The 5 Benefits of Incorporating Security Early in the Design Process

The 5 Benefits of Incorporating Security Early in the Design Process

incorporate security in design phase

Given everything architects need to consider as they create designs for new construction, renovations, or restocks, it is important to incorporate security elements into the design early on.

Working collaboratively to ensure security is integrated cohesively provides several benefits: maintaining aesthetic goals, secure spaces, fewer mistakes, as well as on-time project finishes.

Here are five recommendations to enhance the design of security elements in the overall space plan.

1. Focus on the safety experience

Incorporate security and safety into the occupant’s user experience, which from a security standpoint goes beyond door hardware and security field devices like card readers, cameras, and exit sensors or buttons.

network security design

2. Engage with each other as partners

It is equally important for architects to understand the operational risk mitigation of security consultants’ recommendations and for security consultants to understand the intent of architects’ design ideas. A collaborative process can result in an outcome that satisfies all parties.

3. Ensure security is an integrated part of the design

Security should be brought into the design process at the very start, so their input is reflected. Making security an integrated part of the design ensures an end result that is in keeping with the architectural and safety objectives.

security in design process

4. Design with the entirety of the risk portfolio in mind

Consider security beyond field devices. Designing to reduce operational risk will provide greater safety for those who experience the space.

5. Understand the need to have a broad definition of security

Similar to what is noted above, establish security’s role in mitigating amplified risks such as active or insider threats, general awareness, and perimeter protection.

incorporate security in design process

The Takeaway

Start thinking of security as an essential risk mitigation component of the space by focusing on how to plan space design with security engaged as part of the risk calculation.

Click here to download these 5 steps in a single-page flyer.

    • Product’s Usage
    • Basis of Design
    • Product’s Quality
    • Product’s Cost
    • Compliance with the customer’s functional requirements
    • Documented approach on meeting customer requirements
    • Vendor’s Competency Level
    • Vendor’s Financial Position
    • Relevant Client References
    • Project Closeout

Additional Reading

7 Ways Security & Architectural Design Can be Seamless

Incorporating Security Into Controlled Substance/Biotech Facility Design

Best Practices around Security through Environmental Design

Designing and Building an Effective SOC That Meets Your Unique Needs

    • Product’s Usage
    • Basis of Design
    • Product’s Quality
    • Product’s Cost
    • Compliance with the customer’s functional requirements
    • Documented approach on meeting customer requirements
    • Vendor’s Competency Level
    • Vendor’s Financial Position
    • Relevant Client References
    • Project Closeout

About Atriade

Atriade is a trusted security consulting firm with decades of experience delivering tailored security solutions. We specialize in security system design for access control, perimeter protection, video surveillance, visitor management, and other advanced physical security technologies.

Our expertise also extends beyond system design to include security master planning, program development, risk assessments, professional services, and end-to-end project management.

For more than 20 years, we have partnered with Fortune 50 companies, Ivy League universities, and leading technology firms in Silicon Valley to help them navigate complex security challenges with a strategic, forward-thinking approach.

Visit us online at Atriade.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Working collaboratively to integrate security cohesively helps maintain aesthetic goals while creating secure spaces. Security planning is not limited to door hardware, card readers, cameras, or exit devices. Treating security as part of the overall space plan allows design intent and protective measures to support each other instead of competing late in the project.

Focusing on the safety experience means incorporating security and safety into the occupant’s user experience. From a security standpoint, that goes beyond selecting field devices such as card readers, cameras, exit sensors, or buttons. It requires planning security as part of how people experience the space, which strengthens safety outcomes across the environment.

Architects need to understand the operational risk mitigation behind security recommendations, and security consultants need to understand the intent of architectural design ideas. A collaborative process can produce an outcome that satisfies all parties. That partnership reduces disconnects during design and helps balance risk concerns with the practical goals of the overall project.

Security should be defined broadly as an essential risk mitigation component of the space. That includes thinking beyond field devices and considering amplified risks such as active or insider threats, general awareness, and perimeter protection. Designing with the full risk portfolio in mind supports greater safety for the people who use the space and improves decision making early.