Strengthening Global Diplomatic Ties

Although the size, complexity and contract values vary greatly, all of these projects share certain characteristics. All are active U.S. diplomacy and consular affairs facilities, so creating a suitable image and appropriately integrating local cultural references into the design while being sensitive to the local political climate are crucial considerations. In addition to being designed according to extensive physical and technical security standards, each new State Department project also is designed to achieve LEED certification.

Typically, U.S. embassies consist of multiple buildings housing discrete functions. In Rabat, Morocco, design restrictions were imposed to ensure an appropriate fit within the residential neighborhood. Height limitations, line of view, daylighting and other requirements resulted in one of the most interesting New Embassy Campuses (NEC) on which Page has collaborated with the Department of State.

Page has extensive experience in designing secure facilities for both government and private clients. Our embassy portfolio includes dozens of secure campus designs in some of the most difficult security environments in the world. We specialize in many areas of security, from physical and technical countermeasures to anti-terrorism and force protection. From secure federal and municipal facilities to data processing, command and operations centers, Page has successfully created high-performing environments for employees and visitors that are simultaneously secure and welcoming.

Each embassy or consulate project is tied to a fixed cost and delivery schedule with multiple construction document packages being issued for government approval in order to mobilize the design-builder as quickly as possible. This calls for a very high level of project management discipline by the design team reinforced by a strong sense of personal dedication by each design team member. The programmatic complexities of this work is matched by challenges in logistics and local workforce capabilities, all of which require accommodation and care in design documents.

Page strives to ensure its projects minimize resource consumption and emissions as well as enhance the communities in which they’re located. Its design-build embassy project team in Abuja, Nigeria, quickly realized the necessary trade and supervisory skills needed for construction were not locally available and brought in skilled foremen to train locals. Thus, nearly 1,000 Nigerian workers gained significant construction expertise from seasoned professionals and became sought-after by other employers. As a result of this complex construction training throughout Africa, the quality of construction and life in these regions should be sustained for years to come.