Article at a Glance:
How has the commercial technology consulting industry evolved beyond simplistic floor plan markings to support modern, IP-centric building systems?
The answer lies in shifting focus from basic dial-tone and computer connection points—traditionally represented by simple triangles on blue prints—to engineering comprehensive, property-wide network infrastructures that handle advanced digital demands. As standard building systems like security, audiovisual controls, and facility management migrate entirely to IP networks, today’s projects face vastly increased data loads alongside newer tools like Wi-Fi predictive heatmapping, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), and the Internet of Things (IoT). By partnering with credentialed low-voltage consultants early in the architectural process, property owners ensure their underlying pathways, cabling, and communication spaces are custom-tailored to provide total cross-system reliability and value-engineered protection for their long-term real estate investments.
We have all seen them. Floor plans with triangles, sometimes shaded, sometimes not, that ultimately represent a location where there is a desired connection to an active piece of technology be that a phone, computer, etc. This simplistic view of structured cabling design was first addressed in an article titled “Triangles on a Floor Plan” authored by our founder, Jeff Cook, over a decade ago. As our business continues to grow, and technology continues to advance, we thought it may be helpful to revisit the technology consulting industry and how it continues to evolve.
Most new and renovation construction projects should include a design and consulting entity comprising a team of credentialed technology experts. Technologies have evolved far beyond the need for just triangles on a floor plan. Years ago the triangle merely represented dial-tone and/or a computer connection. Today’s technologies impacting a design and construction project could include WiFi, Distributed Antenna Systems (cellular enhancement), IPTV, and Smart Buildings or the Internet of Things (IoT). Further, traditional building systems such as security (CCTV, access control), building management, and audio/visual (AV) systems have all migrated to an IP-centric solution. For these reasons, designing and implementing a robust network infrastructure of cabling, pathways, and spaces is critical to a building owner’s long-term investment in a property.
NTI’s services can begin as early as concept design. Most often, and ideally, our services begin during the Schematic Design phase and are contracted through the turnover date of the project. Delivering a well-coordinated 100% Construction Documents set of drawings remains a primary objective, as are our construction administration services to maintain and confirm our design intent. Included but often not recognized in a typical engagement for us is the consulting aspects of what we do. Throughout the design process, we develop and present solutions, alternatives, and value engineering approaches, all for ownership consideration. We inquire about and absorb the “use-case” for a particular building and understand the end-user’s needs. This is the best way to ensure the building will operate and function as it is intended.
Over the years we have expanded our services offering to answer the needs of our clients. These services address advances in technology, and/or offer services that once were, but are no longer provided by an owner, operator or franchisor. In addition to the design and consulting offered above we can assist with WiFi predictive heatmapping studies and WiFi system design, preliminary DAS design as part of our base design, and system procurement management and vendor oversight. The latter services involve development of a technical system Request-For-Proposal (RFP), evaluation of responses, bid-leveling, and recommendation of award. We further support the system implementation phase on behalf of the owner by providing vendor installation oversight.
Technology infrastructure design is the core of what we do. Our designs address needs related to Audio-Visual, WiFi, CCTV, DAS, etc. These technologies are the sole focus of all members of our team. To that end, we have always been committed to being students of the industry, which has continued to advance rapidly since our first project in 1998. Our credentialed staff continually engages in industry technology conferences, participates on expert panels, and attend weekly continuing-education webinars, all for the purpose of staying on top of the latest industry trends.
For NTI, low voltage has always been our entire business, complete with credentialed expertise and has evolved far beyond Triangles on a Floor Plan. Today, our leadership team possesses over 100 years of collective consulting experience. After more than 2,000 projects over the past 27 years, we continue to grow via returning clients and referrals from them. This is a result of our commitment to our persistent pursuit of excellence with the services we provide. And we are grateful to our clients who trusted us and returned to us with their projects based on that trust.
About the Author
As Managing Principal, Scott is responsible for delivery of NTI’s services, including quality assurance, and is NTI’s most senior mentor on the NTI team.