Declining office occupancy levels combined with a growing shortage of affordable residential housing has ignited renewed interest in converting office space to multifamily housing. According to CBRE, in 2021 8 million SF of office space was converted, that number rose to 12 million SF in 2022 and is expected to continue rising in 2023.  While the majority of recent office space conversions have been to the laboratory and hospitality market, conversions to multifamily housing make up one-third… Read More

We experience the world on two planes--physical and digital. The intersection of these points determines how we experience the buildings in which we work, live, and socialize. It is now possible to gauge the level of connectedness, and how reliably we will be able to integrate these two aspects of our lives in the built environment.   WiredScore is the global industry leader when it comes to building technology and digital connectivity assessment. WiredScore’s mission is “to make the world’s… Read More

Bala Consulting Engineers is pleased to announce the promotion of Kimberly Burkert to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Kim began as Bala’s Controller and throughout her 20+ years grew to become Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, a member of the Senior Leadership Committee, a partner in the firm, and a member of Bala’s Board of Directors. Kim’s unique perspective and keen insights have advanced Bala’s project management capabilities and guided our overall growth strategies. Kim succeeds… Read More

As buildings become more technologically advanced, property owners are beginning to implement systems that streamline package delivery and take the weight off the property managers’ shoulders. An increase in online ordering has caused managers to spend hours sorting and organizing deliveries every day, however, hardware-and-software-based package delivery options allow for a reduction in staff labor, improve delivery security and the tenant experience. In a recent survey by C+R Research, 43% of… Read More

Design of a multi-family residential building is fundamentally about addressing the experience of traversing three doors: Front door, elevator door and residence door. Each of these doors heralds an incremental change between public and private; limited control to private sanctuary. As we move through each, the security profile, privacy expectations, sense of control and community change dramatically until we are finally in our residence…at home. Nowhere else is technology’s multifaceted… Read More

The COVID-19 Virus is infecting people of all ages with the elderly being most vulnerable.  Long-term care facilities house millions of seniors across the country.  We must plan now to identify solutions to manage current and future pandemics so that long-term care facilities are better prepared to respond and keep their facilities “healthy”.  From filters and air changes in HVAC systems to Isolation Wings and germicidal ultra-violet (GUV) lights as well as technology integrations for access… Read More

The use of camera systems to detect staff and visitor body temperature has become extremely topical because of the contagion rate of the COVID-19 virus, and recent clarifications by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Committee regarding the acceptability for employers to restrict access to a work site based on temperature screening. Read More

When we return to the workplace the ability to maintain a safe distance while still working collaboratively requires technology support. In critical environments or those with close quarters working conditions, detection of staff who may be ill and reducing contact with common surfaces like badge readers or door hardware will reduce the number of contact points.  Read More

The COVID-19 Virus has forever changed our perspective on cleanliness, personal interaction and our environment. The thought of a post-pandemic state brings us hope. But what does a post pandemic environment look like and how does it operate? Bala has researched and collaborated with industry partners and health experts to present some of the most effective ways to make our buildings safer Read More