Lansing-based Architectural Solutions
has secured a contract to oversee $1.5 to $2 million in construction
and installation of the first airport pods in the United States. 
Brad Williams, CEO, intends that most of the build-out will be done by Capital region subcontractors.
Fourteen of the seven square foot privacy units will be built here and shipped to the San Francisco airport by Spring, 2010.
Called a Unique Retreat,
after the name of the company formed to produce it, the units will be
equipped with single beds, HDTVs, WiFi Internet, personal air condition
controls, a chair and desk, and soundproofing providing total privacy
and security, Williams says.
During
the next three months, Williams will meet with area manufacturers such
as auto and furniture suppliers to select vendors to build the
steel-framed pods.
“I’ve already talked to some people. I will
soon be talking to more,” says Williams. He is sure he can find the
talent needed locally, which will include those with electronic skills.
A lot of technology is included in the pods: card readers, touch screens, remotes, mechanical sensors and more.
For $30 an hour, a traveler will be able to watch TV, rent movies, use a computer, nap, or just relax in a quiet atmosphere.
“The ‘dwell time’ in airports is getting longer and longer and taking a nap in a chair is uncomfortable,” Willliams says.
Local vendors should be selected by year end.
Unique Retreat is already pursuing units in other U. S. airports and Europe.
Source: Brad Williams, Architect Solutions
Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be reached here.
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