Viera, Florida (December 8, 2011) – Architects Design Group (ADG) was recently selected as the Architect of Record for the Needs Assessment and Conceptual Design of the new Brevard County Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

ADG’s responsibilities will include developing a Detailed Space Needs Assessment and Conceptual Design for a new facility planned to house up to 140 staff.

The new EOC will be a multi-agency coordination center including Emergency Operations, Sheriff’s Dispatch and Fire Rescue Dispatch, and will help facilitate agency coordination and decision making during a natural or man-made disaster. It will be designed to stringent hurricane safety requirements of International Code Council (ICC) requirements, Category 5 storm surge, and self sustaining for 72 hours without outside sources of water and electric.

The significance of a new EOC in Brevard County can’t be understated. Brevard County is a coastal community that experiences severe flooding and tornados during major storms, and in the past 20 years four major hurricanes have significantly affected Brevard County. In addition, the existing EOC was built in 1962 and renovated in 1997. It currently lacks adequate space for staff and its technology systems and construction/storm hardening is inadequate for its functional needs.

“These facts demonstrate the critical importance the new EOC will play in Brevard County’s community,” noted Kevin Ratigan, Project Architect and ADG Senior Vice President. “ADG is pleased to have been selected for the programming and conceptual design of this new facility.”

Established in 1971, Architects Design Group is a full-service architectural and planning firm based in Winter Park, Florida that specializes in the innovative design of public sector architecture, including EOC’s, public safety, municipal, public works, and cultural facilities throughout the United States. The firm has received many awards including the AIA Florida Firm of the Year Award in 2002 and the AIA Orlando Firm of the Year Award in 2009. To learn more about Architects Design Group, visit www.adgusa.org.