Service:

GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS


Icon of cityscape.

Comprehensive architecture, engineering, and facility management services for safer workplaces in a post-COVID world


The rapid shutdown of many Canadian businesses due to COVID-19 has left many at a standstill. As the virus spread begins to slow down, we are faced with the challenge of restarting business while minimizing the risk and bringing a sense of comfort to customers and employees. With an overwhelming amount of information appearing daily, determining what changes need to be made for a safe return to work is a daunting task. Businesses will need a strategy to incorporate the “new normal” into their workplaces quickly and efficiently.

Returning to the workplace while avoiding a resurgence of COVID-19 will require careful consideration of what elements need to be addressed in your space, how these changes can be made affordably, and how to execute the changes in a timely manner before reopening.


KEY SUCCESS FACTORS


COVID-19 spreads easily, making both open spaces with dense populations and small enclosed spaces with more than one occupant a considerable challenge. Implementation of the recommendations provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada will require building layouts that accommodate:


  • Physical distancing a minimum of 2m from others to avoid contact through airborne particles
  • Reduction in publicly touched surfaces to mitigate spread through physical contact
  • Improved office air quality to prevent the spread of infectious aerosols



OUR APPROACH

STEP ONE:
FACILITY REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS		Our Asset and Facilities Management team specializes in building management planning. They understand that every facility is unique, and preparing for the return to public spaces in a pandemic situation requires detailed planning, while also balancing cost and risk. Our specialists cover the financial aspects of planning, as well as an engineering assessment covering operations planning for building occupancy limits, architectural measures for limiting contact, and mechanical measures for preventing viral spread.
STEP TWO:
DESIGNING CHANGES TO YOUR FACILITY		Incorporating new designs into an existing building is a delicate process, and it is important to have a team of professionals that consider all impacts of each component during the design process. Our design will follow your lead based on decisions made in the first phase of the project. We will engage our architects and engineers to provide drawings and specifications and maintain an up-to-date cost estimate for the project. We will focus on short-term solutions first to help get you back to work, and long-term solutions for permanent building changes.
STEP THREE:
DESIGN IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION		Our sister company, AEC Developments will work collaboratively with our architects and engineers in a design-build or Construction Management format to execute the work quickly and efficiently. Our experience in healthcare, municipal, commercial, educational, and residential sectors gives us a strong understanding of building functionality and needs.



LET'S GET IN TOUCH


If your business is looking for help to safely reopen, we would love to chat about how we can help you make that happen. You can connect with Melissa Fishman, Project Manager, for more information.