Skip to main content

Design Phase

Activities and milestones​

The activities and milestones that comprise the design phase for a project containing AV systems are shown in Table 2. Note that design may occur in multiple phases - with an architectural design phase, followed by a builder design phase (in the case of Design and Construct project).

Activities and MilestonesAccountableNotes
Builder AppointedArchitect/PF&DD&C Only
Develop detailed AV brief including: Schematic drawings, Bill of materials, Joinery designs, Elevations, layouts and ceiling plans, Heat loads, acoustic plan, BudgetAV ConsultantCo-ordination with trades as appropriate, workshop with DTS–AV who approve final technical design
Coordinate provision of proposed infrastructure requirements: Architectural and Interior Design Electrical Mechanical Acoustics Information TechnologyAV ConsultantIncludes incorporation of AV requirements into construction documentation
Prepare AV contract and tender specificationAV Consultant
Issue tender specification to marketBuilderMilestone
Evaluate tenders responses, make recommendationAV ConsultantInclude DTS–AV in the evaluation process
Award contract to AV integration companyBuilderMilestone
Develop initial project schedule incorporating AV requirementsBuilder

Table 2: Activities and Milestones in Design Phase.

Drawing Review​

The DTS-AV department may need to review any or all of the following drawings.

  • General Arrangements
  • Front and Side Elevations
  • Display Viewing Distances
  • Mounting Details/Sections
  • Ceiling Speaker and Microphone Coverage Maps
  • Electrical and Datacoms arrangements
  • Mechanical Services Drawings
  • Furniture Test Fits
  • AV Arrangements

AV System Drawings​

The detailed design of AV systems may involve the production of any or all of the following drawings

  • Schematic diagrams for Audio, Video, Power and Control (Required)
  • Cabling and Patching Schedule
  • Rack Elevations
  • Patch Panel Layouts/Engrave files
  • Labelling Schedule

Interface and Program Design​

Where non-standard programming and UX is required, a programming brief and UI layout will be developed to illustrate the application flow.

Architectural and Interior Design Coordination​

The AV Consultant will provide detail to the Architect and Interior Design team to enable them to produce coordinated drawing sets. This involves the inclusion into construction documentation AV requirements such as:

  • Projection Sightlines and Distances
  • Ceiling Height Recommendations
  • Lectern locations and Presenter Ergonomics
  • Acoustic Controls
  • Custom Furniture and Containment
  • Equipment Rooms, Service, Cooling and Serviceability
  • Disability Access

Electrical Coordination​

The AV Consultant will provide detail to the Electrical consultant to enable them to produce a coordinated design. This involves the inclusion into construction documentation AV requirements such as:

  • Expected AV-related Electrical Loads
  • Clean Power and Surge Suppression Requirements
  • GPO Locations
  • Isolated Ground and Same Phase Requirements
  • Soft Wiring for Mobile Lecterns
  • Lighting Zones and Control

Mechanical coordination​

The AV Consultant will provide detail to the Mechanical consultant to enable them to produce a coordinated design. This involves the inclusion into construction documentation AV requirements such as:

  • Vibration-free Attachment Points for Ceiling Equipment
  • Areas of low air-movement
  • Clearances for in-ceiling AV equipment

Acoustical coordination​

The AV Consultant will provide detail to the Acoustic consultant to enable them to produce a coordinated design. This involves the inclusion into construction documentation AV requirements such as

  • Maximum Ambient Noise Levels
  • Reverberation Time Requirements
  • Speech Transmission Index Requirements
  • Mechanical System Noise Reduction

Information technology coordination​

The AV Consultant will provide detail to the Data Comms consultant to enable them to produce a coordinated design. This involves the inclusion into construction documentation AV requirements such as

  • Procurement of Network and Computing Equipment
  • Outlet Quantity and Locations
  • Acceptable Comms-room demarcation
  • Network Capacity and Bandwidth
  • Prioritisation for Video and Audio traffic.

Tender specification​

For capital projects, it is the responsibility of the AV Consultant to produce the necessary written specifications of the Audiovisual system and installation for the contract submission or Request for Proposal (RFP) process. As well as the general conditions, submittal formats and tender process requirements, this documentation includes:

  • Curtin University AV standards
  • Design Brief
  • Bill of Materials of all Equipment
  • General Arrangement drawings including component layout and relevant information
  • Schematic Diagrams
  • System Performance Expectations
  • Testing and Commissioning Templates
  • Submission Evaluation Matrix.

Although the final decision on awarding the contract is the responsibility of the Builder, DTS–AV must be provided the opportunity to review all tender or RFP submissions with the AV Consultant to ensure compliance.