Facilities Designed for How Energy Operations Really Work
We design utility facilities around how crews actually work so operations run more efficiently, safely, and reliably. Utility and energy companies come to us to modernize, consolidate, or expand their facilities and leave with operations that perform better from day one.
Where Facility Design Makes a Difference
Our work focuses on these moments, where facility design has a direct impact on how operations perform.
- When facilities no longer perform as they were originally designed
- When operations are spread across multiple or inefficient sites
- As demand grows beyond available space or capacity
- When upgrades must happen without disrupting service
- Where facility conditions impact attracting and retaining staff
- As expectations increase around reliability, safety, and performance
What Makes These Facilities Work
Built Around Real Operations
Service centers and operational facilities are designed around site circulation, fleet readiness, material flow, and how crews actually work day to day.
Integrated by Design
Control rooms, labs, and infrastructure are coordinated from the start through integrated architecture and engineering to support reliability, safety, and performance.
Designed for Active Environments
Facility upgrades, expansions, and consolidations are planned to maintain operations without disruption.
The Result is Facilities That:
Improve crew efficiency and workflow
Improve fleet readiness and material movement
Create environments that support staff experience and long-term performance
Support reliable, uninterrupted operations
Case Studies
As a trusted provider of comprehensive energy services, we take pride in our ability to solve complex challenges and create innovative solutions by supporting day-to-day operations and long-term system reliability.
Designing Efficiency and Reliability into Consolidated Operations
The service center was designed to support gas and electric distribution operations with a modern facility built around the demands of daily field work. TKDA organized the facility around operational patterns and developed custom shop areas tailored to the needs of each discipline, while ensuring the overall layout remained efficient and purpose‑built. Secure, climate‑controlled storage replaces the former open laydown yard, protecting materials and improving readiness. The completed service center consolidates operations, supports efficient daily workflow, and provides the infrastructure needed to maintain reliable service in the surrounding region.
Advancing a Sustainable Regional Operations Center
This energy company needed a new regional operations center that could bring gas and electric distribution teams together on a single campus, and its location within The Heights redevelopment introduced a set of ambitious sustainability requirements. TKDA led the design of a 375,000 SF service center that unifies regional offices, distribution headquarters, engineering and office space, fleet maintenance, fabrication shops, meter storage, and warehouse functions. A separate 30,000 SF fleet maintenance facility and screened outdoor storage complete the campus. The result is a modern, efficient headquarters that reflects the energy company’s commitment to sustainability.
Designing Efficiency and Reliability into Consolidated Operations
Austin Utilities, a municipal provider of electricity, natural gas, and water, had been operating from three sites and seven aging buildings, limiting efficiency and growth. TKDA developed a 40‑year master plan and guided the utility toward full consolidation at the 23‑acre Energy Park site. The resulting 105,000 SF service center was shaped through collaborative sessions with staff and leadership and incorporates high‑performance glazing, geothermal heating, and photovoltaic systems to support sustainability and long‑term efficiency. By unifying all functions in one modern facility, the project improves operations, enhances collaboration, and positions the utility to serve its community for decades to come.
Meet Our Energy Market Leader
If you are evaluating your facilities or starting to think about what comes next, we are happy to talk through your priorities and how they translate into a facility that performs better day to day.
Jill Winkler leads TKDA’s energy market practice, working with utilities to improve operational performance through effective facility design. Talk with Jill about your operational facility priorities, constraints, and schedule.
