11/2/2023 – CTI has had a long-term relationship with Webster University, handling the audio-visual integration and service for the Webster Groves campuses, including an on-site technician.

When Webster University began renovating the Sverdrup Complex for the School of Communications from the ground up, including the studios for its Audio Aesthetics and Technology students, CTI was delighted to be selected to integrate the AV system, deploying Crestron NVX AV-over-IP throughout the facility, working with architects, V Three Studios and general contractor, Musick Construction.

“CTI was great,” said Eric W. Rothenbuhler, Dean of the School of Communications and a professor at Webster University, “one of the things about CTI is they know the campus. We’ve had a long-term contract with them. They work quietly. They show up and do their thing; sometimes you don’t even know it.”

Josh Higginbotham, CTI’s Design Consultant on the project, notes, “Webster University and V Three Studios were great to work with. Getting us involved early on, especially in a project like this where studio walls are thick and difficult to get into, made a world of difference.”

“The logistics and project management were challenging,” adds Dean Rothenbuhler. “We had to build a new media center for equipment storage and maintenance, then inventory and move it all – for the first time in 30 or 40 years. There was demolition; Sverdrup was gutted except for the structure, electrical, and plumbing. There were HVAC and electrical upgrades. All the interior walls were replaced. Simultaneously, we were working with the faculty to select equipment. That had to be coordinated with the architects to make sure everything fit and that electrical and HVAC were sufficient. We had project management meetings every Friday morning.”

The project moved quickly: 27,000 square feet of renovations were completed in twelve months. “The students love it,” says Dean Rothenbuhler, “and it’s cutting edge. We have the first virtual cinema in the region, a full soundstage with a massive LED screen, one of the only ones in a school in the country, a game design animation classroom, a full 7.1.4 Dolby ATMOS studio, and much more. The rooms are all networked together; we’ve never had that before. Students can pick any isolation room they want or the editing suites/places to do their homework. It’s been a huge success.”

“We’re proud to be a part of a project of this scale. Getting in early, we avoid change orders, delays, and other pain points,” notes CTI’s Higginbotham. “If you can bring your AV integrator in early, do it. Working in tandem with the architects and general contractors helps a lot!”

CTI is ready to make your next project a success. Fair, fast, and flexible. If you have any AV or Live Events needs, please get in touch with us at CTI today.