services
ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING
FLEET FACILITY EXPERTISE THAT ENHANCES ANY PROJECT TEAM
We are nationally recognized for our expertise in the planning and design of fleet and operations facilities. On complex public-sector projects, we are often engaged as the go-to resource for fleet-specific insight, bringing a level of technical and operational knowledge that is critical to the success of these specialized buildings.
Our role is to ensure that the unique demands of fleet operations are fully understood and accurately translated into the built environment. We work closely with project stakeholders, design teams, and engineers to shape spaces that function seamlessly; from vehicle repair bays and equipment integration to site logistics, wash facilities, and resilient infrastructure planning.
We add targeted value by advising on:
- Efficient layout of service bays for a variety of vehicle classes
- Integration of bulk fluid systems, lifts, and ventilation
- Durable materials and finishes suited to high-abuse environments
- Wash bay and welding shop detailing
- Resiliency, security, and energy considerations for mission-critical use
- Functional adjacencies between shops, parts storage, and administration
By focusing exclusively on O&M architecture, we help ensure that design decisions support real-world operations, not just aesthetics or code compliance. Our specialized knowledge helps avoid costly oversights, improves operational efficiency, and delivers facilities that stand the test of time.
When your project demands deep fleet and public works expertise, we bring clarity, confidence, and decades of purpose-driven experience.
PEER REVIEW FOR FLEET AND O&M FACILITIES
In addition to leading new design efforts, Barrientos Design & Consulting is frequently brought in to provide peer review services for fleet and operations-based facilities. Our role in these reviews is to evaluate plans through the lens of operational functionality, durability, and long-term performance, often identifying critical refinements that improve efficiency, reduce maintenance burden, or better support staff workflows. We ensure that designs not only meet the program on paper, but truly support the daily realities of O&M environments.
Our peer review process is grounded in decades of experience with shop layouts, equipment integration, site circulation, and building systems specific to heavy-duty municipal use. We assess everything from bay sizing and adjacencies to ventilation strategies, parts flow, and utility planning. Whether reviewing internal municipal plans or designs prepared by another architectural team, we offer constructive, technically-informed feedback that adds confidence to your capital investment.
What Sets Us Apart:
We Design From The Inside Out
We don’t just apply design standards, we apply firsthand operational insight. Our work is shaped by decades of experience with the unique demands of fleet, public works, and operations-based facilities. What makes us different is how deeply we understand the users behind the workflows.
Our approach is rooted in field observation, stakeholder interviews, and time spent in the environments we design for. We tailor every plan around how people move, work, and maintain equipment, not just how a facility looks on paper. This leads to smarter layouts, safer conditions, and spaces that support real-world tasks with clarity and efficiency.
frequently asked questions
Do you need to be the architect of record to work on a project?
No. We’re often engaged as the operations and maintenance (O&M) specialist within broader project teams. Whether you’re early in planning or deep into design, we can provide targeted consulting services without serving as the architect of record.
How early should we engage your team?
As early as possible. Involving us during programming or pre-design allows us to shape foundational decisions around site use, workflow efficiency, and budget alignment. However, we can also jump in midstream to add value where needed.
What types of facilities do you specialize in?
We focus on public-sector infrastructure, with deep expertise in:
- Fleet maintenance facilities
- Public works campuses
- Vehicle storage, wash bays, and fuel stations
- Utility, salt, and brine structures
Can we bring you in for just one phase of a project?
Yes. We offer flexible engagement options; whether you need support during programming, peer review during design development, or fleet-specific guidance during construction. We’re happy to meet your project where it is.
Do you work outside of Wisconsin?
Yes. We’re based in Milwaukee, WI, but we consult on projects nationwide. Our recent work includes projects in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and multiple other states.
Can you help us evaluate or repurpose an existing facility?
Absolutely. We regularly conduct facility assessments and master plans to determine whether renovation, expansion, or replacement is the best path forward, always with operations, staff needs, and long-term value in mind.