INTRODUCTION
Degenkolb Engineers has a dynamic network of offices across the U.S. and beyond, each offering unique advantages. Founded in 1940, Degenkolb Engineers brings more than eight decades of structural engineering expertise, delivering innovative designs that have saved clients hundreds of millions of dollars. Their commitment to technical excellence and close client collaboration extends to their internal operations, where seamless communication is essential for both office-based teams and field engineers.
PROJECT NAME
Degenkolb Engineers
Locations
San Francisco, Oakland CA
Architect
Smith Group
Size
25,000 SF
Sustainable Design
LEED Platinum / Acoustic Performance,
NetZero, and CAL Green Building Code certified
CHALLENGE
As Degenkolb Engineers expanded and upgraded San Francisco, Oakland and later Sacramento, their outdated meeting room technology created significant hurdles. Director of Information Technology Rick Nystrom needed a unified communications standard that would support reliable hybrid meetings, improve interactions with clients, and enable effective remote collaboration between office staff and engineers in the field.
The existing rooms felt dated and underutilized, with inconsistent audio quality, difficult booking processes, and limited support for modern video conferencing. This led to frustration, lost productivity, and missed opportunities to impress visiting clients with a professional, high-tech environment.
THE SOLUTION
Degenkolb Engineers partnered with Creation Networks to design and implement a comprehensive technology standard tailored to their needs. Our team worked closely with Rick and his IT staff to assess their spaces, recommend the right solutions, and deliver a fully integrated system.
We selected and deployed Crestron Flex for Microsoft Teams® to transform their outdated meeting rooms into modern, user-friendly collaboration hubs. Beyond video conferencing, Creation Networks designed and installed state-of-the-art acoustics and sound masking technology to enhance speech clarity, reduce distractions, and create a more professional atmosphere throughout their facilities.
This ensured the solution was not only technically robust but also intuitive for everyday use by engineers and staff. Throughout the workplace, acoustic elements act as integral design features on walls and ceilings. Wool felt triangles and pyramids, evocative of the firm’s logo, soften acoustics and create interesting textures and shadows that subtly activate the space.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Thanks to Creation Networks’ expertise, Degenkolb’s meeting rooms now feature Crestron Flex systems that deliver reliable, high-quality hybrid meetings. Employees can connect effortlessly with clients and remote team members, with crystal-clear audio and video that supports productive discussions.
Crestron and Microsoft Teams® scheduling panels simplify room management. Employees can quickly book rooms for the desired duration directly from the panel. A purple glow clearly indicates the room is in use, while a green glow signals it is available — eliminating double-bookings and reducing support tickets for Rick’s team.
The addition of advanced sound masking and acoustic treatments further improves communication by minimizing background noise and enhancing speech intelligibility, whether in meetings or open office areas. Visitors now experience a noticeable “wow” factor upon entering the modernized spaces.
RESULTS
Degenkolb’s new Oakland office creates an environment where Bay Area employees want to be, attracting staff from both the Oakland and San Francisco teams and fostering greater collaboration between the two. Creation Networks’ solution provided Degenkolb Engineers with a true technological backbone for hybrid work. Rick and his teams can now address project needs in real time, with seamless communication between office staff and field engineers.
“Crestron has provided our teams with a technological backbone that improves the visual experience of our office and connects our teams effectively, making a huge difference in our daily operations,” says Rick Nystrom, Director of Information Technology at Degenkolb Engineers.
The automated scheduling and intuitive controls have dramatically simplified room management and support, while the enhanced acoustics and professional AV experience have boosted productivity and client impressions.
NEXT STEPS
If your organization is facing similar challenges with outdated meeting spaces, hybrid collaboration, or the need for better acoustics and modern AV, Creation Networks is ready to help.
We specialize in designing, installing, and programming intelligent AV systems — including Crestron solutions, sound masking, and unified communications — for businesses across California and nationwide.
Contact us today to discuss how we can create a custom solution that solves your specific collaboration challenges and delivers measurable results.
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