Courthouses have always symbolized justice, stability, and authority. But the justice system itself is constantly adapting and changing. Case volumes rise and fall, technology evolves, and design standards change. A courthouse designed for today can quickly feel outdated tomorrow.

The construction of a new courthouse isn’t cheap. Depending on the size of the city or county, costs can range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Once the decision has been made to move forward and project costs are estimated, figuring out how to fund a courthouse capital...

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.

As the justice system evolves to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world, so too must the buildings that house it. The concept of a "smart courthouse exterior" goes beyond aesthetics—it integrates technology, sustainability, security, and public accessibility right from the building’s facade...

Service animals are becoming increasingly common in various public settings, including courthouses, where they assist individuals with disabilities or special needs. As accessibility and trauma-informed practices receive more attention in the justice system, the use of service dogs in courthouses...