Markets
Zoos & Animal Sanctuaries
We put the animals first with a focus on their wellness
Salas O’Brien employs a holistic approach, accommodating the animal’s physical needs and comfort while also enhancing their ability to thrive. We design exhibits and facilities that let animal species be the best and healthiest versions of themselves while living under human care.
This “inside-out” approach also prioritizes the keeper and curator research staff to preserve their safety and address ongoing needs. As cohesive and harmonious environments, our zoo designs also boost the visitor experience by naturally revealing unique educational opportunities. By providing expertise through a collaborative process, we create exceptional exhibits that are tailored to each zoo’s individual culture as well as the community it serves.
Photo: Jason Buch
Zoos & Animal Sanctuaries Projects
What we can offer
Salas O’Brien provides a wide variety of engineering and technical services to meet the demands of this high-performance sector.
Zoo & animal sanctuary design
Our design services for zoos and animal sanctuaries balance providing the highest levels of animal wellness with the functional needs and safety of their caretakers. Our team emphasizes an approach that foregrounds Comfort, Companionship, Challenge, and Choice as the main factors in delivering the best sanctuary habitats and care quarters possible. We also have significant experience assisting habitats with conceptual design and graphics needed to assist successful fundraising and grant pursuits.
Sustainability & environmental consulting
Salas O’Brien identifies and mitigates the environmental impacts of projects. We also provide guidance on complying with environmental regulations and standards, and help clients to develop sustainability plans and initiatives.
Architecture & interior design
Our team has decades of experience serving a variety of clients from initial design strategy and planning through implementation and management with our expertise in corporate workplace, data centers, critical environments, retail, telecommunication facilities, and zoo design.
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection
Salas O’Brien’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design team delivers common-sense, integrated design solutions that are cost-effective, reliable, and energy efficient.
Structural
Salas O’Brien’s structural expertise extends from conceptual development and 3D modeling to surveys, investigative studies, and due diligence assessments.
Technology
Salas O’Brien’s technology design team provides design for data infrastructure, security systems, and audio-video technology.
Building envelope consulting and testing
Salas O’Brien covers all aspects of building envelope consulting, from design collaboration for new construction to installation oversight during construction. On existing buildings, our expertise also includes in-depth forensic analysis to pinpoint envelope failures, then offering detailed repair and remediation guidance.
Our field-testing services use cutting-edge tools to assess air and water tightness, thermal efficiency, and structural soundness. We have an ISO 17025 accredited lab and are capable of conducting a variety of both lab and field testing procedures following FGIA/AAMA, ASTM and other industry standards. Our team also specializes in energy modeling to boost efficiency and hazardous material sampling for safety. Our comprehensive building envelope commissioning ensures optimal performance of your building’s envelope, enhancing the functionality of both new and existing structures.
Forensic consulting services
Salas O’Brien performs investigation and analysis of failures, damages, or defects in structures and materials. Our experts determine causation, whether due to natural events like storms, fires, and earthquakes, or human factors such as construction errors or design flaws. We assess the integrity of buildings and other structures, machinery, building systems, and infrastructure, providing detailed reports that are often used in insurance claims, legal disputes, and risk management. Our work helps clients understand the root causes and guides them in making informed decisions about repairs, replacements, and preventive measures.