Author: FM College Admin

Today, I’m an architect who focuses on designing K-12 schools and a mother to two school-aged children. In what feels like a lifetime ago, I was a student at Virginia Tech during the tragic mass shooting on campus in 2007. That event and experience has shaped my perspective as both an architect and a parent…

A new report from worktech company Eptura highlights macro trends at workplaces across the globe, including a wave of office returns and four main issues emerging in today’s post-pandemic work environment. The Workplace Index Report draws on a representative sample of more than 6,000 organizations within Eptura’s global customer base to showcase emerging patterns in…

Archives require careful preservation to extend their life expectancy. Likewise, the buildings that house them, and the surrounding environment, must be protected from deterioration due to climate change and other factors. Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) new preservation storage facility reflects this reality. Last June, it officially opened as the first net-zero carbon archival centre…

In 2018, it was revealed that ‘poor signage’ hindered rescue efforts at the Grenfell Tower fire in North London. Statements from members of the on-site emergency response team reported that navigating such a complex structure, without appropriate or clear signage, ultimately prevented them from carrying out their duties in full. Changes to wayfinding signage regulations…

The question of how organizations can better handle crisis management was explored during Facilities Management Advisor’s April 12 webinar “Moving from Passive to Active Crisis Management.” Sean McDevitt, Director of CEM Solutions for Everbridge, spoke during the online session and is knowledgeable on facility security and cybersecurity issues, having held various leadership positions in the…

Good healthcare design supports staff and can help them make better decisions. One of the best ways to support hospital staff is to design a built environment that supports taking the right action. For instance, it is essential that staff be able to concentrate in medication rooms, where interruptions or even casual interactions can contribute…