These lessons come from our Workplace Technology (WPT) partnerships with architects—the successes, challenges, and everything in between. They highlight how smart collaboration creates smoother handoffs and delivers spaces that work from day one, while also staying on budget and on schedule. Most importantly, they reveal how architects can walk away from projects knowing their vision was elevated by technology that not only seamlessly disappears into the design but innovates to meet future needs.
Start Tech Conversations Early
Early technology involvement prevents the most common challenges architects face: shifting client decisions, uncoordinated design, and late technology additions that clash with architectural goals.
"The most common issue we see is clients not fully understanding technology costs and requirements during schematic design. By the time they realize what they actually need, it's expensive to change."
– Jonas Lum, Audiovisual Practice Leader, Align Workplace Technology
Our WPT team involves all relevant stakeholders—enterprise AV, IT, security, design, and C-suite—early in the process. We create a visual Schematic Design Basis of Design that clearly shows functional goals, technology requirements, and rough costs before moving to design development.
Plan Physical Space for Technology Infrastructure Together
Technology room requirements, digital signage, conferencing systems, and security infrastructure need thoughtful integration from conceptual design through buildout. Again, uncoordinated design leads to expensive fixes.
"We work hand in hand with architects to ensure all space requirements are met. From simple lobby areas to MDF/IDF rooms to boardrooms and multipurpose spaces."
– Michael Lombardi, Managing Director, Align Workplace Technology
Our BIM teams produce detailed technology drawings and actively coordinate with architects and other trades through coordination meetings, Bluebeam sessions, and CAD architectural installation details.
Design Technology with End Users in Mind
Technology that looks impressive in presentations but confuses actual users creates ongoing support headaches and undermines the space's success.
"The best spaces are intuitive from day one. Users shouldn't need extensive training to participate in a meeting or present their work." – Jonas Lum, Audiovisual Practice Leader, Align Workplace Technology
We help architects think through user workflows, sight lines, and interaction patterns during space planning. Simple decisions like camera placement relative to screens, or control panel positioning, dramatically impact whether technology enhances or hinders daily operations. Planning for user adoption during design prevents the post-occupancy support calls that nobody wants and avoids costly, late-stage design changes from stakeholders.
Design for Sustainability and Changing Technology
Architects consistently face challenges with ever-changing technology requirements. Future-proofed infrastructure allows spaces to evolve without major renovations.
"We ensure technology fits within the overall vision of the space while also keeping in mind that inevitable changes are always on the horizon." – Michael Lombardi, Managing Director, Align Workplace Technology
Our approach creates infrastructure that supports phased technology rollouts and modular upgrades. We help clients adapt to new technology trends without disrupting their operations.
The Partnership Advantage
For a firsthand look at the results of an Align-Architect partnership, explore our case study on the 22,000 sq ft office transformation we completed for a financial giant here.
Ready to explore how an Align partnership can improve your next project? Contact our team to discuss seamless technology integration that enhances rather than compromises your design vision. Visit: www.align.com/workplace-technology
