Client Goals
“An absolute masterclass in partnership,” said Sean Blackman, CEO of Nooks about Bryan Construction’s leadership in the construction of this one-of-a-kind facility. Nooks approached Bryan Construction with a clear but challenging objective: to create a highly secure, flexible workspace that supports the mental well-being of its users. Traditional SCIFs are designed for secrecy and compliance which often result in a sterile, windowless, and isolating environment.
Nooks wanted to flip that paradigm. They are determined to offer secure, high-end SCIF spaces for lease while making all areas feel inviting, warm, and professional. Their ultimate goal is to make secure spaces accessible to companies of all sizes by providing subscription-access secure spaces that meet security requirements while maintaining collaboration and comfort.
Our Role: Building Trust and Leading the Way
Because Nooks was new to SCIF construction, our team provided extensive support from the earliest planning phases all the way through final construction. The complexity of SCIF projects requires precision, foresight, and adaptability because specifications are always evolving.
Key Contributions:
- Design Support & Technical Guidance: One of the earliest hurdles came with the low voltage and security system planning. As the client explored their options and adjusted their needs, we remained agile, collaborating closely with their team and vendors to implement revisions quickly without compromising the schedule or budget.
- Material & Equipment Verification: Inside a SCIF, every component must meet strict compliance requirements. Our team ensured that all materials and equipment met Trade Agreements Act and ICD/ICS 705 standards, even verifying products again upon delivery. This meticulous review process was key to maintaining the integrity of the secure build.
- Layered Quality Control: SCIF construction involves complex, multi-layered systems each of which must be executed flawlessly. Our field teams conducted inspections at every stage to ensure quality, compliance, and consistency.
- Collaborative Culture: One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the spirit of teamwork. Questions were encouraged, ideas were shared, and challenges were tackled together. The open communication between Bryan Construction, Nooks, subcontractors, and consultants created a positive environment that drove the project’s success.
Designing for Security and Wellness
Designing secure facilities doesn’t require building a bunker. The Nooks project illustrates how to create secure spaces that prioritize mental health, comfort, and usability while still ensuring critical safety measures are in place.
Design Features:
- Natural Light, Secured: To maintain both a sense of openness and top-tier RF shielding, we applied RF-blocking film to all perimeter windows. This allowed daylight to pour into the space while preserving compliance with SCIF requirements, a balance rarely achieved in this type of facility.
- Open Ceiling Concept with Acoustical Clouds: Instead of traditional drop ceilings, this facility features an open structure with floating acoustic clouds. The result is a more expansive, modern atmosphere that supports productivity and comfort while meeting acoustic and visual performance standards.
- High-End Finishes & Shared Amenities: The entire facility, classified and unclassified, was outfitted with upscale finishes that reflect Nooks’ hospitality-inspired approach. From sleek millwork to thoughtfully designed collaboration spaces and café zones, the environment feels less like a government-secured bunker and more like a next-gen co-working hub.
Project Success: A Model for Future SCIF Spaces
This project stands as one of the most complex SCIF projects Bryan Construction has delivered due to its unique security requirements. The uniqueness and complexity of the project made it one of the most rewarding success stories. We met every opportunity with creative problem-solving, collaboration, and a shared commitment to high-quality outcomes.
Bryan Construction is proud to have partnered with Nooks and the architecture firm Treanor to bring to life a new model for classified environments: secure, accessible and designed to promote human connection and mental well-being.
Looking Forward
As the demand for flexible, secure workspace continues to grow, especially in government-adjacent industries, projects like this will lead the way. With Nooks, Bryan Construction has proven that it’s possible to build SCIFs that are both mission-ready and people-focused. Our team’s experience, adaptability, and attention to detail make us the ideal partner for the next generation of secure facilities.
