Technology Consulting
Integrating technology into architecture is crucial for enhancing functionality, aesthetics and user experience of built spaces.
How we help
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Program
We work with the architect, engineers, designers and end users to determine the project requirements including functional needs, site constraints, budget and any special considerations. This typically involves meeting with end users to determine usage of each space, and then integrating the technology into the project with the design team.
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Design
We then develop preliminary design concepts, including site plans, floor plans, and elevations. These designs are intended to give the client a clear understanding of the proposed building's technology and function. We then refine the designs to prepare detailed construction documents, which will be used by contractors to bid on, and ultimately build the project.
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Administration
Once construction begins, we then provide on-site supervision and assistance, including reviewing shop drawings, issuing change orders, and monitoring construction progress to ensure that the technology systems are constructed according to the design and specifications.
Our designers stay current with technology by attending trade shows, continuing education certifications, and through constant contact with manufacturer representatives.
“We work in concert with the architect and designer from the inception of the project to develop the audio-visual, security and information systems environments, and integrate them into the overall design package.”
John Davidson, RCDD
The value we bring
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We complete the crucial preliminary steps, providing a systematic approach to understanding the requirements, preferences and constraints of the stakeholders, ensuring the final solutions align with the client’s goals, budget, and functional requirements.
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We specialize in understanding how various systems can be seamlessly integrated into the architectural design, while ensuring that the technology infrastructure does not disrupt the aesthetic or functional aspects of the building but rather enhances them.
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Communications, audiovisual and security systems can be highly complex, requiring specialized knowledge to design and implement effectively. We possess the expertise to design systems that meet the specific needs of the building while adhering to industry standards and regulations.
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We create user-friendly experiences, that help architects design spaces that are not only visually appealing but also functional and intuitive in terms of technology usage. This includes considerations for user interfaces, accessibility, and ease of maintenance.
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Technology evolves rapidly, and what may be cutting-edge today could be outdated in just a few years. Our designers stay updated on the latest advancements and can advise architects on future-proofing their designs by incorporating flexible infrastructure and scalable solutions.
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Security is a critical aspect of building design, and technology plays a vital role in implementing effective security measures. Our designers work with the architect to design comprehensive security systems that address threats ranging from physical intrusions to cybersecurity risks, ensuring the safety of occupants and assets.
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We prepare bid documents which are comprehensive packages detailing project requirements, specifications, and scope of work. Bid documents typically include drawings, specifications, contract terms, and any other relevant information necessary for potential bidders to understand the project and prepare accurate proposals.
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We assess the final project deliverables against requirements. Issues are identified, resolved, and upon confirmation of acceptance, stakeholders sign off for deployment. It ensures alignment with expectations before final delivery.
Collaborating with our designers allows architects to leverage specialized expertise to seamlessly integrate communications, audiovisual, and security systems into their designs, enhance user experience, future-proof designs, and ensure the safety and security of the built environment.
Call us early in the design process to avoid costly changes later
The average construction project takes three to five years to complete, however technology is often addressed too late in the design process. As well, many are often unaware of fundamental design issues that must be addressed to make a building functional for today’s state-of-the-art technologies. The technology must be integrated to the overall design, and must be easy and convenient for the end users.
We draw from the client a good understanding of their technology requirements to expedite budgeting, space planning and infrastructure design to avoid cost and schedule overruns, and integrate these requirements into the overall project.
Our Expertise
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While technology is the backbone of a modern business, it relies on a solid foundation that can adapt to changing needs. Leverage our BICSI-certified designers for your project.
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Converged systems and IoT are driving the need for enhanced networking that can deliver securely an guarantee uptime. Leverage our expertise in traditional or passive optical networking on your next project
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Let us design a WiFi network that meets user demand and works in your unique environment with our intuitive predictive tools.
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A DAS system ensures that wireless signals are distributed throughout a facility or campus to seve density areas while providing critical communications in the event of an emergency.
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Be sure to cover all the bases required of a successful AV integration. Our designers have extensive experience in ensuring all details are addressed.
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Our qualified designers provide detailed designs and specifications to accommodate any space.
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Leverage our designers to integrate access control, surveillance and intrusion into your project.
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Leverage our experience in Smart Building design to create intelligent, responsive and environmentally-friendly spaces that improve quality of life and productivity.
If you are considering a technology refresh, or are planning a fit-up, engage us early in the design process.
Design Experience
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![Kinaxis AV, Security, PON and ICT design]()
Kinaxis HQ
Kinaxis retained us to design their technology systems to realize an inclusive, collaborative, secure environment in their new Kanata headquarters Our designers prepared solutions for an FTTD infrastructure, Passive Optical Network system, speech privacy, and all spaces requiring audio visual treatments including Fitness, All-Hands room, Rooftop Patio and all meeting and training spaces.
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![Hydro Ottawa AV, Security and ICT design]()
Hydro Ottawa Ltd.
Davidson Violette was retained to design the ICT infrastructure, wireless network, System Office secure KVM switching system, physical security, and all audio-video requirements for Fitness, All-Hands space, meeting spaces and System Office.
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![Ingenium AV and Security design]()
Ingenium
To address the retrofit of the Canada Science and Technology Museum and construction of the Collections and Conservation Center (C3), Davidson Violette was engaged to design the mass notification, audio-visual and physical security requirements for each facility.
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![SurveyMonkey AV design]()
Survey Monkey
Davidson Violette was tasked with the design of all audio-video spaces within the facility including meeting rooms, collaborative spaces, training faciliies and their All-Hands Room. Solutions were then integrated into the overall construction planning.
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![Finance ICT design]()
Finance
The 650,000 sq ft Lorne Building, now known as the Jim Flaherty Building, required a modern infrastructure for its new tenants. Davidson Violette was retained to design the ICT systems and respective infrastructure to address the needs of Finance and Trasury Board.
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![CRA ICT design]()
Canada Revenue Agency
Modernizing the CRA Data Center required an entirely new ICT infrastructure from the Telco entry point, to the data center, to each workstation. Davidson Violette was retained to provide needs assessments and design services for the communications and respective infrastructure.
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![NSERC AV design]()
NSERC
Sophisticated audio-visual equipment was required to address the needs of the 150,000 sq ft fit-up in the Zibi development. Davidson Violette designed and managed the installation of the state-of-the-art meeting an boards rooms, as well as the 2nd floor multi-purpose space.
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![Health Canada security design]()
Health Canada
Tightening security requirements had the architect reach out to Davidson Violette to design new security for bollards, cameras, intercoms and Code Blue at their Colonnade location. Designs included pathways, ICT infrastructure, equipment and integration to existing systems.
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![Technology consulting and commissioning services from Davidson Violette]()
Ottawa Police Service
The new South Campus, intended to consolidate disparate locations, required us to design a modern ICT Infrastructure to accommodate the various technologies in use by our Police Service.
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![Technology consulting and commissioning services from Davidson Violette]()
Government of Canada
The federal government has contracted DVAI to design infrastructure, audio-visual and physical security systems at many of their locations both local and abroad.
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![Technology consulting and commissioning services from Davidson Violette]()
National Defense
DVAI completed the design of airfield security systems for a large Canadian Base. The new design addressed perimeter security, access control, and surveillance systems and associated infrastructure requirements.
