In this issue of Close Up, you’ll learn how to set your AV project up for success before the first design is finalized. Whether you’re planning new construction or a major remodel, early decisions about infrastructure, space, and technology can make or break your investment.
This edition highlights five critical steps, from power requirements to network design, that will help you avoid costly surprises and ensure your spaces are ready for the advanced AV systems your team depends on.
Start Smart: 5 Must-Dos for New Construction Planning
Before the first wall goes up, the success of any new construction or major remodel often comes down to preparation and AV planning. Getting a head start on technology and infrastructure planning avoids costly change orders, delays, and performance issues later. Here are five things you’ll want to consider before you start:
Space Planning
Technology takes space, both visible and hidden. Equipment racks, display structural support, boxes for ceiling-mounted speakers, and camera sightlines all affect how a room functions. Making room for technology during design rather than after furniture arrives saves frustration and maximizes usability.
Room Acoustics
Beautiful room design can be undone by poor room acoustics. Hard surfaces like glass, concrete, or tile create echo and speech intelligibility issues. Considering wall treatments, ceiling panels, and sound isolation during the build ensures your spaces are as functional as they are beautiful.
Electrical Requirements
Determine power needs early. AV systems, displays, projectors, video walls, and conferencing equipment often have unique electrical demands that may require dedicated circuits, clean power, or specific voltage. Planning for these loads before construction ensures the right outlets, capacity, and pathways are in place.
Network & Infrastructure
Nearly every device today relies on the network. Ensure adequate cabling pathways, bandwidth, Wi-Fi coverage, and switch capacity are planned in advance. Consider redundancy and security requirements, too. The network is the backbone of modern AV solutions. Don’t let it be an afterthought.
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment
FF&E can make or break an AV system’s function. Though considered “portable,” these elements (podiums, mobile displays, rolling tables, wireless mics, and flexible seating) must align with power, data, and acoustic requirements. When furniture and technology are planned in isolation, cable paths, microphone placement, and even sightlines can suffer. Coordinate FF&E decisions early to integrate with AV systems.
Start Early
Don’t let technology be an afterthought.
Ford AV’s design-build approach addresses all your technology from the start, ensuring integration with architectural, structural, electrical, and mechanical systems. This delivers accurate technology guidance before construction begins, helping minimize change orders, align expectations, and avoid surprises.
Engage Ford AV’s engineers early, and your project will benefit from detailed deliverables.
- Noise Criteria
- Electrical Requirements
- Conduit Layouts
- Heat-Load Analysis
- Millwork Specs
- Device Mounting Plans
These critical inputs establish scope clarity and prevent conflicts down the line.
From early design sessions through delivery and beyond, Ford AV’s Design/Build Team stays engaged to ensure your systems perform as intended. Partner early with Ford AV and transform risk into predictability, because a smooth project begins long before the first tool is lifted.
“What Ford has really done for us is help shape the conversation early — not just about products, but about purpose. They sit with us at the beginning to understand what people need from a space before we ever start building it. That partnership lets us make smarter design decisions up front and ultimately deliver more meaningful, functional environments.”
— Jeff, Senior Manager Technical Project Management Global Real Estate, Indeed
A great project starts with a great design.
Don’t let your technology investments be an afterthought. Involve Ford AV’s audio, video, IT, and security technology experts from the beginning.
Partner with America’s Leading AV Technology Company
- 50+ Years of Experience – AV planning and integrating innovative audiovisual systems for organizations across multiple industries.
- Nationwide AV Services – Local teams supported by a national network for dependable AV installation, maintenance, and ongoing support.
- Comprehensive Expertise – From collaboration rooms and video conferencing systems to digital signage, enterprise control systems, and managed AV services.
- Scalable, Future-Ready Solutions – Engineered for reliability, flexibility, and seamless user experiences.
- Proven Performance – Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, universities, government agencies, houses of worship, and more for AV planning.
Ready to connect with Ford AV professionals? Fill out the form below to transform your space with expertly designed and integrated AV technology.
