GEO Design Services, Inc.
Facility Design Development
GEO has been a national leader in the architectural design of correctional and residential treatment facilities since 1992. In 1998, the department branched off independently to form GEO Design Services, Inc. (GDSI) with the mission of ensuring design integrity and efficiency. Over the past 15 years, GEO and its in-house design and development team have been the developer of over 70 facility construction and renovation projects valued in excess of $2 billion and we currently have over $400 million in active projects.
Design
Each development project includes a team of correctional and residential treatment facilities designers; experts in security services, medical services, food services, offender programs, facility maintenance and information technology. This team of experts is involved in every phase, from conceptual design through final development, before assuming responsibility for actual facility operations. This unique approach; of operational experts working alongside design and construction experts; results in a well-developed, efficient facility suitable for its intended use and reasonable in cost to construct and operate.
GDSI’s in-house architectural staff is equipped with an extensive architectural library and has the most modern and efficient Computer Aided Drafting equipment available. GDSI is comprised of the highest trained specialists in construction and residential treatment design and are experts in areas of design and construction planning, design and construction administration, and project development. Using these combined capabilities our team can ensure that the design is state-of-the-art, proven for its operations reliability; which in turn, provides the ability to complete construction projects within 12 to 24 months compared to the norm of 36 to 40 months.
Our design group is recognized in both the United States and abroad as the premier development company for correctional and residential treatment facilities. Our reputation has been earned through dedication to a management philosophy that emphasizes security, functionality, durability, and cost effectiveness.
Construction
Much like our dedication to be the best design team in the industry; we strive to work with the best builders in the industry. We have long-established working relationships with leading builders that specialize in correctional and residential treatment facilities and have proven capabilities in construction of secure facilities for at least 15 years. Our specialists are on-site throughout construction to ensure compliance with building and security standards. GDSI has an impressive record of designing and constructing secure facilities on time and within budget. Our design team has never missed a completion date, and has never exceeded an authorized contract price for any construction project. Through integrating design, construction, and operations, we are able to develop and open new facilities up to 50% faster – with cost savings of up to 40%
"GEO has never missed a completion date and has never exceeded an authorized contract price for any construction project"
DESIGN MILESTONES
Rivers Correctional Institution – a correctional facility for the housing of Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) inmates primarily District of Columbia offenders – accomplished through a competitive procurement. As required in the contract, GEO financed, designed, and buildt the 1,450-bed, low security, adult male facility 365 days from contract award. GDSI’s design included four (4) housing buildings, indoor and outdoor recreational areas, programs building, administrative building, a prison industries building, and four (4) guard towers.
South Florida State Hospital – a psychiatric state hospital under contract with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). The contract was to finance, design, construct and manage a new state-of-the-art facility. The first phase of construction required the remodeling of half of the existing facility and build a complete new facility. During the second phase, patients were moved from the existing facility to the new, and the remainder of the existing was demolished and replaced with a new elderly housing complex that was designed and constructed by the county. This contract represented the first comprehensive state psychiatric hospital built in 30 years.
George W. Hill Correctional Facility – a county jail for Delaware County, PA. The contract was to design, build and manage a new 1,200-bed jail and a 350-bed DUI facility. Due to economies of scale GDSI was able to provide a cost savings of 10% which, in turn the county used to stimulate the local economy.