January 23, 2025
By John Ferguson, Project Director
When planning a small Control Room project, the challenges can feel daunting: balancing limited space and tight budgets with the need for enhanced functionality and situational awareness. At Lamb, we are Control Center Architects and Engineers who specialize in the Planning, Design, and Construction of high-reliability facilities, including small Control Rooms that deliver exceptional value without compromising performance. This month, we’re breaking down how to approach a smaller project effectively and how Lamb works with clients to ensure success—even within strict constraints.
Small Control Room Planning
Each Control Room project, large or small, should begin with a thorough Planning Phase to ensure no detail is overlooked. This stage is critical for establishing project goals, setting realistic expectations, and identifying operational priorities.
Key Steps for Control Room Planning:
- Defining Objectives: Determine the requirements and objectives of the project: additional workstations, improved workflow, enhanced situational awareness, upgraded mechanical and electrical redundancies, etc.
- Creating Concepts: Taking the data and turning it into layout options. While layouts are a great starting point, they also need to be backed up with HVAC and Electrical calculations and upgrade plans, as required, to ensure the Control Room renovation works as a whole.
- Budgeting & Phasing: Once a final concept has been developed, the next critical step is obtaining project and budget approval. As the order-of-magnitude estimate is being generated, we often ask clients if phasing the construction activities should be considered. Breaking a project into manageable stages can stretch budgets without compromising long-term goals. However, implementing the phasing plan should not critically impact daily operations.
- Clarifying Misconceptions & Setting Expectations: Many clients and equipment vendors assume they can design the room without Architects and Engineers and may underestimate the power and cooling requirements for upgraded operator technology. These assumptions can derail a project, compromising operational efficiencies, system reliability compliance, and industry best practices. Lamb’s expertise and holistic approach ensures the room is purpose-built for functionality, efficiency, and comfort from all angles.
With proper Control Room Planning, small Control Rooms can accommodate advanced workflows, enhance communication, and improve operator performance, even with limited budgets.
Small Control Room Design
Designing a small Control Room isn’t just about fitting everything into a compact footprint—it’s about creating a space where operators can work efficiently and comfortably, especially during high-stakes scenarios.
Layout Optimization & Creativity for Maximum Efficiency:
Lamb’s Control Room Design process begins with understanding the operators’ environment. Consoles custom-designed to the operators are positioned first, then we Design outward to maximize the space while prioritizing ergonomics and efficiencies.
- Custom Console Configurations: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We tailor console layouts to the client’s specific needs, considering monitor arrangements, situational awareness, lines of communication, and overall operator comfort.
- Ergonomics: Operator fatigue is a major concern. We optimize viewing angles and sightlines, seating, and amenity areas to ensure comfort and reduce strain.
- Compact Amenities: When space is tight, the location of amenities, such as kitchenettes or rest areas, must be well-considered for easy access without compromising situational awareness.
- Lighting & Acoustics: Lighting solutions and passive acoustic options should create a calm, distraction-free environment for operators.
Budget-Friendly Control Room Strategies
Budgets don’t have to limit the functionality or quality of a small Control Room. A strategic approach is essential to ensuring every dollar is spent wisely, while Planning for future scalability.
When choosing small Control Room technology or equipment, consider long-term durability in addition to budget to get the most value.
- Bid Comparison: Lamb’s robust bidding process keeps subcontractor/ vendor prices honest and competitive while providing the specified technology solutions.
- Phased Control Room Renovations: By addressing immediate needs first, we ensure critical upgrades are made while leaving room for future enhancements.
- Dual-Use Spaces: Repurposing a backup facility as a Training or Simulation space can save budget while maximizing functionality.
NERC-CIP Compliance, Safety, & Futureproofing
A small Control Room must meet everchanging regulatory standards. Compliance is non-negotiable, but that doesn’t mean it has to be costly.
Balancing Safety & Compliance
- Physical Security: Anti-tailgating measures, limited entry points, and rigid conduit installations are cost-effective ways to enhance security.
- Egress Pathways: Properly planned egress paths ensure safety and compliance without requiring major design overhauls.
- NERC-CIP Guidance: From access control to secure viewing areas, Lamb ensures our designs align with industry standards and best practices.
Future-Ready Designs
To make the most of limited space and resources, we recommend:
- Access Floors: These allow for future flexibility and maintenance without disrupting operations.
- Expandable Video Walls: Plan for expandable Video Display Systems that can grow with your needs.
- Adjacent Equipment Zones: Positioning critical systems nearby but outside the Control Room ensures scalability without increasing complexity.
Small Control Room design that delivers big results requires expertise, attention to detail, and a commitment to the client’s vision. At Lamb, we understand that every square foot matters. That’s why our approach combines strategic Control Room Planning, detailed Design, and value-driven solutions to create spaces that enhance productivity, ensure regulatory compliance, and prepare organizations for the future.
Whether you’re building a new facility or upgrading an existing one, Lamb is here to guide you through every step of the process. From concept to completion, we provide the tools, insights, and expertise needed to turn constraints into opportunities.
Ready to elevate your operations? Contact us today to discover how Lamb can help you create a small Control Room that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations—all while remaining on time and within budget.
ABOUT JOHN FERGUSON
As a Project Director, John is responsible for developing new strategic partnerships with clients that go beyond the scope and lifecycle of a project. John’s involvement with utility projects begins in the early stages of project definition and continues throughout Planning, Design, and Construction Phase activities for Control, Data, and Operation Center projects.
Over the last five years, John has worked with clients on Master Planning for new facilities, small and large Control Room Design projects, and technology upgrades and improvements.
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