Watch the journey as this state-of-the-art training facility takes shape.
Whether we’re designing a branch, an office, or a training facility, every project begins with understanding the people it serves. That’s what made our work with IBEW Local 104 such a meaningful project.
IBEW Local 104 works behind the lines to elevate the outside electrical industry, investing in its members, supporting contractor partners, and helping deliver reliable service to communities throughout the region. When the organization set out to create a new training facility, they partnered with NES Group and Auburn Construction to bring their vision to life.
Built from the ground up, the 12,821-square-foot facility was designed with one priority at the forefront: safety. The building provides hands-on training opportunities in a controlled environment, helping prepare the next generation of utility professionals for the work ahead.
The facility includes classrooms, a splice training room, an employee lounge, and dedicated training areas equipped with utility poles, manhole covers for underground training, and a three-phase simulator. Every space was designed to support learning, collaboration, and real-world skill development.
Inside, the design balances durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Our team drew inspiration from the materials utility workers use every day, incorporating copper, stainless steel, and metal throughout the building. By incorporating familiar materials, the facility feels authentic to the trade, giving the linemen an environment that feels uniquely their own.
One of the facility’s most distinctive features is the copper elevator shaft enclosure at the center of the building. More than just an architectural focal point, it serves as a visual reminder of the craftsmanship and materials that define the industry.
But this facility was never meant to be just functional. IBEW wanted a space that would make an impression—one that reflects the value of its members and inspires both current and future utility workers. The result is a training environment that feels professional, purposeful, and built for the people it serves.
We are proud to have been part of a project that will support and educate skilled electrical professionals for years to come. It’s an investment not only in training, but in the people who help keep our communities powered every day.
