Pencils have erasers because we all make mistakes, even when we have the best of intentions. That holds for those of us in cultivation facility design as well. That’s why we’re sharing our experiences (with the help of our friends at Surna Cultivation Technologies). These are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to the design process.

The Do’s and Don’ts

Do coordinate with professionals. Everyone from the designers to the engineers to the construction team needs to be on the same page. But remember, too much input can create a whole new set of problems, like timeline delays and overspending. Assemble your team wisely. 

Don’t overcrowd. Lots of plants will lead to lots of products. However, there are factors to consider, like equipment used to cool and light the facility. In many cases, this equipment is accessed from the ceiling. In the design process, factor in how equipment and maintenance personnel access equipment when something goes wrong. 

Don’t forget employees. Just like the need for space for equipment and repair personnel, you have to factor in the area for employees too. Some questions to ask include:

• What makes the most sense to minimize the labor component associated with workflow?
• How much storage space will you need? How wide should your hallways and doorways be?
• How much space should you allocate to drying, trimming, and support spaces?
• How will floorplan design impact odor control and biosecurity?

Don’t cut corners. As they say, time is money. Often we get into a hurry and make decisions too quickly, resulting in costly mistakes down the road. Weigh the long-term implications of any decision you’re facing to prevent regrets.

Do have a clear purpose. Growing products and making money is the obvious answer here. But having a thought-out list of long-term goals can help in each step of the process when designing your facility. Communicate these goals with everyone involved to prevent delays and mistakes along the way.  

Contact us

Cannabis Build and Design, a division of Fager-McGee Commercial Construction and Premier Architecture, has already completed design-build projects with Surna Cultivation Technologies. Get a quote for free by contacting Brad Fager at 618-687-3900.