Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/10/2011 -- While hundreds of projects are submitted, only the best have been recognized as Building of America award winners. The award honors the country’s most innovative, unique and challenging projects — projects that are particularly noteworthy and/or that give back to their respective communities. The Duke Energy Center project in Charlotte, North Carolina was selected as one such project.

One daunting challenge of the Duke Energy Center project was the complexity of the security issues. Security Management Consulting (http://www.secmgmt.com) was contracted to formulate a strategy to solve those issues and to provide a state-of-the-art security design. This was accomplished with a full team approach which included working closely with the architectural firm of record (TVSA), the owner (Wells Fargo/Wachovia) and the building manager (Childress Klein Properties). The end result was a complex, multi-layered security approach and design that evolved from a series of meetings held over several months.

“The complexity of designing a security system to provide a safe and secure workplace for a multi-use LEED platinum-certified complex of this size was accomplished through teamwork,” said Frank Ehrman, CPP, PSP, of SMC. “A state-of-the-art security control center designed by SMC now operates 24/7/365, providing for the safety and protection of the entire property and all its people.”

The Building of America award-winning projects represent the best in new construction and renovation in a wide variety of categories, including commercial and retail, mixed-use, multifamily residential, government, transportation/infrastructure, health care, education, religion, historical restoration, and more. Submitted projects are reviewed by a selection committee that is looking for projects with unique design or construction elements; innovative solutions to challenges, including financing, environmental, zoning, etc.; efficient and cost-effective methods of planning and execution; and/or that have a significant economical impact on the region, among others.

Key Links:
- http://www.secmgmt.com

About Security Management Consulting
Since 1998, Security Management Consulting (SMC) has provided Fortune 500 companies and government agencies with cost-effective security design, support and management services through active client involvement. This allows SMC to serve as an extension of the security department for client. In addition, they have become one of the security industry’s most sought after training firms.

SMC is also certified as minority and women-owned business, helping companies meet its goals for diversity procurement and sourcing.