Our Process

About Us: Our Process

People, Process & Product

At CTDG, our design process is rooted in a commitment to collaboration, expertise, and efficiency. We take a holistic approach by cross-training our team members across various technologies. This broad knowledge base ensures that we can deliver the most cost-effective and functional solutions for our clients, drawing on a wide range of experience and skills. Our “Three P” philosophy guides everything we do, making our services seamless, streamlined, and client-focused from start to finish.

Our People: Greater Versatility through Comprehensive Cross-Training

We know that people are our greatest strength. That’s why our designers are not confined to a single specialty. We invest heavily in cross-training, allowing our team to collaborate seamlessly across disciplines like acoustics, audio design, and security systems. This convergence means we can anticipate potential challenges early and create well-rounded solutions that meet the needs of every project phase. With four specialized design services under one roof, we serve as a true one-stop shop for our clients, offering a single point of responsibility and streamlined project coordination.

A Team with Deep Expertise

Our team’s depth of experience is a key factor in our success. Approximately 20% of our staff has been with CTDG for over 20 years, and our four principal designers bring a combined 100 years of expertise. This wealth of knowledge enables us to develop intelligent, innovative solutions and deliver exceptional service across every project.

Our Design Process: Integration at Every Stage

Our design process follows a structured and well-defined path, with clearly defined phases that guide each project from concept to completion:

  1. Schematic Design: We start by exploring the project’s requirements and developing preliminary concepts, working closely with the client to define their vision and set clear goals.
  2. Design Development: During this phase, we dive deeper into the details. Our deliverables become more refined, and specific design elements and documents take shape. We fine-tune the design, incorporate feedback, and ensure alignment with the project’s objectives.
  3. Construction Documentation: Here, we prepare the comprehensive set of documents that serve as the blueprint for construction. These documents are critical for the bidding process, allowing contractors to accurately estimate costs and prepare execution plans.
  4. Bidding & Negotiations: We facilitate the bidding process, helping our clients review contractor proposals and select the best fit for their project. Our support during negotiations ensures that the terms meet the client’s expectations and budget.
  5. Installation & Commissioning (Construction Administration): In the final phase, we oversee the installation and ensure that all systems are integrated and functioning as intended. We stay actively involved throughout the process to address any issues, answer questions, and provide support until the project is successfully completed.

Our Product: Your One-Stop, All-In-One Service Solution

As a one-stop shop for cross-disciplinary design services, we make it easier for owners and architect clients to communicate across teams, map clear accountability, and manage their projects. From programming through construction administration, we are there every step of the way, ensuring an efficient and effective customer experience.

OUR CUSTOMERS SAY IT BEST…

Paul Corraine, the managing Principal and Founder of CTDG, along with his talented and experienced staff were able to lead the Owner through challenging and ever-changing audiovisual and acoustic system needs for instructional spaces. CTDG is apt at working with all levels of personnel through all phases of the project and effectively communicating their ideas and design approach. They are consistently up to date with the latest technologies available to inspire and influence our clients’ teaching pedagogies. CTDG is a pleasure to work with and experts in their field of audiovisual, acoustic, and telecommunication systems design in instructional settings.

The words of wisdom and insights from your experience of starting and running a very successful business have inspired and informed my students in the best possible way.

I have found the team at CTDG brings a wealth of relevant knowledge to the table and has been instrumental in helping our team succeed in the development and design of a number of state-of-the-art facilities. They focus on meeting client and owner expectations and also demonstrate a strong sense of commitment to improved deliverables and project experience.

The firm’s ability to understand the users’ current and future needs while aligning with client standards is a vital asset to any project. Their experience and understanding of audiovisual, security, acoustic systems, and telecommunications produces a very clear user involvement process that delivers a final product that exceeds expectations.

CTDG carefully listens to the client’s desires, expectations, and budgetary constraints, helping them navigate the myriad issues involved in identifying the best technologies and strategies to meet those goals — ultimately guiding them to well-founded and informed decisions.

Over the past 15 years, CTDG has provided the technology consulting and design for two state-of-the-art facilities on campus. They’ve also produced two Information Technology Master Plans. Based on my many-year relationship with CTDG, I would highly recommend their technology consulting services.

CTDG has produced a wide range of small-and large-scale healthcare and educational solutions for BR+A and our clients. They’re always cost-effective and they consistently deliver on time.

CTDG has successfully provided full services for audiovisual, telecommunications/data, and acoustical consultation for Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. They were instrumental in the design, technical documentation, and the construction of the new Honors College Residence Hall and the Rutgers Academic Building, a state-of-the-art classroom building.

CTDG’s team has contributed their wealth of specialized industry knowledge, experience and professionalism to our projects requiring expertise in Telecommunications, Audiovisual, Access Control/Video Surveillance Systems, Acoustics, and Noise & Vibration Control, resulting in the highest level of satisfaction for my firm and our clients. Their commitment to exceptional customer communication, service, and satisfaction is evident at every juncture.

I am providing this letter as a recommendation for future CTDG prospective clients based on your firm’s services for our Fort Worth Public Safety Training Center, now renamed the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex.

I want to commend you and your lead staff for performing in a comprehensive and excellent manner on this challenging program, both from its physical plant perspective as well as from a diverse user requirements program. ·At 560,000sf, this facility is the largest of its kind in the US for Police and Fire personnel training. The combination of both a new administration building and historic concrete frame WWII era warehouse adaptive use provided a logistical and engineering context not often encountered. The various training scenario facilities, including the largest indoor firearms ranges and situation simulation areas in the world, were needs that CTDG addressed in a successful set of systems.

Our client as well as we came. to appreciate the varied specialties that CTDG could bring to bear on this unusual program. We would enthusiastically recommend CTDG for the unusual as well as normal IT, AV, and specialty services that your firm and staff have proven capabilities. Thank you for your efforts as part of our team and this successful program.

Convergent Technologies Design Group (CTDG) was brought on as an acoustical consultant for a renovation in the School of Law at the University of Richmond. The heart of the project was a courtroom that was to undergo a major renovation to become more widely usable for classes and events. Bill Holaday and his team provided sound testing and acoustical recommendations to turn an echoey underutilized space into a high-functioning multi-purpose centerpiece for the School of Law. The acoustics in the space have been drastically improved as a result of Bill’s guidance, and a space that was previously only used a handful of times per year, is now fully booked daily. Faculty, staff, and students alike have marveled at the renovation’s success in improving room acoustics without sacrificing the historical aesthetic of the space. The courtroom now is able to support everything from small seminar style classes of 16 people to large orientation events with over 170 people. I would highly recommend CTDG for acoustical consulting for their professionalism, collaboration, and end results.

HKS has worked with Convergent Technologies on a variety of projects, and we have had a very good working relationship with your firm. We have found your firm to be highly collaborative and eager to coordinate and provide the very professional engineering services required for complicated projects. Most recently you worked with us on the Upper Chesapeake Health Cancer Center addition and the Culpeper Regional Hospital Emergency Department expansion. Your advice and recommendations were implemented on these projects and have proven to be very valuable.

Energy Systems Design, Inc. has worked successfully with CTDG for the past 12 years. In addition to teaming on approximately 25 projects, we worked directly with them on a project for a very valued client. The coordination was well-planned and executed. The knowledge and expertise that Convergent Technologies Design Group offers is top-notch. We are happy to continue working with this professional group.

Convergent Technologies Design Group, Inc. has successfully provided design consulting services to Perkins+Will since 2008 on a number of projects. Our first collaboration was for the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University where CTDG provided leadership and expertise with audiovisual systems and infrastructure, acoustics, HVAC noise and vibration control, access control and video surveillance. CTDG demonstrated proficiency in each of these areas and was able to present VT with cutting-edge design options to achieve the desired vision and goals while staying within budget.

Paul Corraine, CTDG founder and Principal, is a leader in the design and integration of state of the art technology systems. He and his experienced staff play an essential role in delivering several innovative projects for Perkins+Will and our clients. CTQG focuses on a process that builds consensus among stakeholders and exceeding owner expectations.

Paul and his team of professionals have been a pleasure to work with and have proven to be reliable in meeting project schedules, budgets and collaborating with Perkins+Will and our clients. I would highly recommend Paul and his staff.

We have been very pleased with the performance of your firm as our consultant for low voltage system design and construction administration services for the recently completed Franklin Square Hospital, New Patient Tower Project. Your team’s knowledge and understanding of the criticaI low voltage and IT systems associated with this project has been a great asset to our team.

I have been working with Convergent Technologies for many years. They are very knowledgeable and responsive to comments and questions. They perform well in interacting with clients at meetings. Paul Corraine and Bill Holaday return my calls promptly and always get me the appropriate answer. Convergent is the first name that comes to mind when architects ask me for recommendations. I recommend using Convergent for Low Voltage Communications and Audio/Visual design.

I have had a working relationship with Convergent Technologies Design Group, Inc. spanning some ten years. This firm has shown unquestionable leadership and experience with audiovisual, acoustic and telecommunication systems. CTDG is well versed in cutting edge technologies allowing them to offer owners a number of design options addressing both budgetary constraints yet providing owners with flexibility for future growth.

Led by Principal and Founder Paul Corralne, CTDG brings a wealth of relevant knowledge to each project. As an integral part of the design team CTDG helped Cannon Design develop and design a state-of the-art facility at Northern Arizona University Health & Learning Center. CTDG consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the project team responding promptly to owner requests and modifications in the field. CTDG employs a group of talented individuals that are very professional. Their work ethic, customer service and ability to work collaboratively with Cannon and our clients are commendable. Paul and his team of professionals have my recommendation.

Over the years [CTDG] has been invaluable to APM and our clients in so many ways. The lists of success we have shared include Georgetown Day School, Goodwin House, and The Madeira School and we look forward to many more. I invite all those who are interested in using your services to contact me directly so I may fully inform them of the Convergent difference.

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26

Years of Experience

1350

Successful Projects

44

U.S. States Served

10

Countries Served

3

Strategic Offices