Webster University Case Study

Higher Ed AV projects are challenging by nature. You must complete a project over a summer or winter break when most students have gone home. Webster University’s ground-up renovation of the Sverdrup Complex for the School of Communications didn’t have that problem: it was too massive a project.

It still moved fast: 27,000 square feet of renovations were completed in twelve months. That included demolition, replacing all the interior walls, and HVAC, electrical, and AV upgrades. Before all that could happen, Webster needed to build a new media center for maintenance and storage of the equipment the school had acquired over several decades.

CTI was selected to integrate the AV system, deploying Crestron NVX AV-over-IP throughout the facility, working with architects, V Three Studios, the general contractor, Musick Construction, and Webster Univesity.

It’s a familiar location for CTI’s team. They handle the audio-visual integration, AV installations, and service for the Webster Groves campuses. CTI also provides an on-site technician.

“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.”

“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. ” says Josh Higginbotham, CTI’s Design Consultant on the project, “Webster University and V Three Studios were great to work with!”

“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. 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. Contact us today for your next AV project or event!