Last month’s Station Design Conference in Reno, NV, proved to be an eye-opener over the course of the four-day event.

Since attending my first Station Design Conference, the process has undergone a 180-degree shift. Today, technology, firefighter health, facility sustainability and operational efficiency are at the core of every firehouse design. Over the past six years, costs have continued to rise, and with the addition of new technologies, expenses are increasing at a time when many communities are facing tightening budgets and tax constraints. 

Meanwhile, recruitment and retention challenges that have impacted volunteer departments for more than a decade are now affecting the career fire service. Staffing model changes are front and center across all types of departments, driving the need for new layouts and a greater emphasis on futureproofing.

From early planning to understanding your community’s current and future needs, building a new fire station requires data, coordination and collaboration. The following takeaways—presented in no particular order—highlight key trends shaping modern station design.

1. Bigger isn’t always better — Modern station design is shifting toward right-sizing facilities based on response demand and community risk, using both current and projected data. The traditional mindset of building larger stations based solely on square footage is giving way to more realistic designs aligned with staffing and operational needs.
2. Early planning prevents costly mistakes — Departments that clearly define staffing projections, apparatus assignments and operational goals early in the process can avoid expensive redesigns during construction—or worse, after completion.
3. Technology is driving design — From IT infrastructure and station alerting systems to dedicated high-tech training spaces, stations are increasingly built to support advanced operational technology. Understanding what technology will best serve your community, and how to integrate it, is critical.
4. Resilience is a top priority — Just as departments focus on firefighter resilience, facilities must be designed to remain operational under all conditions. From natural disasters to pandemics, stations must function 24/7 without interruption.
5. Volunteer stations must plan for tomorrow — Many volunteer departments are transitioning to combination or career staffing models. Designing with future bunk rooms, expanded living areas and evolving operational needs in mind is essential.
6. Flexibility is critical — Adaptable spaces allow stations to evolve alongside staffing changes, training requirements and community expectations over time.
7. Training facilities are becoming high-tech hubs — Departments are investing in advanced training environments that incorporate simulation, multi-use props and technology-driven learning.
8. Electric vehicles are changing whole stations — The transition to electric fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles is forcing departments to rethink power capacity, apparatus bay layouts and supporting infrastructure and fire-prevention measures.
9. Site selection can make or break a project — Response times, access routes and future growth must be carefully evaluated. Some site limitations simply cannot be corrected later.
10. Firefighter health goes beyond gyms and decon rooms — Clean/dirty separation, decontamination zones and access to natural light are becoming standard. Modern designs take a holistic approach to firefighter wellness.
11. Sleep design matters — Station layouts and personnal policies are being reevaluated to improve sleep quality, directly impacting performance and long-term health. The bunkroom of the future continues to evolve.
12. Understanding funding resources is essential — With rising costs, successful projects often rely on a mix of funding sources. Early coordination between leadership and stakeholders is key.
13. Community support is critical — Gaining public buy-in through outreach, meetings and education campaigns is vital to ensuring a project meets both department and community needs. Transparency throughout the process builds trust and support.
14. The Station Design Conference 1-on-One sessions make a big difference — If you're planning to attend next year's Station Design Conference, arrive early to particpate in the 1-on-One sessions that pair fire departments with architects for an honest and unbiased assessment of your current plans. These conversations can answer your questions and have brought major changes, including cost-saving measures, to new stations.

Fire departments that embrace these principles—and engage in honest, collaborative conversations with architects, builders and stakeholders—will be better positioned to deliver successful fire station projects that meet the demands of today and tomorrow.