Built Environment & Infrastructure in the U.S.

A global technology company engaged Control Risks to review and enhance security for an 8,000+ sq. ft. flagship retail store in Los Angeles. The client needed to address risks in a dense urban environment while maintaining an open, engaging retail experience.

Standardized guidelines

Control Risks conducted a comprehensive security design review. We addressed the client’s challenge by recommending improvements across multiple domains, including CPTED principles, hostile vehicle mitigation, lighting, surveillance, access control and glazing.

We also developed standardized security guidelines for multiple North American locations, including threat ranking and zone- based measures.

Confidence and continuity

Control Risks delivered actionable recommendations for layered physical protection across the entire store from the perimeter and parking to sales floors, VIP rooms and secure storage. The project enabled the client to confidently open its Los Angeles outlet with enhanced resilience against crime and operational risks, while providing a scalable security framework for expansion across North America.

A public policy organization engaged Control Risks to conduct a physical security review and integration plan for its New York and Washington DC offices. The client needed to identify vulnerabilities and unify disparate security systems for improved operational response.

Vulnerability mapping

Control Risks conducted detailed site reviews to map specific vulnerabilities. We then developed a conceptual integration plan with cost estimates, enabling automated responses and a consolidated security event view.

We delivered detailed floorplan drawings and recommended strategic upgrades for access control and intrusion detection.

Our integration plan ensures seamless communication between systems, optimizing security force response and maximizing technology investment.

A unified security posture

The client now benefits from a clear, actionable roadmap for security enhancements, improved situational awareness and a scalable approach to future security needs across its facilities. 

The client needed to address physical security vulnerabilities and ensure a seamless, effective installation of new systems for its 48,000 sq. ft. office complex on a university campus in California. Control Risks was engaged to assess, design, and manage the implementation of physical security upgrades.

From assessment to oversight

Control Risks provided full project management, from initial analysis to final acceptance. We conducted a comprehensive security assessment, drafted technical RFPs and SOWs, managed vendor selection and oversaw the installation of video surveillance, electronic access control and duress systems.

The implemented solution integrated analytics-enabled video surveillance, robust electronic access control and duress systems, creating a unified security environment.

A streamlined model

The project delivered enhanced protection for staff and assets, streamlined vendor engagement and established a scalable model for future security upgrades. The client now benefits from improved situational awareness, operational resilience and peace of mind for its personnel and visitors. 

A global investment management firm engaged Control Risks to design safe rooms for its corporate office in New York City. The client required secure, discreet spaces that balanced robust protection with office aesthetics, ensuring effective emergency shelter for staff.

Protection by design

The client needed safe rooms that offered ballistic and forced entry resistance, while fitting seamlessly into the office environment. Control Risks provided detailed design specifications for all room surfaces, recommended structural engineering input, and integrated duress communications and post-construction equipment guidance.

Our designs accounted for optimal placement based on staff movement patterns and minimized structural vulnerabilities.

Specifications included ballistic and forced entry-resistant doors, windows, walls, ceilings and floors with finishes matching office aesthetics. The design also incorporated voice and duress communication systems and recommendations for sustained occupancy.

Enhanced emergency preparedness

Control Risks delivered comprehensive safe room designs that provide critical emergency contingencies. The client now benefits from enhanced emergency preparedness and peace of mind, with secure spaces that do not compromise the office’s functional or visual appeal. 

A major international airline engaged Control Risks to evaluate and enhance the physical security of its 50-acre headquarters campus in Atlanta, Georgia. The client needed to identify vulnerabilities and improve protection for critical assets including its global operations center and an adjacent data center, with a focus on critical asset protection and access control.

A campus-wide security review

Control Risks conducted a comprehensive assessment of the entire campus. We assessed perimeter and access controls, visitor screening, surveillance and facility hardening measures to provide a complete picture of the security posture.  

Our work provided actionable recommendations and cost estimates for targeted upgrades.

We delivered a detailed assessment of the campus, including recommendations for compartmentalizing critical assets, enhancing perimeter and vehicle stand-off, upgrading visitor screening and weapons detection, and improving access control for restricted areas and building systems.

A clear roadmap for global resilience

Our recommendations provided the client with a clear, phased roadmap for security improvements, supporting operational resilience and protecting its people, assets and reputation across its global operations. 
 

The client engaged Control Risks to assess threats, vulnerabilities, and risks across three data centers and a critical infrastructure complex, ensuring robust protection and alignment with industry best practices. The client needed to evaluate and enhance physical protection systems for 10 large data halls and adjoining power substations in Virginia.

Portfolio-wide security assessment

Control Risks analyzed threat data, assessed system effectiveness, and reviewed perimeter, access control, surveillance and guard force procedures. 
 
Our comprehensive TVRAs produced actionable design recommendations, including improved perimeter fencing, vehicle denial barriers, CPTED concepts, intrusion detection and sUAS patrols. 

Our pre-construction reviews enabled the relocation of vehicle entry points, which improved stand-off distances and reduced overall facility hardening requirements.

A scalable and resilient framework

The client now benefits from a scalable, integrated security framework that protects critical assets, supports operational resilience and aligns with its physical security playbook. 

The transportation authority of a major US city needed intelligence on a Latin American airport concessionaire that was poised to acquire commercial concessions for the terminals of an international airport under its management. The authority had concerns regarding geopolitical, legal and national security risks, as well as the potential buyer's operational capabilities.

In-depth business intelligence

Reassurance and answers to tough questions

An international mid-market investment fund needed to identify material cyber risks on a digital infrastructure asset ahead of a transaction, including undisclosed breaches, data leaks, and gaps in cyber governance. The fund also needed to assess integration and operational risk exposure.

Comprehensive assessment

Our team assessed both strategic and tactical cyber threats to the target, evaluating the asset’s overall cybersecurity posture, threat surface and incident response maturity. In addition to identifying existing vulnerabilities, we highlighted risks likely to emerge during the transition period, such as exposure from IT integration, legacy systems and changes in control.

Moving forward with confidence

The findings enabled the client to anticipate and address potential disruption points, informing post-acquisition remediation planning and cost estimation. The client was able to move forward with confidence, fully informed of cyber-related risks and with a roadmap to secure and protect their investment.

A global energy developer was concerned about changes in the federal government’s attitude towards the renewables sector following the 2024 US election. They wanted to understand how this could impact their projects across the country.

Detailed forecasting

We provided detailed forecasts of federal-level policy and legislative changes. Our team analysed how these changes could be exacerbated or mitigated by state and municipal governments in the areas where the developer has projects.

We then facilitated scenario planning for the various policy outcomes and conducted detailed stakeholder mapping to help the company navigate local social and political responses to its operations at the project level.

Sifting through the noise

The developer gained a clearer understanding of the US operating environment and the likelihood and commercial implications of potential regulatory changes. This allowed them to sift through the noise and better inform their business strategy.

A major institutional investor was considering an investment in the subsidiary of an NYSE-listed power company that had been embroiled in a series of major bribery scandals. The client needed to understand the extent to which the scandals continued to impact the company's reputation.

In-depth analysis and discreet inquiries

Our approach included in-depth analysis of public record information and discreet inquiries with human sources familiar with the company and its leadership team.

Our investigators spoke to various sources, including ten former executives of the parent company, individuals who had worked for the subsidiary, and multiple senior industry experts based in the jurisdictions where the target company operated.

We found that the incumbent CEO had a positive reputation at the company and within the broader industry. He was seen as an honest, ethical and effective business leader known for expertly solving problems regarding operational and regulatory matters. He appeared committed to cleaning up the issues that had predated him.

An informed decision

Our client was able to make an informed decision regarding its investment in the electric utility and the incumbent CEO’s ability to drive positive change.