
Research
Our research programs generate the knowledge that helps our clients — and markets — move forward.
We believe that research is an integral part of our ability to develop successful and forward-thinking solutions for our clients. Research is used to establish precedence, to develop a full understanding of the issues, to test concepts and, finally, to assess outcomes.
Research and the Built Environment
Our research connects the places and spaces we design with the strategic goals our clients care about. We evaluate the strength of existing evidence and hone key measurement priorities and questions based on clients’ strategic goals. Based on client needs and goals, we engage an appropriate mix of research approaches, which can include ethnography, simulation studies, individual and comparative facility assessments, and validated human outcome measurements. Research findings inform and advance innovative design concepts, as well as document achievement of targeted outcomes. Our expertise includes research design to mitigate bias; qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches; applications of systems and decision science; as well as advanced statistical methods and modeling.
Understanding 21st-Century Challenges
With hundreds of research projects completed and underway, we can provide the resources needed — human labor, technical expertise, equipment and facility space — to support the discovery and development of creative solutions. Our in-house testing facilities include:
- Applied Research and Engineering Center (AREC) | Claremont, California
- Environmental Measurements Operations Center (EMOC) | Nanuet, New York
- Geotechnical & Construction Materials Testing Laboratory | Paducah, Kentucky
We also collaborate with industry and professional organizations to advance the state of the art and apply new processes or technologies back into the marketplace. Our researchers push the industry forward with published reports, peer-reviewed articles and manuals of practice. Our research programs target the technical issues facing our clients and our industry.