EUA : Pulse | July 2021

July 2021
Aerospace + Defense : architecture : planning : interior design



PULSE is our quarterly outreach,
showcasing our latest designs and
connecting you with forward-thinking
industry experts.

EXPERT INSIGHTS: BLAKE SABO, AIA

KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGNING
SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED
INFORMATION FACILITIES

Keeping classified information secure is paramount to aerospace and defense companies,
especially when working with government contracts. Often their facilities include some
form of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), which is an enclosed space
equipped for handling sensitive information. The top design priority for a SCIF is to secure
the perimeter of the room by controlling everything that enters and exits, mitigating the
risk of compromised information. Each SCIF is designed to a certain standard depending
on the government agency’s (Customer’s) requirements, such as ICD 705 or DOD/
NISPOM, and they may or may not have emission security (EMSEC) requirements. In
addition to ensuring the design meets the Customer’s requirements and accreditation
standards, I have found that a truly successful SCIF project will also address the following
three design considerations:

1. Coordinating Customer + Client Needs
2. Designing Within Existing Conditions
3. Making the Space Feel Human

Read on for more information

AEROSPACE + DEFENSE ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN

We design spaces to help our clients reach new heights. Integrating
architecture, complex systems, protocol management and security
needs, we strive to create spaces for today and tomorrow.

Learn more at: e u a . c o m / a e r o s p a c e

1. Coordinating Customer + Client Needs
Each SCIF I’ve worked on has had varying security requirements based on the
Customer and the project site’s Security in Depth (multiple layers of security). Having a
knowledgeable SCIF design team can greatly improve project coordination to deliver an
on-time and on-budget project. Due to the complex nature of a secure environment and
the necessary construction and technology specifications and details, these projects are
often a costly investment for clients. Therefore, it is vital that a SCIF is designed correctly to
meet the required standards to achieve accreditation by the Accrediting Official (AO). By
staying abreast of the current standards and working closely with the various clients and
security representatives, we can determine the specific security requirements and details
needed to achieve accreditation.

A few drivers of security requirements include location and function of the space. A SCIF
on a campus may have more amenable security requirements than a SCIF located in a
shared office building, due to the additional layers of security already in place. Another site
consideration would be the location within a building. A SCIF on the ground or first floor
may have greater requirements than a floor higher up in a building due to accessibility
from the exterior. The intended function of the space plays a big role in determining the
design of the SCIF. A conference room vs an office vs a manufacturing area, for example,
will all have different requirements depending on the purpose of the space. One way to
maximize facility investment is to create shared spaces for multiple SCIFs. For example, a
SCIF conference room could be used by multiple adjacent SCIFs, eliminating the need for
duplicate spaces. Achieving this function requires extensive coordination between with the
design team, the security representative, the Customer and technology team.

2. Designing Within Existing Conditions
Many of the SCIFs I design are renovation projects, usually located within existing facilities
and offices. Constructing a SCIF within an existing building comes with its own unique
challenges and considerations that have significant cost impacts, particularly when it

comes to EMSEC and creating a six-sided RF shielded box. A metal floor or roof deck in
a building can be used as one of the sides of the box whereas a building with a precast
concrete floor will require installation of RF shielding below it.
Another factor that needs to be considered is how existing ductwork or pipes currently
penetrate the space and how to eliminate any unnecessary penetration points. This may
influence the shapes of rooms or add cost to reroute around certain areas.

There are no boilerplate or one-size-fits-all solutions when designing a SCIF; each space is
unique and requires understanding the existing space, Customer requirements and client
needs to ensure a successful and operational environment.

3. Making the Space Feel Human
Traditionally, when most people think of a SCIF, they imagine a sterile, beige room devoid
of any natural light or personal comfort—but this doesn’t have to be the case. We actively
work with our clients to create environments that are secure and feel human, improving
the occupant experience. Clients invest significant time and resources into employees who
have the security clearance to work on programs within a SCIF. A work environment that is
designed to enhance employee comfort, choice and well-being can aid in attracting and
retaining talent.

Similar to corporate office design, SCIFs can incorporate huddle spaces, collaboration
areas and provide choice in work styles to improve employee satisfaction and
engagement. Creating a SCIF environment designed for employee retention can include
the installation of lighting that mimics circadian rhythms, ergonomic workstations and
seating, modern and fresh finishes and color palettes, and flexible work solutions. The
environment outside of a SCIF can also play a role in employee well-being, by providing
additional amenities and areas to take personal calls, connect with colleagues or take a
break while admiring surrounding views.

It’s About More Than Security
While SCIFs are complex and highly technical facilities, successful projects are about
more than just the physical design and requirements. It is important to have a trusted
design partner who understands not only your needs as a client, but also how to work
with sensitive and confidential projects and interpret and confirm Customer requirements
and standards. Through working closely with my clients, I have been able to build up
knowledge of their concerns and business goals, while developing trust and partnerships
to help navigate the intricate world of designing secure environments. For anyone that
has visited a SCIF, I’d like to hear about your experienced.; was it a sterile, beige room, or
were human elements tied in?

B L A K E S A B O AIA

Senior Project Architect : Associate
aerospace market leader

eua.com/BlakeS
[email protected]
303.256.1162

Learn more at: e u a . c o m / a e r o s p a c e

EUA SPOTLIGHT

At EUA we have a team dedicated to the design of offices, secure spaces and
manufacturing to support of aerospace and advanced technology clients.The group
below works alongside Blake in helping our clients achieve their design vision.

S U S A N KO H U T H ASID, LEED AP
Senior Interior Designer
advanced technology : workplace

eua.com/Susan K
[email protected]
303.256.1147

I’ve spent my career leading workplace interior design in the Colorado marketplace.
I love understanding what my clients need to do their jobs well. I look beyond the
face value of a space for opportunities and creative ideas to deliver unique solutions.

A S H L E Y F R U H W I R T H AIA
Project Architect
workplace : manufacturing

eua.com/AshleyF
[email protected]
303.256.1142
What I love about architecture is providing spaces that impact lives. This is
especially true with aerospace environments where the spaces we design will shape
future exploration and discoveries. I want to help these experts feel comfortable and
inspired to collaborate and learn for progress that can benefit all.

CAMERON LECK
Project Specialist
aerospace : advanced technology

eua.com/CameronL
[email protected]
303.256.1142
I started my career in the aerospace industry and developed a passion for creating
highly technical spaces and incorporating modern technology into my designs. I’m
an extremely malleable person who loves to learn and collaborate.

AEROSPACE + DEFENSE EXPERTISE

HIGH- S E C U RI TY, OF F I C E , R&D, M A N U FAC T U R I N G + C L E A N R O O MS

Our teams are well-versed in the complexities of designing for aerospace facilities as well
as creating engaging office environments for your workforce. With experience working
within the stringent requirements for high security and aerospace facilities, we are sensitive
to the integration of architecture, complex systems, protocol management and security
needs. Seeking creative and efficient solutions, we draw from our repository of knowledge
in the critical issues of flexibility, functionality and financial viability to help our clients make
informed decisions for today and tomorrow. We are familiar with the following current
design standards when designing a secured environment: ICD705, DOD / NISPOM,
EMSEC, CNSSAM.

10+ AEROSPACE CLIENTS #43 ON BD+C’S NATIONAL S+T GIANTS LIST

VERSION 1.5 AEROSPACE MISSION CRITICAL

ICD 705 CONFIDENTIAL CLIENTS

GOVERNMENT DEFENSE CONTRACTORS ADVANCED MANUFACTURING HIGH-SECURITY

SEMICONDUCTOR MISSION CONTROL + OPERATION CENTERS WORKPLACE FOR ENGINEERS

R YA N WA L L AC E AIA, LEED AP
Denver Studio Director | Architect : Principal
EUA (Eppstein Uhen Architects)
[email protected] | 303.256.1149

1899 Wynkoop Street, Suite 700 | Denver, CO 80202

eua.com

denver : milwaukee : madison