Safety installations to uniform standard

From design to management

SPIE Nederland has been a partner of Stichting Carmelcollege for many years. At many schools, SPIE provides various installations, from building management to electrical engineering. For this project, it is specifically about safety technology. "We are involved at all locations," says Kevin Breden, Business Unit Manager at SPIE Nederland. "Over the past three years, we have replaced the security installations at 25 existing schools. Now two new construction projects will follow, including the Bonhoeffer College."

This uniform approach has a clear added value: janitors and teachers work with the same system at multiple locations. "This allows for recognition in the systems and ease of use of them."

From the initial design at the table

"We are usually not a partner who only hooks up during execution," says Breden. "In this case, we thought along in the Program of Requirements, made technical drawings and continuously coordinate with construction partners." That early involvement allows installations to be cleverly incorporated into the construction process. Important in a project with multiple phases and temporary facilities.

Involved with customer and colleague

With 7,000 employees in the Netherlands, SPIE offers a wide range of technical services in various markets. "From the Building Solutions division, we work a lot with educational institutions," says Marketing and Communications Coordinator Wendy Wieringa. "We have now built long-term relationships with many of these parties. As a result, we know their ambitions and pull together in projects - for example, around sustainability. In this way we strengthen each other and continue to improve continuously. This intensive cooperation makes it valuable for the long term."

This applies not only to clients, but also to colleagues. Because of the established relationships with clients and variety of projects, at SPIE you are always working on something new, without having to start from scratch each time. "You really get to know the client, and can continue to build with your team on solutions that keep getting better." You can also see this working method in the collaboration with the Carmel College Foundation. "The longer we work together, the better we get along," says Breden. "That mutual trust makes the work not only more efficient, but also incredibly pleasant."