size of courtrooms. By understanding current usage, courts can reduce the size and cost of new...