By: Jennifer Hall
May 15, 2025 | 2 min read
Every time I design a warehouse, I end up going back and forth with architects or design-builders to be the one who sets the direction. From my industrial engineering point of view, the building is there to support the operation—so why not start with the operation in mind?
But more often than not, architects or design-builders are brought in first to design a shell on a piece of land—and we work within it. Aside from things like column spacing, that setup usually works well enough in a conventional warehouse.
But now that the cost of automated equipment is catching up to the cost of the building itself—and comes with a much more rigid set of requirements—that sequence is resulting is costly rework, both in terms of time and money.
When you’re building a warehouse for automation—especially high-density automated storage and retrieval systems — you can’t afford to treat material handling equipment as an afterthought. The design and construction process must begin with the automated solution in mind and build around it. This is more than a simple adjustment in planning—it’s an inversion of the traditional design process.
Consider this: in a conventional project, you start with site selection, then move into conceptual design, architectural drawings and engineered plans. Material handling equipment gets added in afterward—fitted into whatever envelope already exists. But in an automation-first approach, the conversation begins with: What are we automating? The answers to that question drive everything that follows.
When constructing for automation, a host of new considerations come into play:
When building owners stick with the traditional sequence —site → building → equipment—for the design and construction of an automated warehouse they risk costly rework. An engineer will produce slab, HVAC, or structural plans that are later deemed incompatible with the automated solutions requirements. The result? Design decisions get scrapped and redone, costing time and money.
Instead, engage the automation provider before site selection is finalized or blueprints are drawn. With clear specs in hand, the architect or design-builder can deliver a facility that fits the automation perfectly, without compromise.
If you’re planning an automated warehouse, don’t wait until the building’s designed to select your automation, or automation provider. Flip the script: start with automation and let everything else follow. This approach saves time, reworks, and delivers an operation-first facility.
Ready to design your warehouse with automation in mind from day one? Reach out to Jennifer Hall for expert guidance or to schedule a consultation. Tap into her industrial engineering insight to ensure your facility is built to support your operation—not the other way around. Contact Jennifer today to get started.
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