A commercial real estate developer planning a 12-story, 300,000-square-foot speculative office building in the Pacific Northwest sought to create a sustainable, inclusive environment supported by modern smart building systems and a robust digital foundation. At a time when spec office development is rare, delivering a differentiated, high-quality asset aligned with evolving tenant expectations was critical to the project’s success.
Architectural Vision Meets Digital Complexity
The developer chose to pursue mass timber construction, a still unique approach for commercial office buildings. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and beams define the building’s structural and architectural character. With these features serving as a centerpiece of the interior design, conventional conduit pathways and device placement were not viable options. Cameras, wireless access points, sensors, and cabling all required precise coordination to preserve design intent.
At the same time, the developer required a fully integrated smart building approach that brought together access control, security, lighting, WiFi, elevator systems, EV charging, building management, and more on a shared digital backbone. Achieving this within a mass timber environment demanded early, disciplined coordination and a clear digital roadmap.
From Strategy to Coordinated Execution
LEDG partnered with the developer, architect, and other project stakeholders to create a digital strategy based on real-world operational scenarios. Rather than beginning with specific technology or products, the strategy identified how occupants and visitors would move through the building. From garage entry and employee validation to lobby access and elevator control, every likely use case was addressed in determining how systems would operate and interact.
To translate the strategy into buildable outcomes, LEDG led the digital infrastructure design. Cabling pathways, telecom rooms, network architecture, security requirements, and integration standards were pinpointed early and coordinated with the architectural team within the project’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. Such a collaborative approach ensured systems would integrate seamlessly within the exposed timber aesthetic throughout construction.
The converged network architecture was designed to interface with a centralized building operating platform, allowing data from access control, lighting, security, building management, and other core systems to be aggregated within a unified environment. This was key to the project as it avoided siloed infrastructure components and positions the office building for scalable, sustained performance and a better overall occupant experience.
Owner-Side Integration Governance
To further protect the owner’s interests, LEDG developed a formal set of Owner’s Integration Requirements (OIR). These requirements documented clear expectations for system interoperability, data flow, and performance criteria before procurement began. Contractors and integrators would be required to demonstrate compliance with defined integration outcomes, reducing ambiguity, limiting overspecification, and helping ensure technology decisions remain aligned with long-term operational goals.
Turning Integration Into Operational Value
The value of this integrated approach extends beyond delivery and into day-to-day operations. The converged network was designed to integrate with the KODE Labs operating platform, creating a centralized environment that aggregates and normalizes data from BAS, elevators, lighting, security, irrigation, and other core systems. This data foundation provides operations teams with a single source of truth and enables AI-driven optimization tools in KODE, helping further manage OpEx and improve tenant services.
By tying together digital strategy, infrastructure planning, and integration governance early in the process, LEDG has helped transform complex technical requirements into a coordinated operational framework that delivers lasting value. More specifically, the developer is now positioned with a smart building foundation that will:
The project underscores how a well-defined, well-planned smart building strategy can support essential digital amenities and services while protecting architectural integrity and asset value over its lifecycle.
“Mass timber is a unique and demanding construction method that requires the highest level of detail and coordination. Our role was to protect the architectural vision while ensuring that security, connectivity, and building systems were fully integrated from the start.”
Dave Miller, Market Leader – Smart Buildings
Leading Edge Design Group