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Courthouse Planning

Optimizing courthouses for security, functionality, and long-term value

Fentress collaborates with courts nationwide and internationally to evaluate facilities, address space and security challenges, and create solutions that enhance the delivery of justice. Our courthouse needs assessments determine the quality and capacity of existing facilities and recommend changes to improve functionality, security, and flexibility for the future.

Our team combines deep knowledge of courthouse design standards, planning processes, and operational requirements to help you create spaces that serve staff, jurors, the public, and justice system stakeholders effectively.

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Our Approach to Courthouse Planning

Fentress collaborates with courts to conduct comprehensive needs assessments, define space requirements, and develop strategic improvement plans. We also partner with architectural firms as specialized court consultants, helping them strengthen their designs and successfully compete for courthouse projects.

Analyze demographic, economic, and caseload trends that impact court workload and staffing. Evaluate the functionality, security, and physical condition of the existing courthouse to identify constraints and opportunities for improvement.

How We Deliver Results

Courthouse Operations and Real-Time Evaluation (CORE)

This tool uses objective metrics including space standards, functionality, security, building condition, systems, and technology to score courthouses by identifying deficiencies. It evaluates strategy alternatives to determine which provides the most improvement.

Integrated Design Evaluation and Learning (IDEAL)

This tool evaluates building design from schematics to post-occupancy, producing a score of 0-100 where 100 represents the best value and performance across key elements. It ensures your design meets project goals, enhances tenant missions, integrates building disciplines, achieves operational efficiency, and controls cost. The IDEAL tool has been used by county commissions as part of Fentress Inc.’s owner’s representative services to objectively evaluate concept designs and proposals submitted by competing architectural firms.

Services - Courthouse Planning | Fentress

The Fentress Advantage

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Expert application of courthouse design standards and best practices

Courthouse solutions to reduce risk, improve public experience and enhance operations

Objective, data-driven process that properly justifies projects for funding

Courthouse Needs Assessment Guide

Discover our comprehensive playbook for conducting a successful courthouse needs assessment, from identifying space needs to
determining the most viable strategy.

View the Guide
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Proven Results

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Lubbock Municipal Court Facility
Service Provided

Lubbock Municipal Court Facility

As a court consultant to Randall Scott Architects, Fentress conducted space programming interviews, developed a Program of Requirements (POR), and assisted in the schematic design solut...

Stafford County School Security Assessments
Service Provided

Stafford County School Security Assessments

Conducted assessments of 14 Stafford County, VA public schools and the central office campus. Provided recommendations for improving security across the district. The final report inclu...

HHS Organizational Assessment and Support
Service Provided

HHS Organizational Assessment and Support

Fentress worked with the Office of Inspector General, US Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate its real property capabilities and to develop more effective business proces...

Albemarle County and City Courts
Service Provided

Albemarle County and City Courts

Served as court consultants to perform a needs analysis and space program for new and renovated court facilities.

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Let's Talk About Your Courthouse Goals

Whether you’re updating an existing courthouse or planning a new facility, Fentress can help you create an environment that supports justice and community needs.

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