In the public sector, managing projects within tight budgets while maximizing return on investment (ROI) is a constant challenge. With demands for modernization, sustainability, and flexibility, public institutions must find innovative ways to design and maintain their facilities. One such method is Agile Design—a people-first, flexible approach that can significantly stretch public dollars and deliver long-term value.

The Agile Design Approach

Agile Design, inspired by principles from software development, is centered on creating adaptable and efficient environments. Agile Design is about the ability to move quickly and easily with grace while creating facilities that serve the needs of everyone who interacts with them.

Unlike traditional building methods, Agile Design focuses on flexibility. This is especially valuable for public institutions, where evolving needs and limited funds demand creative solutions. As our managing principal, Joe Walker explains, “We’re trying to extend the life of the capital investments that we’ve already got,” Joe mentions, emphasizing the importance of transforming aging facilities into forward-thinking, functional spaces that continue to deliver value for years.

 

Flexibility and Adaptability

Key to the Agile Design philosophy is flexibility. Joe says, "It’s really about putting people first… and how they get value out of the work that you’re doing." This means designing spaces that are adaptable to future needs, whether it’s reconfiguring offices for new employees or updating classrooms with the latest technology. By focusing on adaptable spaces, institutions can avoid costly, large-scale renovations later on.

In higher education, Joe points out how flexible design serves as an example of futureproofing. “We’ve had to design very flexible labs that could change and adapt with rapidly evolving technology,” he says, illustrating how versatile spaces allow institutions to keep pace with the latest advancements. We created flexible labs for the University of Florida’s Data Science Building that allowed for easy integration of AI, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

 

Maximizing Return on Investment

Agile Design isn't just about building attractive or modern spaces—it’s also about making the best use of available funds. Often, updating existing structures instead of building entirely new ones can make budgets go further.

One key to maximizing ROI is efficient use of space. Joe explains that when designing research spaces, for example, "you hear about 10 foot 6, 10 foot 8 lab modules a lot, but I like to start with 11 or even 12 feet in a teaching lab.” This extra space can accommodate growing departments and new equipment without requiring expensive structural changes down the line.

 

Durable materials and modular designs are also critical. “Being able to move things around with minimal investment is key,” shares Kevin Lackey, Principal of the Atlanta Office. "An initial concept can sometimes lead to an unconventional and inflexible structural solution. However, by making smart adjustments early on, such as rotating the roof's direction, you can avoid placing a shear wall in a way that limits future adaptability. While these decisions may go unnoticed by everyday users, they can save tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.” Planning for long-term adaptability is always part of our early design discussions. By being forward-looking in the beginning, facilities can avoid costly structural changes later on.

Enhancing Collaboration and Innovation

Collaboration across departments or disciplines can lead to breakthroughs and innovation. Designing spaces that foster interaction is an important aspect of Agile Design. Joe highlights the role of spaces that promote “cross-pollination and collaboration between different disciplines,” stating that design should encourage “socialization and the ability to talk to each other” to drive true innovation.

Shared spaces like common areas, open labs, and modular meeting rooms can serve multiple functions. This creates “neighborhoods of spaces”, where the proximity of research, socialization, and workspaces can inspire collaboration.

 

Improving User Experience

A key pillar of Agile Design is user well-being. Public institutions often house a variety of users, from employees to citizens, and their comfort must be prioritized for facilities to serve their purpose effectively.

Creating environments where people feel comfortable and productive is essential. Whether it’s minimizing noise distractions with acoustic treatments or ensuring workstations are ergonomically designed, meeting the fundamental needs of users can significantly improve their overall experience.

Joe also notes the importance of natural elements in the design process: “I want to have a connection with nature… You want to make sure you’re comfortable when you’re sitting at a desk,” adding that well-being extends beyond the body to the mind and emotions. Spaces that foster mental well-being, such as quiet areas for focus or social spaces for connection, allow public institutions to better serve their communities.

 

Communicating Early and Often

Communicating design ideas clearly to stakeholders is critical in any project. Joe emphasizes that design must be communicated in a way that’s understandable to everyone involved: “Most of our user groups… might not fully understand what that drawing means,” which can lead to misalignment and costly reworks.

By using visual tools like 3D models, sketches, and interactive simulations, visions become clearer, helping stakeholders—from department heads to the general public—grasp the full scope and purpose of the project. Iterative feedback further prevents misunderstandings and ensures that the final result matches everyone’s expectations.

 

A Winning Combination for Better ROI

Agile Design offers public institutions a solution to maximize ROI while creating functional, futureproof facilities that serve the needs of today’s communities and those of the future. Through flexible, people-first designs, thoughtful use of space, and a focus on collaboration and innovation, Agile Design helps institutions make their budgets go further, delivering lasting value for decades to come.

As public institutions face ongoing budget constraints, adopting Agile Design principles can ensure that new projects not only meet immediate needs but also adapt to future challenges. With a mindset focused on long-term success and well-being, we can achieve better ROI and create spaces that truly serve their communities.

To hear more about how Agile Design can offer a better ROI, check out this episode of Design for an Agile World, a Podcast hosted by Joe Walker himself. In this episode Joe talks with Jim Carroll, AIA, LEED AP - Associate Vice Chancellor & University Architect of Design and Construction Management (DCM) at University of California Davis. They discuss adaptive reuse and sustainable planning, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnership for future-proof design.

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