Guernsey Wins IIDA Award for Newcastle Fire Station No. 1

We are thrilled to announce that Guernsey has been honored with the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) Texas Oklahoma Chapter Design Excellence Award for Best of City Center-OKC for our work on Newcastle Fire Station No. 1! This recognition underscores our commitment to designing spaces that serve their functional purpose and enhance the well-being of the people who use them.

A Fire Station Designed for the Future

Newcastle, a rapidly growing suburb of the Oklahoma City metro area, has experienced a 33% population increase since the last census. To meet the evolving needs of this thriving community, the City of Newcastle sought a facility that would ensure its firefighters' safety, health, and efficiency while expanding service capacity for the region. The result is a 19,000-square-foot fire station designed to support those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

Understanding that fire stations serve as workplaces and living quarters, we designed Newcastle Fire Station No. 1 to provide a comfortable, functional, and efficient environment. At the heart of the facility are the living quarters, which include ten private sleeping rooms, individual shower spaces, a fitness room, and a communal kitchen and dining area. The design fosters camaraderie among firefighters while offering personal spaces for rest and recovery between shifts.

Beyond the living areas, the station incorporates features that enhance operational readiness and firefighter safety. The four-bay drive-thru apparatus area has state-of-the-art air purification systems, an SCBA room, decontamination spaces, and a storm shelter. A 30-seat training room and study space facilitate continuous learning and collaboration, allowing Newcastle firefighters—and visiting departments—to enhance their skills and improve response strategies.

More than just a fire station, this facility is a testament to the City of Newcastle's investment in public safety. The thoughtful design ensures firefighters have the resources to serve their community effectively while providing a welcoming environment for training and regional cooperation.

City Manager Kevin Self noted, "Guernsey has, at all times, been responsive, mindful of costs, and addressed any obstacle or issue with sound judgment and advice. They have proven time and time again an ability to work with all staff to resolve or eliminate problems, and I consider them a vital part of the success of our projects."

We are honored to receive this recognition from the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Newcastle's public safety infrastructure. This project exemplifies our dedication to designing spaces that enhance the quality of life for those who serve our communities.

Congratulations to the City of Newcastle, and thank you to the IIDA Texas Oklahoma Chapter for this prestigious award!