Each year, I assess more than two dozen courthouses of varying size and character. At the end of each assessment, I recommend an architectural approach to meet the current and future space needs of the court. For historic courthouses with strict preservation requirements in downtown areas,...

What happens in a courthouse can have a lasting effect on individuals, families, communities, and even the nation. Therefore, courthouses must be safe places for those who work in the buildings and for those who visit. In most public buildings, safety means elements like smoke and fire alarms,...

Objectivity is the bedrock of the American judicial process. We expect the judicial process to be fair and impartial. Should we expect anything less when we plan and design the court facilities that support this process? It’s no surprise that opinions on architecture can be very subjective. From...

Problem-solving courts that develop programs to successfully reintegrate parolees into the community and reduce recidivism rates have been an emerging trend in the American judicial system in recent decades. But do traditional courthouses – and the traditional courtroom layout – work for these...

Planning for courthouses has been our bread and butter for almost 30 years. During this time, we have helped numerous federal, state, and local courts strategically plan for future space needs. But what exactly is a court planning consultant, and how does courthouse planning differ from basic...