Modernizing Collaboration: AV Transformation for Kiewit Construction’s Combinable Conference Room in Santa Clara, CA
INTRODUCTION
Kiewit Construction, one of North America’s largest and most respected infrastructure and engineering firms, operates a key office in Santa Clara, California. Their teams manage complex, high-stakes projects that require seamless collaboration across departments, consultants, and stakeholders. To support this, Kiewit initiated a planned audiovisual upgrade for their aging conference rooms, starting with one of their most critical spaces — a large combinable (divisible) conference room.
Creation Networks was selected to deliver the complete design, engineering, programming, and installation of the new system.
PROJECT NAME
Kiewit Construction
Location
Santa Clara, CA
SIZE
18,000 SF
CHALLENGE
As part of a strategic initiative to modernize their aging conference room infrastructure, Kiewit needed a comprehensive AV refresh that would future-proof their most heavily used meeting space. The combinable conference room presented unique technical and operational challenges:
- Outdated projection screen and aging video systems that no longer delivered the clarity and brightness required for detailed project reviews and client presentations.
- Inconsistent audio performance and limited conferencing capabilities in both combined and divided room configurations.
- The need for a reliable, intuitive control system that could automatically adapt when the movable partition wall was opened or closed — without requiring technical staff intervention.
- Full Microsoft Teams Room compatibility for effective hybrid meetings.
- Minimal disruption to daily operations, as this was a planned AV system upgrade executed within an active corporate environment.
The goal was to transform the space into a flexible, high-performance collaboration environment while maintaining Kiewit’s high standards for professionalism and reliability.
THE SOLUTION
Creation Networks engineered a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution built around flexibility, reliability, and ease of use.
Advanced Video System
- Replacement of the old projection screen with new high-brightness professional-grade video displays (large-format LED or direct-view LCDs) strategically positioned for optimal viewing in both single-room and dual-room modes.
- Multiple screens ensure every participant has a clear, sharp view whether the room is combined or divided.
- Full integration with Microsoft Teams for high-quality hybrid meetings.
QSC Audio Ecosystem
- Complete QSC audio system featuring Q-SYS DSP, network amplifiers, and a distributed speaker layout (ceiling and/or wall-mounted).
- Intelligent audio routing automatically adjusts based on room configuration — providing even coverage and excellent speech intelligibility in one large room or two separate spaces.
- Advanced acoustic echo cancellation and noise reduction optimized for construction-industry conference calls.
Unified Q-SYS Control System
- The core of the project: Q-SYS serves as the central control platform.
- A sleek Q-SYS touch panel was installed at the head of each room section, offering one-touch presets for:
- Combined Room Mode
- Room A Only
- Room B Only
- Teams Meeting
- Presentation Mode
- Privacy / Shut Down
- Custom programming by Creation Networks ensures the system intelligently detects the partition wall position (via sensors) and automatically reconfigures audio zones, video routing, and control interfaces.
This software-based approach creates a future-proof, scalable solution with minimal hardware complexity.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Creation Networks engineered a sophisticated yet user-friendly solution built around flexibility, reliability, and ease of use.
- Video System: New high-brightness professional-grade large-format LED / LCD video displays strategically positioned for optimal viewing in both combined and divided room modes.
- Audio System: Complete QSC ecosystem including Q-SYS DSP (digital signal processor), Q-SYS network amplifiers, and a distributed speaker array (ceiling and wall-mounted) for exceptional speech intelligibility.
- Control System: Q-SYS platform serving as the unified control backbone with custom-programmed logic.
- User Interface: Multiple Q-SYS touch panels (one per room section) with intuitive one-touch presets and automatic room-configuration detection.
- Collaboration Platform: Full native Microsoft Teams Rooms integration with high-quality cameras, microphones, and content sharing.
- Room Sensing: Wireless sensors integrated with Q-SYS to automatically detect movable partition wall position and reconfigure audio zones, video routing, and control interfaces accordingly.
This fully networked, software-centric design delivers maximum flexibility with minimal hardware complexity and excellent long-term scalability.
RESULTS
The upgraded combinable conference room has delivered immediate and measurable benefits for the Kiewit San Jose team:
- True Flexibility — Effortless switching between one large room and two independent spaces with zero technical headaches.
- Superior Meeting Experience — Bright, clear video and professional-grade audio that improves both in-person and hybrid collaboration.
- User Adoption — Simple, intuitive Q-SYS touch panel control means even non-technical staff can run flawless meetings.
- Operational Reliability — System stability and remote monitoring capabilities reduce support calls and downtime.
- Professional Image — The modern AV system reinforces Kiewit’s reputation for excellence in every client and internal interaction.
Project teams and leadership have reported significantly more productive meetings and fewer technical disruptions since the upgrade.
“Kiewit Construction’s combinable conference room after the AV upgrade — now featuring large-format video displays, Q-SYS control, and seamless hybrid Microsoft Teams collaboration.”
NEXT STEPS
From combinable conference rooms and boardrooms to training facilities and command centers, Creation Networks specializes in designing and installing sophisticated AV solutions for construction, engineering, and infrastructure organizations.
Ready to modernize your aging conference rooms? Contact Creation Networks today for a consultation. Let us help you create flexible, high-performance collaboration environments that support your team’s success.
Creation Networks – Designing the Future of AV.
For more information on this Kiewit Construction project or our corporate AV solutions, visit creationnetworks.net.
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