The U.S. fertility rate—the average number of children born per woman—hit an all-time low of 1.6 in 2024, far below the replacement rate of 2.1. The replacement rate is what’s needed for the population to grow since slightly more than two children “replace” the mother and father.

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...

Designing a courthouse is more than just selecting materials and layouts — it’s about shaping the physical framework of justice itself. Every square foot in a courthouse carries weight (and a significant cost if we’re being honest): it must support fairness, uphold security, ensure accessibility,...

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. 

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...