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rendering in Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center; front entrance; street view with modern multi-facade building; green spaces in the foreground

Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center

Public Building Design that Encourages Civic Engagement

Project Location

Phoenix, AZ

Client

Maricopa County (AZ)

Area

260,000 SF

Services

Architecture, engineering, interiors, acoustics, low-voltage security, audiovisual, and lighting design services

Designed for a growing electorate, the new Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center prioritizes efficient ballot processing and enhanced customer service. Our design of this state-of-the-art 260,000-SF facility on the Capitol Plaza in downtown Phoenix integrates openness with security, guiding visitors through an interactive journey of the ballot’s lifecycle while ensuring a protected environment for election workers. The design draws inspiration from the region’s desert landscape, with metaphorical “stone outcroppings” anchoring the structure and symbolizing stability.

A seamless transition from the exterior civic plaza to the interior lobby welcomes visitors into a space designed to educate and engage, featuring exhibits that narrate Maricopa County’s voting heritage and introduce the “Life of the Ballot” journey. Visitors progress through operational viewing corridors that provide expansive views of key election infrastructure, including early voting operations, ballot vaults, and tabulation areas, emphasizing government transparency while maintaining secure and efficient workflows. Our comprehensive approach weaves thoughtful architecture with the values of democracy, creating an inclusive and secure environment where every vote is celebrated and safeguarded.

Building Trust in the Democratic Process

The new facility sets a new standard for election infrastructure, demonstrating how thoughtful design can inspire trust, enhance transparency, and support the democratic process for future generations. Our design creates a space that protects every vote while fostering transparency and building public confidence in the integrity of elections.



Building Trust in the Democratic Process

01
Voting Operations

Secure Ballot Handling

A perforated metal scrim encloses the ballot tabulation center, enhancing physical security with a controlled barrier while also reducing direct visibility to ensure voter privacy and the confidentiality of ballot processing. Additionally, our design carves 73,000 SF of warehouse space below-grade to secure voting equipment and maintain a cooler temperature to reduce mechanical loads. The overall design ensures top-tier election security and communicates the meticulous and public nature of counting every vote, reinforcing Maricopa County’s commitment to election transparency and accountability.

rendering in Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center; front entrance; street view with modern multi-facade building; green spaces in the foreground
02
Workplace Solutions

Maximize Focus

Our acoustic design prioritizes speech privacy, operational confidentiality, and occupant comfort, particularly in areas critical to ballot processing and administrative functions. Storefront Glass Systems, used for office fronts and viewing windows into ballot processing areas with laminated or acoustically rated glazing, mitigate sound transmission while preserving visual transparency and oversight. Designated quiet work areas ensure noise-sensitive functions are shielded from high-traffic zones. Sound-absorbing acoustic panels, carpeting, and ceiling baffles further minimize noise, contributing to improved focus and team dynamics.

rendering in Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center; front lobby space with people sitting in the designed wall cut outs and walking in the hallway; floor to ceiling windows
rendering in Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center; front lobby space with people sitting in the designed space and walking in the hallway; floor to ceiling windows
03
Civic Agility

Design as Public Catalyst

The facility serves as a transparent and inclusive hub for Maricopa County’s electoral processes, demystifying the voting lifecycle and educating the public. Universal design principles accommodate diverse users, from full-time staff to seasonal workers and community visitors. Public spaces encourage civic participation while ensuring operational areas remain secure and efficient.

Sustainability is embedded throughout the design. Shared parking facilities minimize environmental impact, durable low-maintenance finishes enhance longevity, and passive cooling strategies reduce energy consumption. Resource efficiency and operational resilience are central to supporting broader goals of building high-performance civic infrastructure that serves current and future generations.

rendering in Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center; front lobby space with people sitting in the designed wall cut outs and walking in the hallway; floor to ceiling windows

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